Determination of water quality of the Caspian Sea southern coasts based on OECD method and Trophic index (TRIX)

Subject Areas : environmental management

Mahshid Shahrban ¹ , Amir Etemad Shahidi ²

1 - M.Sc, Collage of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science & Technology
2 - Associate Professor, Collage of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science & Technology

Received: 2007-10-24 Accepted : 2013-03-10 Published : 2008-01-30

Keywords: Caspian Sea, OECD, TRIX, Coastal Waters, Quality Indices,

Abstract :

Pollution control is one of the main objectives of coastal waters management. Quality monitoring and assessment of coastal waters can be done based on physical, chemical and biological parameters. The aim of this study is to determine coastal water quality in the south of Caspian Sea by OECD (Organization for Economic Corporation and Development) method and TRIX (Trophic Index). The chemical and biological parameters used in this study are mineral nitrogen, total phosphorus, oxygen saturation and chlorophyll a. According to the OECD classification, the study area is eutrophic in spring and autumn and hypertrophic in summer and winter. The seasonal mean of TRIX ranges from 5.04 to 5.47, which indicates mesotrophic conditions in all seasons. The results of the study proved TRIX index to be the proper index in the study area.