ALBERT

Description: This study was conducted to determine physico-chemical characteristics of water and their spatial and temporal fluctuations in the Mazandaran coastal of Caspian Sea in 6 months, four seasons at 4 transects (Tonekabon, Nowshahr, Babolsar, Amirabad) during 2012-2013. 72 samples were collected at surface layer of water in 5, 15 and 30m depths. Then the sampls analyzed based on standard methods. Results showed that the mean of water and air temperature were 19.46±0.85 and 20.25±0.78 ◦C, respectively. Minimum and maximum of water temperature were recorded in winter (7.00) and summer time (28.10). Mean of salinity was 12.35±0.13 ppt. The maximum salinity was recorded in summer and minimum in winter in all transects. Mean of transparency (SD) in the present study was 2.63±0.18m. The mean of pH was observed 8.51±0.02 which was higher than the pervious sampling periods. The mean of DO was observed 6.00±0.07 ml/l during sampling period. Annual concentration of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN= NH4 +, NO2-, NO3-) has a fairly wide variation in diferents months and transects. Percentage of nitrogen components out of DIN were varied 6-53, 0.14-26.0 and 37.0-94.0 respectively. In this study, percentage of DIN was lower than 15% and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) was higher than 80%. Mean of annual dissolved inorganic phosphorous (DIP) and organic phosphorous were 0.58± 0.04 and 0.48± 0.02 µM, respectively. DIP and DOP percentages recorded 54 and 46 respectively. Mean annual of dissolved silicon (DSi) obtained 9.5± 0.2 µM. Based on the results, the system was in phosphorus limitation during spring and summer but it shifted to nitrogen limitation in autuman and winter. Phytoplankton development was not limited by DSi at any seasons.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: Marine aquacultures growth require good quality water is leading to high efficiency and low risk to human health. In other words, the water quality is a critical factor to success and failure of the aquaculture industry. The aim of this project is to study water quality and the trophic status at the different depths and layers in the southern Caspian Sea based on environmental parameters and nutrients during three periods (2008, 2009 and 2010-2011) in order the feasibility of fish cage. Results showed that water temperature, transparency, pH, dissolved oxygen were varied 5.50-32.60 ̊C, 3.50- 10.00 m, 7.15-8.80 and 3.18-12.00 mg/l at the different depths and layers, respectively. In addition, The values of NH4+, NH3, NO2-, NO3- and PO4-3 were 0.001-0.140 mg/l, 0.01-22.63 µg/l, 0.1-21.2 µg/l, 0.001-0.423 mg/l and 0.008-0.071 mg/l, respectively. Inorganic nitrogen (DIN/N), inorganic phosphorous (DIP/P) and total phosphorous (TP) were registerd 0.68-14.75, 0.07-0.68 and 0.01-2.67 µM, respectively. Thermal startification are more important for fish-breeding. Thermal stratification was occurred from depths greater than 20 m in late spring to early fall in the Caspian Sea. Optimum transparency for fish farming cage was considered less than 5 meter which in this study were recorded from 20 to 50 meter depths. The range of the standard of pH and dissolved oxygen for fish farming cage were 7.80-8.50 and 〉5 mg /l that in current study results of pH and dissolved oxygen were consistent.Various forms of nitrogen (ammonium, nitrite and nitrate ) at the different layers were acceptable and less than the threshold limit of Australia and New Zealand. But, phosphate value was more than threshold limit of Australia and New Zealand at some layers depth during years of 2009 and 2010- 2011. The results of the nutrients compared with data from the reference year (1996-1996 ) in the Caspian Sea was shown that this ecosystem passed oligotrophic status and shifted to mezotrophic and eutrophic condition. In addition, the values of NH4/N, NO3/N and DIP/P compared with eutrophic condition of reference year (2005) showed that Caspian ecosystem was not passed euotrophic condition and it still under mezotrophic status. As a conclusion, it seems that offshore of the Caspian Sea (depths between 20 to 50 meter) were suitable for different species of fish for cage culture. But, since 2000 decayds the Caspian Sea has experienced four times algal bloom (toxic and harmful species) and in recent years a number of other species also has reached to bloom potential and also mezotrophic condition of this ecosystem, it is appropriate that the establishment of fish farming cages carried out as a pilot to more precautionary approach which not lead to environmental disaster.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: This study was conducted to determine phosphorous and nitrogen species at the surface sediment in the southern Caspian Sea (Mazandaran Coast, Kelarabad). Surface sediments samples were collected at three stations from autumn of 2011 to winter of 2012. All samples were perpared by digesting and extracting processes and then phosphorous and nitrogen species concentrations determined using spectroscopy instrument. Results of this study showed that annual mean of Loosely-P, Fe-P, Al-P, Bioava.-P, Ca-P, TIP, Rese.