Study on physico-chemical characteristics of Azad dam reservoir (Sanandaj) in order to fisheries activities

Dam reservoirs have important rules in aquaculture and fish farming in many countries. In this regard, water samples of Azad Dam reservoir (Sanandaj) were collected at five stations from July 2015 to June 2016. Then, the results of 18 physico-chemical parameters were compared with the aquaculture standards and thresholds. Results showed that thermocline and oxycline was started from June and they vanished in December. Maximum level of thermal and oxygen stratified were registered during August and June, respectively. Mean of the most physico-chemical parameters were significantly different between surface and bottom layers (T-Test, p<0.05). Mean of temperature, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, total hardness, pH, total suspended solid, total dissolved solid and nutrients were in range of standard threshold of different countries. As a result, based on physico-chemical parameters and with proper management decision, the dam reservoir could be considering suitable for standard pattern of aquaculture activities

Study of water's physico-chemical characteristics in the southern Caspian Sea

This study was conducted to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of water during four season and 8 transects (Astara, Anzali, Sefidroud, Tonekabon, Nowhshar, Babolsar, Amirabad, Bandar Tourkman) in the Southern of Caspian Sea in 2009-2010. 480 samples were collected at different water layers and then physicochemical parameters were measured based on standard methods. Result of this study showed that surface water temperature was varied from 7.2 to 29.8◦C in winter and summer, respectively. Minimum fluctuation of water temperature was observed at 100 m depth (6.8-10.3◦C). Mean value of water transparency was obtained 4.91±0.24 m. This value increased from inshore to offshore. pH value was fluctuated from 7.15 to 8.83 unit with variance of 1.54. Maximum DO concentration was observed at surface layer (8.40±0.08 mg/l) with 137±18 saturation and minimum was at 100 m depth (6.46±0.18) with 86.1±2.8 saturation. The nitrite, nitrate and ammonium concentration were ranged 0.0-0.2, 0.0-4.6 and 0.05-7.12 µM, respectively. Maximum value of TN was observed at inshore and minimum at offshore (100m). Nitrite concentration decreased from inshore to offshore but increased from surface to the bottom (100 m). The inorganic phosphorous increased at surface water and also at the bottom. Trend of inorganic and TP was similar. Minimum of N/P ratio were observed at summer (5.48±0.38) and maximum value at winter (9.13±0.46). This value of N/P ratio showed that the growth of phytoplankton was limited by nitrogen. The dissolved silicate was decreased from spring (230.7±6.65 µg/l) to winter

Eutrophication trend of southeast Caspian Sea water (Mazandaran-Goharbaran) based on environmental and biotic parameters using single and multiple variables in order to feasibility of marine cage culture

The aim of this project is to study water quality and the trophic status at different months and depths in the southeast Caspian Sea-Goharbaran based on environmental parameters and nutrients during 2013-2014 in order the feasibility of fish cage culture. Results showed that water temperature, transparency, pH, dissolved oxygen, BOD5, COD, total alkalinity and TSS were varied 9.00-29.00C, 0.50-12.00 m, 8.05-8.74, 5.76-12.85, 14-101, 21-195 and 0.00-0.12 mg/l at the different months and depths, respectively. In addition, the values of NH^4+, NH_3, NO^2-, NO^3- and PO^4-3 were 0.007-0.051, 0.001-0.010, 0.002-0.015, 0.043-0.477 and 0.014-0.077 mg/l, respectively. Chl-a concentration was recorded as 0.060-8.02 mg/l. Scaled and unscaled trophic indices were equal to 3.42-5.52 and 2.61-5.85, respectively. The proper temperature for cultivation of salmonids species in this area began from October to March. The range of the standard of pH and dissolved oxygen level for fish farming cage were 7.80-8.50 and >5 mg /l that in current study results of pH and dissolved oxygen which were consistent in the current study. Various forms of nitrogen (ammonium, nitrite and nitrate ) at the different layers were acceptable and less than the threshold limit of Australia and New Zealand. The results of the nutrients concentrations compared with data from the reference years (1996-1996 ) in the Caspian Sea (Goharbaran region) showed that this ecosystem passed from oligotrophic status and shifted to mezotrophic and eutrophic condition. As a conclusion, although nutrients concentrations were acceptable in terms of fish farming cages in this region, some parameters such as chemical oxygen demand and transparency are not suitable for aquaculture industry. Meanwhile, based on various trophic levels, this ecosystem (Gohrabaran region) has a mezotrophic status with a high risk of eutrophication

