Impact of season and road on stream crossings and river water quality in Darabkola, hyrcanian forest

Abstract

Nutrients are important building blocks for healthy aquatic ecosystems and are generally nontoxic; but they can change with alteration in environmental parameters. The main objective of this study was to consider the seasonal variability of NO₃^–, PO₄^3– and total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations in water. The study sites, stream crossings (L30, L15) and river (R), are located in the hyrcanian forests, district 1 of Darabkola forest. The sampling was conducted in winter and spring. Water samples were taken into plastic bottles, labeled, and carried out to the laboratory for NO₃^–, PO₄^3– and TSS analysis. T-test results showed that there was a seasonal change in nutrient concentrations (p < 0.05) except for NO₃^– concentration at L30. Also, there was no significant seasonal change in TSS concentrations at all stations. Pearson correlation analysis did not reveal the same trend. Further analysis showed that the effect of road age on water quality parameters was statistically significant for PO₄^3– in spring and winter. Atmospheric precipitation plays vital role in nutrient loss and increasing concentration of suspended sediment. To prevent soil erosion from activities and discharge of wastes in the vicinity of river and stream an effective management should be planned and enforced.