-P and TP was obtained as 5.06±0.33, 55.11±2.52, 42.38±3.74, 102.52±5.68, 172.91±7.12, 275±9.12, 333.30±28.52 and 608±52 µg/g.dw, respectively. The results also showed that inorganic phophotous was less than organic phophorous during different seasons, however, mean percentage of residue-P containing organic compounds and non-degredable compounds was more than 50 percent. Percentage of Ca-P was higher than 60, whereas Bioava.-P was less than 40 percent. In addition, Fe-P and Loosely-P attained the maximum and minimum values, respectively, among the bioavailable phophorous. The order of different forms of phosphorous were recorded as Org-P〉Ca-P〉FeP〉Al-P〉Loosely-P. Annual mean of NH4/N, NO2/N, NO3/N, TIN, TON and TN were observed as 4.23±0.50, 0.06±0.01, 0.74±0.12, 5.02±0.53, 2.48±0.63 and 7.53±0.51 µg/g.dw, respectively. Annual percentage of TIN was two folds than TON and concentration of NH4/N was also four times than NO3/N. As a conclusion, the results revealed that main causes of Bioava.-P adsorbtion and desorbtion were temperature, Eh and pH. Also, the form of NH4+ /N was of a high percntage because of anaerobic condition in the sediments. According to the high ratios of nitrogen/phosphorous of sediments to nitrogen and phosphorous of bottow water, it finds that released of those from the sediments to water will be happned with high rates. Therefore, it is expected that the establishment of fish farming cages should be carried out with more precautionary approaches which not leads to increased algae bloom.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: Nutrient enrichment is followed by excessive algal growth (possible in toxic and hamful species); in Caspian Sea in recent decades. So aims of the present study were 1-study on potentional of algal bloom at different transects and seasons, 2- determine correlation between potentional of algal bloom and environmental parameters using statistical model, and 3- the role of sediment nutrients on algal bloom in the southern Caspian Sea in 2013-2014. The samples of water were collected from four transests (Bandar Anzali, Tonekabon, Bandar Nowshahr and Bandar Amirabad) and three depths (5, 10 and 20 meter) during four seasons. Surface sediments samples were collected at same depths and transects as well. Result showed that organic phosphorous and nitrogen of water were more than inorganic phophorous and nitrogen. Also, maximum and minimum water temperature was obtained at summer and winter, respectively. The values of DO and salinity were more than 5 ml/l and 12 g/l, respectively and pH of water were ranged from weak alkaline to alkaline. Maximum organic and inorganic phosphorous and nitrogen of water were distributed at different transects and seasons. The nitrogen was limiting factor accomponing with phosphorous during spring, summer and fall, but during winter shift to more nitrogen limitation. In addition, the ecosystem was experienced sillicon limitation during winter. Result of sediments showed that inorganic phophorous was maximum during different seasons, however, percent mean of residue-P which contain organic compounds and non-degrediable compounds, was less that 5 percent. Percent of Ca-P was higher than 90, whereas Bioava.-P was less that 10 percent. The order of different forms of phosphorous were registered Ca-P〉Org-P〉Fe-P〉Al-P〉Loosely-P. The mian role of adsorbed and desorbed of Loosely-P, Fe-P and Al-P were due to temperature, Eh and pH, respectively. Annual percent of TON was two folds than TIN and NH4/N was also three times than NO3/N. Minimun and maximum of phytoplankton abundance were obserbed in summer (73±31 million cells/m3) and winter (505±55 million cells/m3), respectively. Statiscal analysis (ANOVA) showed that phytoplankton abundance significantly increased in winter compared to the other seasons (P〈0.05). Frequency of Bacillophytal, Pyrrophyta and Cyanophyta phyla were more than 90% at different transects and seasons, however 81% of total abundance was solely belong to Bacillophyta phylum. Four species namely Dactyliosolen fragilissima Pseudonitzschia seriata Thalassionema nitzschioides and Oscillatoria sp.(in fall and winter) were in the group with high abundance. These species classified in the fair level of bloom (100-1000 cells/ml). The abundance of Stephanodiscus socialis species was classified in the high level of bloom (〉1000 cells/ml) during spring. Maximum abundance of phytoplankton was mainly registered at Anzali and Amirabad transects.The re-existence of Thalassionema nitzschioides (as valuble food in food chain) in dominant species list (same as the stability year of ecosystem) and decreasing of percent abundance of harmful species to the dewell and native species are good sign of good quality of the Caspian Sea water. However, Pseudonitzschia seriata expansion of the cold season to other seasons (even in summer) is important point. Pseudonitzschia seriata as harmful algae and its ability to produce toxin and potential bloom, high percent frequency and abundance during the study has important role in environmental issues of the Caspian Sea.It seems that temperature changes in different parts of the Caspian Sea in each season (except fall season) was obtained in the range of dominant species needed, therefore, it had less importance compared to nutrients. Trophic