engleski

Water quality analyses of the Krka River: the basis for watershed management in the Krka National Park

Krka National Park (NP) located in Southwest Croatia was established in 1985 to preserve and protect the natural values of the Krka River. To date, there have been only a few studies on water quality of this river, but not within Krka NP. Watershed receives waters affected by many point of organic and non-organic discharges to the NP. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine impacts of Knin urban area on the water quality of Krka River for establishing a profile of water quality for the river corridor within NP ; (2) to evaluate the impact of various activities into the National Park on the water quality ; (3) to provide a basis, relative to water quality and usefulness of indicator organisms, for the management of Krka River within Krka National Park.Seven stream segments were sampled in 2006. Total coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci heterotrophic bacteria were enumerated in water samples, as well as relative phytoplankton assemblage. In general, the preliminary results obtained suggest that abundance of indicator organisms depends on trophy degree of the Krka River and revealed considerable variations within river corridor. Water quality significantly varies downstream of town Knin and variations were attributed to pollutants from urban and industrial origins. That area with high potential of contamination is outside the north border of Krka NP. Despite poor water quality that enters in NP, water quality within NP is improved. The preliminary results suggest that water quality was not significantly influenced by the presence or absence of human visitors and activities within Krka NP. Waste water management in Knin urban area is imperative to improve water quality of the Krka River through the Krka NP.

Krka River; water quality

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