The survey of diversity, distribution and abundance of phytoplankton in the southern of Caspian Sea

The survey sampled during the fourth stage of the season was in 1387. Sampling in eight directions perpendicular (transect) to the beach and 480 samples was performed. In each transect from Astara to the Turkmen 5 stations at depths of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 m were selected for sampling. The total number of 191 species was identified; Bacillariophyta category species number was 97, equivalent to %50.8, category of Chlorophyta 28 species, equivalent to %14.7, category of Pyrrophyta 26 species, equivalent to 13.6 %, category of Cyanophyta 25 species, equivalent to 13.1% and category of Euglenophyta 15 species, equivalent to 7.9% of all species formed. Average abundance of phytoplankton was 27947500(SD=2465184) n/m^3. The average biomass was 125.51(SD=8.84) mg/m^3. Abundance and biomass in spring and summer, autumn and winter have been significant differences (p <0.05). The highest frequency was in winter, autumn, summer respectively and spring was (p <0.05) and the highest biomass in winter, fall, spring and summer was respectively (p <0.05). Bacillariophyta category has the highest abundance equal to 14390833 ± 16262.35 n/m^3 (mean ± standard error) were equivalent to %51.49 of the total abundance, Euglenophyta category has the least density equal to 109791 ± 16262.14 n/m^3 (mean ± standard error), which is equivalent to % 0.39 of total abundance were included. Also Pyrrophyta category has the highest biomass equal to 69.66 ± 5.53 mg/m^3 (standard error ± mean) were equivalent to %53.14 of the total biomass and Chlorophyta category with an average of 0.68 ± 0.11 mg/m^3 (mean ± standard error) have the lowest biomass, were equivalent to %0.54 of the total. Phytoplankton Categories in every season, with biomass and abundance have been different (p <0.05). Abundance and phytoplankton biomass in the upper layer and lower layer varies with depth of 50 meters (p <0.05). With distance from shore and depth increases, reducing the mean abundance and biomass were observed (p <0.05). The highest and lowest abundance of phytoplankton was observed at depths of 10 and 100 meters respectively. The maximum amount of phytoplankton biomass in surface areas of deep stations 20 m and the lowest biomass sampled at the deepest point of the station was 100 meters. Abundance and biomass of phytoplankton in the deep layers of the sample with significant difference (p<0.05). So that the highest abundance layers of 10 m, the surface layer of 5 m, 20 m, 50 m and 100 m, respectively(p <0.05), and the most biomass in the surface layers of 5 m, 20 m, 10 m, 50 and 100 meters, respectively (p <0.05). Abundance and biomass of phytoplankton in transects was significant difference (p <0.05). Most phytoplankton respectively transect Astara, Babolsar, Anzali Amirabad, Turkmen, Sefidrud, Noshahr, Branch was observed (p <0.05) and in terms of biomass, respectively transects Astara, Anzali, Sefidrud, Babolsar, Noushahr, Branch, Amirabad and Turkmen values were higher (p <0.05). Species diversity indexe (Shannon – Wiener) phytoplankton was equivalent to 2.92. Environmental conditions and nutrients in different seasons on these parameters influenced the way that species diversity was lowest in summer and in autumn, winter, and spring, respectively, species diversity increased

A study on environmental pollutants (Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), heavy metals, hydrocarbons and surfactants) in the southern part of Caspian Sea