status was meso-eutroph during fall and winter seasons which was higher level than spring and summer (mesotroph). The Stephanodiscus abundance increased at Anzali transet due to nutrients enrichment of water in spring. Excessive use of silica in the spring, summer caused dominant of non Diatoms species (Binuclearia lauterbornii) and low content of Diatoms species (Chaetoceros throndsenii). In fall, high abundance of Bacillariophyta (Thalassionema nitzschioides) accompanied with consuming of silicon and ammonium. The statistical analysis also showed significant correlation between Bacillariophyta and Thalassionema nitzschioides abundance and Si/N ratio. Subsequently, the excessive use of silica in autumn and winter (due to high abundance Bacillariophyta and dominant species including Pseudonitzschia seriata and Dactyliosolen fragilissima) cause severely declined dissolved silica, and for the first time in winter, silicon was limited factor for phytoplankton growth. In addition, the results showed that there were positive correlations between abundance of dominant species and nutrients of sediments in all seasons. This is shows that some species of phytoplankton, even though the limitation of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water, are able to supply the nutrients required from the surface sediments. It would be more importance in the present study, which higher concentration of different forms of phosphorus and nitrogen in sediments as compared to the deep water, provide transport of nitrogen and phosphorus from sediment to water column.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: The The Shahid Rajaei Reservoir- Sari is an important and large reservoir in Iran. The major objectives of dam instruction are flood control, irrigation purposes, and electricity power. However the dam is going to supply drinking water for the people. In order to prevent threats of unsuitable water to human health risks and economic losses, it is necessary to monitor the water quality before offering it to people. In this study, some of the physicochemical parameters and Chlorophyl- a, phytoplankton,microb and fungi of Shahid Rajaei reservoir were measured at 4 stations (Shirin Roud branch, Sefid Roud branch, the crossing point of branches, near the tower) during six sampling months (June, July, August, September, November and February) in 2012-2013. In order to water quality classification, the water quality index, trophic status, Shanoon and saproby indices of reservoir calculated and the results compared to different criteria and standards. The results showed that the mean (±Standard Error) of temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, phosohate, amonium and nitrate concentrations and Chlorophyl a were 21.35 (±1.30) ºC, 10.48 (±0.37), 8.54 (±0.04), 0.050 (±0.004), 0.036 (±0.004), 0.75 (±0.03) mg/l and 18.00 (±7.23) mg/m3, respectively. In the present study, temperature between surface and deep layer was stratified in June and July, which the stratification was registerd 0.47 and 0.69 °C decreases with increasing of each meter depth in 15 to 30 meter culumn. But, these changes for each increasing meter of water depth were 0.2 to 0.26 °C in August and September, respectively, and finally was close to zero in November. In the warm months (July, August and September) with the formation of thermal stratification in the reservoir was formed oxygen stratification, but in the cold season (November and February), with vertical mixing of water oxygen and percent saturation of the reservoir was nearly homogeneous. TSI showed the maximum and minimum values at stations 4 (oligotrophic condition) and 2 (mesotrophic condition), respectively. The maximum and minimum monthly values of TSI obtained in July, August (eutrophic level) and September, February (oligotrophic level) respectively. Based on the Water Quality Index (WQI), the reservoir was in the “good” quality in whole months, .This class shows that the reservoir is suitable as source of drinking water through routine treatment of drinking water and the quality of water is rarely is low. Meanwhile the water is suitable for swimming and water recreation and survives of .sensitive fish and other aquatic species. Based on the results, 107 phytoplankton species were identified during the period of study. The species were classified in 8 divisions. Maximum and minimum values of mean (SE) abundance observed in July and January, 661 (±286) and 10 (±2) million cells/m3 respectively at the surface layer. The One way analysis of abundance and biomass data showed temporal significant variances (P〈 0/05), however the spatial variances of data were not significant (P〉 0/05). Bacillariophyta and Pyrrophyta formed more than 95% of phytoplankton. 