Wetland water quality assessment in cold and dry regions (Case study: Choghakhor wetland, Iran)

Abstract Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world. They provide numerous beneficial services for people and wildlife. The most important services are improving water quality and wildlife habitats. The complex, dynamic relationships between the organisms inhabiting the wetland environment are called food webs. Both water quality and high levels of nutrients are crucial for improvement of the food web. Many bird species rely on wetlands for food, water and shelter, especially during migration and breeding. The water quality of Choghakhor Wetland was evaluated from April 2010 to March 2011, by measuring some physicochemical parameters and doing benthic macroinvertebrate analysis. Sampling was done in 3 replicates with alternation of 45 days. The resolute was divided into more than 25 identified macroinvertebrate families which belonged to 5 classes and 12 orders. The correlation between biological indices and water quality parameters showed that bioindicators and community indices could be used for the evaluation of water quality in this wetland. The water quality of Choghakhor Wetland was classified as average or in the severe pollution class, according to these indices. It can be concluded that bird migration is at risk due to the decline in the overall health of the Choghakhor Wetland ecosystem.