Assessment of water quality and irrigation suitability of the Hrazdan river and several canals fed from it

Abstract

The chemical composition of waters of the Arzni-Shamiram and Lower Hrazdan canals fed by the Hrazdan River, as well as Hrazdan River water in that area, was studied, and their suitability for irrigation was assessed. Water samples were collected from 7 sampling points and the total amount of salts, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, bicarbonates as well as some toxic microelements (Al, As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Zn, Ni, Pb, Se, V) were determined. It has been shown that waters of the Arzni-Shamiram canal are suitable for irrigation. The water pollution processes in the Lower Hrazdan Canal is observed. Despite the fact that the concentrations of some heavy metals and hydrocarbonates don't exceed the MPC for irrigation, depending on amount and composition of wastewater discharging this system, there is a high probability that their concentrations in the canal exceeds the permissible limit in the near future.