Danubius International Conferences, 13th International Conference The Danube - Axis of European Identity

Assessment of Surface Water Quality in Carasuhat and Zaghen Ecological Restoration Areas (Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve)

Iasemin Suliman, Iuliana–Mihaela Tudor, Orhan Ibram, Lucica Tofan
Last modified: 2023-06-20

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the water quality of the Carasuhat and Zaghen ecological restoration areas within the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, taking into account the nutrient concentrations and standard limits for ecological status. Sampling was carried out seasonally from five sampling points in Carasuhat and four sampling points in Zaghen during 2021 and 2022. The results revealed that nutrient concentrations in both study areas generally had very good and good ecological status, with the exception of nitrite nitrogen and total nitrogen. Ammonia nitrogen had a very good ecological status, falling into the I quality class in 100% of cases. Nitrate nitrogen fell into the I quality class (very good ecological status) in 88% of cases and the II quality class (good ecological status) in 12% of cases. Nitrite nitrogen was classified into the I quality class (very good ecological status) in 18% of cases, the II quality class (good ecological status) in 36% of cases, and the III quality class (moderate ecological status) in 46% of cases. Total nitrogen was classified into the II quality class (good ecological status) in 73% of cases and the III quality class (moderate ecological status) in 27% of cases. Total phosphorus was classified into the I quality class (very good ecological status) in 27% of cases and the II quality class (good ecological status) in 73% of cases. Orthophosphates had a very good ecological status and were classified into the I quality class in 100% of cases. The findings of this study provide important information for the ecological restoration processes and management of these areas within the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve.