Assessment of surface water pollution indices from the urban ecosystem of Bălți
Assessment of surface water pollution indices from the urban ecosystem of Bălți

Summary/Abstract: At the current stage in the Republic of Moldova, surface waters are subject to anthropogenic pressures, with a high degree of pollution with organic substances, thus changing the chemical composition of the water. Regarding the administration of the sustainable management of water resources, the Republic of Moldova faces a series of challenges and long-term trends, both at the national and regional level. The present study aims to evaluate the state of surface water quality in the Bălți urban ecosystem, based on physical-chemical indicators, for which we used data from the third quarter, 2022. The proposed methodology includes taking water samples, chemical analysis under laboratory conditions, processing the results and classifying the quality status of water bodies according to the degree of pollution. The statistical data provided, confirmed a high degree of pollution with organic substances (chemical and biochemical oxygen demand, matters in suspension), the water bodies falling into quality class V (very polluted), except the Flămânda tributary, class I (very good). The highest degree of pollution with ammonium ions and nitrites was found in the Răut river, downstream from the sewage treatment plant. Thus, in 80% of the investigated water bodies, major deviations of the physical-chemical values from the natural fund of the water quality were found, the biological components, especially fish, are damaged and the water cannot be used for certain purposes. The present study reflects the current scenario of surface water quality in the Bălți urban area, thus helping policy planners and decision makers in the Republic of Moldova to adopt appropriate management and mitigation strategies for sustainable management of water resources.

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