Comparative investigation of the river phytoplankton of the Debed river catchment basin’s mining and non-mining areas
Keywords:
Rivers – phytoplankton – mining activity – risks
Abstract
Phytoplankton quantitative and qualitative parameters in the Kachachkut, Alaverdi (Lalvar), Akhtala and Shnogh rivers of the Debed river catchment basin were investigated in 2017. Comparative analysis of the river phytoplankton composition of mining and non-mining areas showed comparatively low phytoplankton diversity in the Alaverdi, Akhtala and Shnogh rivers being at the risk of mining impact. Phytoplankton community in the risky sites, especially in the Alaverdi and Akhtala rivers was stressed.
