[Giving alternatives for improvement of qualitative features of Mehran river in Tabriz for reuse]

ABSTRACT

Shortage of available water resource and deficiency of rainfall, increasing in population growth and industrial development, suitable use of water resources and pollution prevention is an essential issue in accord with sustainable development and environmental protection. Present study shows the qualitative status of Mehran River and determines its pollution or non pollution to municipal wastewater and to assess qualitative characteristics of the water according to international water quality index. Padding strand of MEHRAN River from source to end has been done for wistful determination of branches, runoff and wastewater entrances, etc. Necessary decisions were made for determining sampling points and critical and effective points on water quality then water samples were analyzed to determine chemical and microbiological characteristics. Results showed the average of BOD5, COD, TSS, NO3, DO, pH, Turbidity and color are about 80 +/- 30, 155 +/- 58, 1013 +/- 637, 7.3 +/- 2, 4.5 +/- 3.5 mg/l, 7.2 +/- 1, 385 +/- 238 NTU, 122 +/- 70 TCU respectively. It could be concluded that the Mehran River is completely polluted with municipal sewage and is unsanitary. Water quality index varies in the range of 41-52 and the water is classified as number 4. At present the river is in a dangerous ore toxic state and could not be considered as drinking water resource or needs more advanced water treatment units