3 dominant species namely, Cyclotella meneghiniana, Goniaulax polyedra and Ceratium hirundinella formed about 70% of phytoplankton aboundance. Comparison of diversity indices (Shannon and Evenness) showed higher values in May and January; however the indices reached its lowest level (0.58 and 0.16) in August. Water quality assessment using Shannon index showed the lowest quality of water (moderately to high polluted) in July and August. This index demonstrated the highest water quality (slightly polluted) at station 1 and 4 respectively. The results of the water quality assessment using Saproby index (based on the resistant phytoplankton species to organic pollution) also indicated to organic pollution of water in the months of summer. The saproby assessment in stations categorized most of the stations in “moderately polluted” class of organic pollution except at station 4 which was in "slightly polluted" class. In conclusion, the removal (transfer) place and time of water to the water treatment plants.are impratnt because of temporal and spatial variation of water quality due to changes of phytoplankton structure in Shahid Rajaee Reservoir. Meanwhile, the survey showed that physico-chemical parameters alone did not reflect the actual conditions of aquatic water bodies. Monitoring of aquatic ecosystems must be complemented by biological monitoring. Microbial survey showed that the maximum and minimum geometric mean of the total number of bacteria, in September (6101559 CFU/100ml) and February (3310 CFU/100ml) respectively. However in stations, the maximum and minimum count of this parameter obtained at stations 2 (455316 CFU/100ml) and 3 (40964 CFU/100ml) respectively. There were no viable count of total coliform in the months of May and June. However it’s counting reach to the maximum value in September. Clostridium perfrigens showed viable count in water sample during September. The results also showed no proportion of fecal streptococci in microbe account in the Shahid Rajaei Reservoir. It might be good sign of suitable water quality in term of no-contamination by old and resistant fecal microbes. Base on the total coliform count, water quality was suitable for swimming and source of drinking water in most stations and months. The coliform count increased in August and September in stations 3 and 4. In these 2 months the probability of new fecal contamination increased by warm blood animals in the reservoir. It seems that the environment in September is suitable for accession of old and resistant microbes such as Clostridium perfrigens. The results of sample analysis revealed that the fungal colony counts in the station 4 and 5 were significantly higher than those the other stations. Moreover, the minimum and maximum of the fungal colony counts wereobserved in August and February, respectively. The most commonly isolated genera were Aspergillus, yeasts (especially candida) Penicillium, Cladosporium, Mucor, Fusarium, Althernariya, sterile hyafe and Paecilomyces respectively. Finally, in order to prevent of occurrence of eutrophication, algal bloom, and control of microbial activities and organic phosphorus loading it is necessary to control the activities of the human societies around the dam or the rivers tributary.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: The water quality provides the valuable information about the available resources for human usage.The reservoirs are the important resources of surface water which could be considered as an appropriate water resource for irrigation, drinking water and also fish culturing. The Shahid Rajaei Reservoir- Sari is an important reservoir in Iran, which conducted to study on its water quality in this survey. In this study, some of the physicochemical parameters and Chlorophyl- a of Shahid Rajaei reservoir were measured at 4 stations (Shirin Roud branch, Sefid Roud branch, the crossing point of branches, near the tower) during six sampling months (June, July, August, September, November and February) in 2012-2013. The water quality and trophic status of reservoir calculated based on some reference values and the modified Carlson formula. The results showed that the mean (±Standard Error) of temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, phosohate, amonium and nitrate concentrations and Chlorophyl a were 21.35 (±1.30) ºC, 10.48 (±0.37), 8.54 (±0.04), 0.050 (±0.004), 0.036 (±0.004), 0.75 (±0.03) mg/l and 18.00 (±7.23) mg/m3 , respectively. In the present study, temperature between surface and deep layer was stratified in June and July, which the stratification was registerd 0.47 and 0.69 °C decreases with increasing of each meter depth in 15 to 30 meter culumn. But, these changes for each increasing meter of water depth were 0.2 to 0.26 °C in August and September, respectively, and finally was close to zero in November. In the warm months (July, August and September) with the formation of thermal stratification in the reservoir was formed oxygen stratification, but in the cold season (November and February), with vertical mixing of water oxygen and percent saturation of the reservoir was nearly homogeneous. The results showed that the European authorities (OECD) trophic status varied between mezotrophic to hypertrophic during the sampling period at all stations. The comparison with the values listed in the references of Iranian dams based on transparency and chlorophyll variables showed similar results. However, phosphorus variable (due to limited for phytoplankton) was not showing the true conditions of trophic status. As a conlusion, trophic status of Shahid Rajaei dam based on Carlson trophic index (TSI) was obtained oligotrophic (May and October), mezotrophic (February) and eutrophic (August and September) condintion during diferent months. Therefore, water management of the reservoir was more attention during warm months.