At the present study, the environmental pollutants such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), heavy metals, hydrocarbons and surfactants were done during 22 months (Sept. 2009 through May 2011) located in southern part of Caspian Sea with longitude and latitude 48°-54° N and 36°-39° E, respectively. The aims of this study were to determine the seasonal pollutants matters in water layers and bed sediments of eight transect (24 stations) and the results are as follow: The maximum seasonal percentage range of OCPs were detected in spring water samples from 10, 50, and 50m depths such as (DDD, δ-BHC, heptachlor epoxide, endrin aldehyde),(DDD) and (aldrin, β-endosulfan) compounds about 62.5, 75 and 100%, respectively. The maximum seasonal residues fluctuation of OCPs were determined in spring water samples from 10, 50, and 50m depths such as aldrin (Babolsar station), aldrin (Tonekabon station) and heptachlor epoxide (Astara station) compounds about 5.03, 3.08 and 31.43 µg/l, respectively. The maximum percentage range of OCPs were detected in sediments samples from 10, 50, and 50m depths such as aldrin and α-BHC (winter), α-BHC (summer and winter) and aldrin (summer) compounds about 100, 75 and 87.5%, respectively. The maximum residues fluctuation of OCPs were determined in sediments samples from 10, 50, and 50m depths such as α-BHC (summer in Nushahr station), α-BHC (summer in Sefidroud station) and α-BHC (winter in Tonekabon station) and compounds about 5.96, 3.77 and 3.07 µg/l, respectively. The fluctuation and distribution of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPHs) concentration in different water layers samples were reduced from summer>spring> fall > winter, respectively. Also this trend occurred for bed sediments and reduced from winter > summer, respectively. The mean concentrations of TPHs in water samples of all seasons, regions, depths and transects were less than maximum permissible concentration (MPC). In this research, a comparison of TPHs with EPA standards shown that the desile range organic (DRO) was close to EPA standards such as TPHs and also 95 percent of water data were less than MPC. But gasoline range organic (GRO) concentrations in all stations were less than the amount of EPA standard. A comparison of TPHs concentration in sediments shown that the concentration of all stations were less than of national research council (NRC) range except west part. The maximum annual mean concentrations of Hg and Pb elements were detected in surface station (50m) at Nushahr and Amirabad transects. The most water data of Cd, Pb and Hg elements in comparison with critical concentrations with Europe, the USA and Japan standards were less than amounts of those standards. The distribution and abundance of Cd, Pb, Hg and Ni elements in water samples were detected 98, 96, 77 and 6%, respectively less than the ISQGs (Interim marine sediment quality guidelines) standards. In sediments samples, the mean and maximum concentration of Hg element detected in winter in comparison with ISQGs standards was more. But the concentrations of Cd and Pb in sediments samples of all stations were low and less than of ISQGs standards. The maximum concentration of linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS) from spring through winter in Anzali (spring), Tonekabon (summer), Anzali (fall) and Nushahr (winter) were 0.07, 0.45, 0.145 and 0.087 mg/l, respectively. The maximum concentrations of LSA were detected in spring and fall in west part and summer and winter in middle part. But the lower concentration was occurred in west of southern part of Caspian Sea. According to standards of surfactants and comparison with LAS concentration of this study were less than the critical points

Study on abundance and diversity species of phytoplankton with emphasis on potential of algal bloom in the southern part of the Caspian Sea-Mazandaran Providence

This study was conducted to determine of phytoplankton abundance and diversity of water and their spatial and temporal fluctuations in the Mazandaran coastal of Caspian Sea in 6 months, at 4 transects (Tonekabon, Nowshahr, Babolsar, Amirabad) during different season of 2012-2013. 72 samples were collected at surface layer of water in 5, 15 and 30 m depths. The samples were analyzed based on the standard methods. 112 species contributed in phytoplankton community structure which where classified in 9 phyla namly: Bacillariophyta (42 species), Pyrrophyta (18 species), Cyanophyta (14 species), Chlorophyta (15 species), Euglenophyta (11 species), Cryptophyta (2 species), Chrysophyta (3 species), Haptophyta (1 species) and Xantophyta (1 species). Meanwhile small flagellate algae with Maximum Linear Dimension (MLD) <10 µ observed which they classified in small flagellates. Mean annual phytoplankton abundance with standard error obtained 164±32 million Cells/m^3. Seasonal study showed that phytoplankon abndance of summer was 1.5 folds of spring. The value in auttuman was same as spring, however it increased sharply in winter. The mean phytoplankton abundance of winter was 5 folds of the other seasons. Mean phytoplankton abundance of Tonkabon and Nowshahr (west transects) were 1.6 and 2 folds of Amirabad (east transect), respectively. Bacillariophyta with 89 percent of total abundance was the predominant phylum and Pyrrophyta was the second one. The third and fourth of dominant phyla were Cyanophyta and Chlorophyta, respectively. Chrysophyta and small flagellates showed equal percentage of abundance (1.4 percent of total abundance). Monthly study showed that Chaetoceros throndsenii was the first dominant species in Ordibehesht, Tir and Shahrivar. However, the first dominant species in Aban, Day and Esfand were Thalassionema nitzschioides, Skeletonema costatum and Pseudonitzschia seratia respectively. Mean phytoplankton biomass calculated 156.5 ± 18.1 during the study period. The mean of biomass was higher in summer and winter than the two other seasons. Phytoplankton biomass was formed mainly by Bacillariophyta and Pyrrophyta in all seasons. The highest biomass were belonged to Cyclotella meneghiniana and Coscinodiscus jonesianus (Bacillariophyta) in spring and summer respectively.While in fall and winter Prorocentrum proximum was in the first place of dominat species. Small size and flagellates species of different phyla (Chrysophyta, Bacillariophyt...) had importance role for determination of ecological and water quality conditions during spring to autuman. The increasing of phytoplankton abundance within these times indicates to regeneration of nutrients or entrainment of nutrient-rich deep water. Dominant species were observed in single forms, small filament and loose colonies during spring to autuman. However, these form shifted to fair-long chains form in winter which it indicates to nutrient-rich water was brought to the surface by vertical mixing process. It seems that environmental stress and instability of ecosystem was benefit to Chaetoceros throndsenii and Pseudonitzschia seriata which are known as species with bloom potential. Ability of reproduction in sewage environment (Chaetoceros throndsenii) and toxin production (Pseudonitzschia seriata) are the ecological and physiological significant characters of the two species

