Quality Management of Water Resources in the South of Tehran for Agricultural Production (Case Study: Tehran 19th District)

Background & objectives: Irrigation water quality is a critical aspect of agricultural production especially in terms of human health and the environmental aspects. The aim of this study was to estimate the level of surface runoff and groundwater pollution used in the production of agricultural products in the south of Tehran. Methods: Sampling points included 14 points of surface water collection and disposal network and irrigation canals of agricultural lands and 7 points of underground wells in the 19th district of Tehran. The quality of the collected samples was analyzed for BOD, COD, nitrate, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, ammonium, phosphate, turbidity, total hardness, pH and SAR using WQI software. Results: The results of Water Quality Index (WQI) showed that the level of surface water pollution in 14 sampling points was moderate to very bad. 57% of surface water points were highly polluted, 36% were relatively bad and 7% were moderate in terms of pollution index. Conclusion: Agricultural products of areas 3, 4 and 5, if consumed, can endanger the health of consumers. Because the samples collected from these areas had the highest level of contamination. Therefore, in order to manage the challenges and future crises in these areas, within the framework of the environmental assessment program, management solutions are proposed in four groups: planning, implementation and monitoring, monitoring and review.