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: The aim of this project is to study water quality and the trophic status at different months and depths in the southeast Caspian Sea-Goharbaran based on environmental parameters and nutrients during 2013-2014 in order the feasibility of fish cage culture. Results showed that water temperature, transparency, pH, dissolved oxygen, BOD5, COD, total alkaninity and TSS were varied 9.00-29.00C, 0.50-12.00 m, 8.05-8.74, 5.76-12.85, 14-101, 21-195 and 0.00-0.12 mg/l at the different months and depths, respectively. In addition, The values of NH4+, NH3, NO2-, NO3- and PO4-3 were 0.007-0.051, 0.001-0.010, 0.002-0.015, 0.043-0.477 and 0.014-0.077 mg/l, respectively. Chl-a concentration was recorded as 0.060-8.02 mg/l. Sacled and unscaled trophic indices were equal to 3.42-5.52 and 2.61-5.85, respectively. The proper temperature for cultivation of salmonids species in this area began from October to March. The range of the standard of pH and dissolved oxygen level for fish farming cage were 7.80-8.50 and 〉5 mg /l that in current study results of pH and dissolved oxygen which were consistent in the current study. Various forms of nitrogen (ammonium, nitrite and nitrate ) at the different layers were acceptable and less than the threshold limit of Australia and New Zealand. The results of the nutrients concentrations compared with data from the reference years (1996-1996 ) in the Caspian Sea (Goharbaran region) showed that this ecosystem passed from oligotrophic status and shifted to mezotrophic and eutrophic condition. As a conclusion, although nutrients concentrations were acceptable in terms of fish farming cages in this region, some parameters such as chemical oxygen demand and transparency are not suitable for aquaculture industry. Meanwhile, based on various trophic levels, this ecosystem (Gohrabaran region) has a mezotrophic status with a high risk of eutrophication.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published

Description: This study was conducted to determine 16 Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (16PAHs) concentrations in water (during four seasons) and surface sediments (during summer and winter) at eight transects (Astara, Anzali, Sefidroud, Tonekabon, Nowshahr, Babolsar, Amirabad and Turkman) in the southern of Caspian Sea in 20102011. 94 samples of water and 45 samples of surface sediments were collected at 10, 50 and 100 meters depths. In addition, 28 samples of fish (Cyprinus Carpio) were collected during winter and spring. All samples were prepared by Soxhlet and extracting processes and then determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) instrument. Results of current study showed that mean concentration and standard error (±SE) of 16PAHs water were observed 232 (±77), 1268 (±808), 538 (±190) and 151 (±53) µg/l in spring, summer, fall and winter, respectively. In addition, annual mean contents and standard error (±SE) of 16PAHs water were registered 24.10 (±8.12) µg/l. The Hazard Quotation (HQs) were calculated more than unit and belong to Benzo(a)pyrene and Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene compounds. Mean concentration and standard error (±SE) of 16PAHs sediment were observed 0.77 (±0.23) and 1.21 (±0.64) µg/g.dw in summer and winter, respectively. Also, the annual mean contents and standard error (±SE) of surface sediments were observed 0.93 (±0.33) µg/g.dw. The Hazard Quotation (HQs) were calculated more than unit and belong to Fluoranthene, Benzo(a)anthracene, Chryseneand Benzo(a)pyrene. The annual mean contents and standard error (±SE) of edible tissue of Cyprinus Carpio mussels were observed 2.21 (±0.42) µg/g.dw. Annually, pattern of 16PAH compounds were obtained 10, 70, 12 and 8% for 3,4,5, and 6 rings, respectively. Four ring compounds had high content and percentage and 2 ring was not observed in all samples of water. Also, pattern of 16PAH in surface sediments were obtained 31, 56 and 14% for 3, 4, and 5 rings, respectively. Four ring compounds had high content and percentage and 2 and 6 rings were not observed in all samples of surface sediments during two seasons. Result of Diagnostic Ratios analysis (DRs) of sediments showed that the source of oil compounds were petrogenic and pyrogenic in summer and winter, respectively. Based on DRs in water and sediments were observed oil compounds were either petrogenic or pyrogenic with different percentage in the southern Caspian Sea. In conclusion, the results revealed that in the some transects the 16PAHs concentrations of water were above the threshold levels and more petrogenic (85%) sources which represented polluted condition in this area. 16PAHs concentrations of sediments were below the threshold levels and conditions for this region were showed unpolluted. Also, the Caspian Sea sediments were classified in Class 2 (Fair). According to results of the evaluation’s risks to human health associated with consumption of the mussels containing 16PAHs suggest that there is risk for humans.

Description: Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

Description: Published