The percentage determination of Rutilus frisii kutum (200, 500 and 1000 mg) resistance to salinity, turbidity and decrease of oxygen by usage of the river water at the releasing meantime

The survey effect of salinity, turbidity and dissolved oxygen performed on Rutilus frisii Kutum juveniles with aim, which was determined about survival rate and histological changes in gill and kidney tissues. Juveniles provided from the Rajai's fish propagation center and then examined in Caspian Sea Ecology Research Center laboratory. The juveniles were investigated on three weight group (200-75%) had shown in 400-<600mg weight group with dissolve oxygen: 3.8±0.15SE mg/l. In addition, the lowest survival rates under turbidity stress (95.83%) had shown that in weight group less than 400 mg with turbidity 15600 FTU. Therefore, survival of juveniles was high. However, gill tissue of juveniles under turbidity and salinity stress became short (necrosis) and thick (edema and hyperplasia) in the end of experiments. The juveniles gill tissues were not changes in the river clear freshwater. Therefore, the factors of gill tissue deformation were salinity and suspended particles in the water. However, the structures of kidney in the different groups of juveniles were similar. Nevertheless, juveniles glomerular diameter increased with increasing weight (p<0.05, Duncan test). Furthermore, there was a increasing the internal cavity of the proximal and distal tubules and decreasing of glomeruli in diameter in the transfer of juveniles from freshwater to brackish water. Although the survival rate of juveniles is acceptable in this study, but there was abnormal changes in the structure of them gills. It appears that this change will cause a disruption in trend of juvenile's growth

The comprehensive study of possibility ecological control Mnemiopsis leidyi in Caspian Sea activity: The study and recognization parasitic fauna and Bacterial flore in ctenophore (Mnemiopsis leidyi and Bereo ovata)

Bacterial flora and parasitic fauna of M. leidyi an exotic invader jelly fish to Caspian Sea ecosystem and B. ovata to Black sea an alternative biological control agent was studied. During summer 1382 to spring 1383, using routine Bacteriological work. 72 sample of sea water Caspian Sea obtained from depth 20 and 50 meters, 36 sample of M. leidyi from depth 20 meters, 10 sample of B. ovata and 3 sample of sea water (Black sea) were collected and according to Bacteriological was studied. 216 sample of M. leidyi from depth 10 to 50 meters of Caspian Sea and 47 sample of B. ovata from Black and Marmarreh Sea (Turkey) were collected and was studied. In this study no parasite from was identified in M. leidyi (Caspian sea) but 64 percentage and 73 percentage of B. ovata (Marmarreh and Black sea respectively) contaminated to Trichodina ctenophore at varians concentration B. ovata of Black sea (130 min 1050 max) and B. ovata Marmarre sea (420 min 2100 max). While B. ovata kept at high salinity of 21 ppt was more contaminated with this pretrichial protozoan (Trichodina) than in low salinity (12/5 ppt). in comparision of bacterial flore in two cetenophore (M. leidyi and B. ovata) was observed that some of bacteria such as micrococcus sp, Aeromonas sp. Bacillus coagulans in both ctenophore and some other bacteria such as Agromobacterium and chromobacterium only observed in B. ovata but other researcher have reported fram Caspin sea and some of bacteria to specific Shewanella , Vibrio harveiy and bacillus linens was observed in B. ovata . Of course specific bacteria cannot transfer to Caspian Sea (different of salinity black sea (2/1%) to Caspian Sea (1/25 %)). Therefore if B. ovata to introduce to south Caspian Sea for biological control population M. leidyi. it is necessary at first some of viral pathogen in aquatic animal (fish) such as VNN, IPN,IHN,VHS,SVC was studied and then with confidence 95% non-infestation B. ovata to viruses and pass from bath anti parasite and anti-bacterial must be introduce to south Caspian sea

