ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY, THROUGH MICROBIOLOGICAL AND PHYSIC-CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF DUKATI STREAM, VLORE ALBANIA

Hajdar KIÇAJ, Aurora BAKAJ, Mariola ISMAILAJ, Xhuljana ARAPAJ, Brunilda RRAPAJ, Kejsi ÇIZMJA

Abstract

Water pollution is a global concern in urban and rural communities. Water is important in ecological and social aspects. The monitoring of local water sources is important for water quality assessment. Water pollutants have an anthropogenic and natural origin. Fecal coliform bacteria are the main bioindicator for water quality. The high level of fecal coliforms can affect aquatic biodiversity but also can be a health risk to humans. In this study, we assess the water quality of the Dukati stream, in Vlora city, Albania. The water stream is used for agriculture, animal farming, and the manufacture of inert material at some points. Our study focuses on the microbiological and physic-chemical analysis of the Dukati stream. This study was conducted from January 2021 to December 2021. Water samples were collected at eight different station points. The monitoring of water quality was made every month, for each season. Microbiological monitoring for fecal coliforms was done using MPN methods. Physic-chemical analyses are based on the standard method for water quality. Stations six and eight have the highest level of fecal contamination. These stations are near inhabitant areas and in the stream delta. Fecal pollution has a seasonal variation. Temperature seems to affect the increase of bacterial contamination. This result corresponds with a high level of anthropogenic factors in these sites. Based on these results, periodic monitoring can improve the water quality management.

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