Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. XIV
Written by Irina CATIANIS, Dumitru GROSU, Laura DUTU, Albert SCRIECIU, Andrei TOMA, Ana Bianca PAVEL, Ovidiu BORZAN, Gabriel IORDACHE
Significant progress in water conservation and environmental preservation has been made through efforts by worldwide authorities in ecological water management. However, unexpected water pollution events continue to threaten water quality and biodiversity. Monitoring pollution levels in surface waters is essential for supporting aquatic ecosystem services and sustainability. This study aimed to quantify heavy metal pollution in several sampling sites to assess water quality and its impact on biodiversity. Elements like As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were analyzed using ICP-OES from samples collected during low-water (September 2024) and high-water (October 2024) conditions due to an upstream flood event. Results were compared to Romanian water quality standards. During low-water conditions, heavy metal concentrations were mostly below the limit for Quality Class I, except for Cd, which exceeded this limit. After the flood event, concentrations of most metals were within the Quality Class I limit. Still, Cd, Fe, and Pb showed varied results, with Ni levels ranging from very good to inferior water quality. Continuous monitoring is needed to prevent further degradation of delta ecosystems.
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