Evaluation of the water quality of the rivers used for the irrigation of the Korçë field, Albania
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Date
2025-06-27
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Publisher
Plovdiv University Press "Paisii Hilendarski"
Abstract
Water from multiple sources, including rivers, streams, springs, lakes, irrigation reservoirs and groundwater is used to irrigate agricultural crops. Crop productivity depends not only on sufficient amount of water, but also on its good quality. The quality of irrigation water affects not only plant productivity but also product quality and food safety. The study conducted a dynamic assessment of the water quality of two main rivers, the Devoll River and the Dunavec River, which are used for the irrigation of the Korçë field, Albania. The study evidenced the impact that human activity has on water pollution of these various chemicals during the use of water for family purposes, the disposal of waste into rivers, the treatment of agricultural plants with pesticides, and the cutting down of forests. The analyses of physico-chemical and biological indicators were performed according to standard methods in the Agro-food laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Fan Noli University, Korçë. The indicators resulting from the analysis were compared with the standards set by FAO for irrigation water quality and EU Regulation 2020/741. The pollution of the ecosystem of these rivers has led deterioration in their quality indicators. Interventions in wastewater treatment, reforestation, the introduction of biological methods for combating diseases and pests, and the ecological awareness of communities are contributions towards improving the quality of river waters.
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Keywords
Water quality, Devolli River, Dunavec River, irrigation of crops, physico-chemical indicators of water