Spatial and Temporal Variability of Water Quality for Karun River, in Upstream and Downstream Gotvand Dam

In this study, the spatial and temporal variability of water quality including monthly series of TDS, EC, So4, Cl, Ca and Na in common statistical period 1993-2014 was evaluated for the Karun River. This assessment is based on qualitative data stations including Susan in the upstream of Gotvand reservoir, Gotvand, Mollasani and Ahvaz in the downstream. To determine the parameters trend process, Mann-Kendall and Sen slope estimator tests were used. Also, Petit test was used to determine the breaking point. The results showed that in all quality parameters of the Susan station, a combination of increasing and decreasing trend is observed. Mainly downward trend is corresponding to the wet months and the upward trend is corresponding to the low water months. Susan, Mollasani and Ahvaz stations are located in downstream of Gotvand dam. The results of modified Mann-Kendall showed clear decrease in water quality after Gotvand dam. The upward trend for the quality parameters were observed in all months of the all stations. According to the results of Sen’s slope estimator, the most trend for the EC series was 108.83 micromhos per centimeter per year, for TDS is 76.07 ppm per year, and for Sulfate, Chlorine ,Calcium and Sodium, are respectively 0.52, 0.65, 0.41 and 0.75 ppm per year. In general it can be found that there are no significant changes in water quality for upstream Gotvand during the study period, however, after the dam, severe changes in water quality parameters have occurred. Based on Petit test, most of changes happened in 2006 and 2007 caused by dam constructing, diversion tunnels and coastal loss in these years. That changes the Karun river water quality in downstream of Gotvand dam. Indeed, water quality Variation before and after the dam construction was showed by hydrometric stations.