An ecological investigating on controlling Mnemiopsis leidyi population activity 6: molecular test in identification of Mnemiopsis leidyi

In this study population genetic structure of Mnemiopsis leidyi were examined by 200 samples from the Caspian Sea. Samples were collected from Guilan province (Astara region), Mazandaran province (Amir Abad region), Golestan province (Gomishan region) and north part of the Caspian Sea. 50 samples were collected from each region. DNA was extracted by phenol - chlorophorm method and its concentration was 50 to 100 nanogram. PCR was performed using 18s rRNA gene. The PCR products of samples were digested by 12 restriction endonuclease enzymes. The digested products accompanied with standard marker (50 bp lader ). In order to measure fragment size samples were run on a 6% vertical polyacrylamide gel. The fragments were visualized by silver staining of the polyacrylamide gel. In this study, Dra I and Alu I enzymes showed different digestion pattern, as each of these enzymes had two genotypes. Other enzymes had similar digestion pattern. RAPD method used by 19 random primers. Ten of nineteen primers showed polymorphism patterns. Statistical analysis of data was performed by Popgene software. In this study, the maximum of genetic variation was in north of the Caspian Sea. Also, the maximum of genetic distance was between north area and Golestan coasts (0.089) and the minimum of genetic distance was between Mazandaran and Guilan coasts (0.001). The UOGMA dendogram showed two clusters. The samples of Mazandaran , Guilan and Golestan coasts placed in one cluster and samples of north area in other cluster The genetic diversity was significantly different between samples of north area and Golestan coasts (p≤0.05). As result, there is a significant genetic divergence between some of samples. Therefore, two genetic group of Mnemiopsis leidyi were identified in the Caspian Sea

Determination of oil pollutant (water, sediment and fish) in the southern part of Caspian Sea

This study was conducted to determine 16 Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (16 PAHs) concentrations in water (during four seasons) and surface sediments (during summer and winter) at eight transects (Astara, Anzali, Sefidroud, Tonekabon, Nowshahr, Babolsar, Amirabad and Turkman) in the southern of Caspian Sea in 20102011. 94 samples of water and 45 samples of surface sediments were collected at 10, 50 and 100 meters depths. In addition, 28 samples of fish (Cyprinus Carpio) were collected during winter and spring. All samples were prepared by Soxhlet and extracting processes and then determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) instrument. Results of current study showed that mean concentration and standard error (±SE) of 16PAHs water were observed 232 (±77), 1268 (±808), 538 (±190) and 151 (±53) µg/l in spring, summer, fall and winter, respectively. In addition, annual mean contents and standard error (±SE) of 16PAHs water were registered 24.10 (±8.12) µg/l. The Hazard Quotation (HQs) were calculated more than unit and belong to Benzo(a)pyrene and Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene compounds. Mean concentration and standard error (±SE) of 16PAHs sediment were observed 0.77 (±0.23) and 1.21 (±0.64) µg/g.dw in summer and winter, respectively. Also, the annual mean contents and standard error (±SE) of surface sediments were observed 0.93 (±0.33) µg/g.dw. The Hazard Quotation (HQs) were calculated more than unit and belong to Fluoranthene, Benzo(a)anthracene, Chryseneand Benzo(a)pyrene. The annual mean contents and standard error (±SE) of edible tissue of Cyprinus Carpio mussels were observed 2.21 (±0.42) µg/g.dw. Annually, pattern of 16PAH compounds were obtained 10, 70, 12 and 8% for 3,4,5, and 6 rings, respectively. Four ring compounds had high content and percentage and 2 ring was not observed in all samples of water. Also, pattern of 16PAH in surface sediments were obtained 31, 56 and 14% for 3, 4, and 5 rings, respectively. Four ring compounds had high content and percentage and 2 and 6 rings were not observed in all samples of surface sediments during two seasons. Result of Diagnostic Ratios analysis (DRs) of sediments showed that the source of oil compounds were petrogenic and pyrogenic in summer and winter, respectively. Based on DRs in water and sediments were observed oil compounds were either petrogenic or pyrogenic with different percentage in the southern Caspian Sea. In conclusion, the results revealed that in the some transects the 16PAHs concentrations of water were above the threshold levels and more petrogenic (85%) sources which represented polluted condition in this area. 16PAHs concentrations of sediments were below the threshold levels and conditions for this region were showed unpolluted. Also, the Caspian Sea sediments were classified in Class 2 (Fair). According to results of the evaluation’s risks to human health associated with consumption of the mussels containing 16PAHs suggest that there is risk for humans