Impact of Pollution on Physico-Chemical Parameters and Diatom Communities Diversity in the Main Tributaries of the Arieș River, Romania

Research reveals significant pollution impacts on the Arieș River tributaries, driven by mining and agricultural activities in Romania's Roșia Montană region. High concentrations of trace elements, particularly zinc (up to 716 µg/L) and iron (up to 562 µg/L), were detected in the Valea Seșii river, while moderate contamination was observed in Abrud and Sârtaș rivers. Diatom analysis identified stress indicators, such as teratological forms of Achnanthidium minutissimum, suggesting adverse environmental conditions. Saprobic index values (1.21–1.91) indicated water quality ranging from good to moderately impacted. The study underscores the utility of integrating chemical and biological monitoring for freshwater management, highlighting cumulative pollution effects on aquatic ecosystems.

Glevitzky, M., Corcheş, M. T., & Popa, D. M. (2025). Impact of Pollution on Physico-Chemical Parameters and Diatom Communities Diversity in the Main Tributaries of the Arieș River, Romania. Environments, 12(10), 389. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12100389