Evaluation of Gorganrood river water quality based on surface water quality indicators in Gonbad Kavous

Background and Objective: Increased untreated wastewater and unsustainable development of agriculture has deteriorated water quality of rivers. The aim of this study was to determine the quality of water in Gorganrud River basin using NSFWQI IRWQISC and Liou Pollution Index and compare them with the global standards. To do this, GIS software.was used Materials and Methods: In this study, 5 sampling stations were selected based on standard criteria including land use type, accessibility and standard distributions along the river. 12 water quality parameters including dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, pH, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, temperature, organic phosphate, nitrate, ammonium, turbidity, total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity in river for one year were measured from June 2019 to May 2019 follwoing standard methods. Results: The amount of phosphate and turbidity was increased along the river from station 2 to the mouth of the river. This was due to the presence of agricultural and municipal sewage. There was a significant difference in BOD, fecal coliforms and nitrates with those of the standard values. Water quality indicators showed the great effects of urban wastewater and human waste in the river area. The best quality was observed in Station 1 (75; Good Quality), which was less exposed to human activity and development. Based on the conformity of the results of the indicators with the terrestrial reality, the results of the IRWQIsc index (Iranian surface water quality) showed the best results due to compatibility to the land uses and the trend of variables. Conclusion: The presence of urban sewage and unsustainable agricultural in the city of Gonbad Kavous is the most important reason for the decline in water quality (poor quality class). In this regard, a comprehensive management in water resources and environmental impact assessment is needed.