Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40201-021-00616-x

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Relationship between algae diversity and water quality- a case study:

Chah Niemeh reservoir Southeast of Iran
Gholamreza Ebrahimzadeh 1,2 & Mahmood Alimohammadi 1,3 & Mohammad Reza Rezaei Kahkah 2 &
Amir Hossein Mahvi 1,4

Received: 18 September 2020 / Accepted: 11 January 2021

# Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2021

Abstract
Algae are known with many detrimental impacts on drinking water quality. Discharge of municipal and agricultural wastewater
into the receiving water resources make desirable conditions for algae growth and consequently cause eutrophication phenomena.
Water samples were withdrawn monthly from 5 stations in Zabol City within spring and summer seasons. To identify algae
species, micronutrients, and physical parameters such as temperature, depth of Secchi disk (SD) and pH on their growth were
evaluated. The average phosphate in spring and summer were observed to be 0.034 and 0.028 mg/L, respectively. The results
obtained from the present study indicated that the volume and depth of the water reservoirs were less critical on total phosphorus
compared with the concentration of algal cells and total nitrogen. The mean pH for water samples taken from Chah Niemeh (CN)
in spring and summer were observed to be 8.4 which is suitable for algae growth. Furthermore, the mean temperature (>20 °C) in
both seasons were found to be desirable for the growth of algae, especially cyanobacteria in the CN. Moreover, the mean SD in
spring and summer samples was 96.16 m and 119.83 m, respectively. As a result, the reservoir had low transparency in terms of
algal growth. Totally, most of the identified algae were green algae (50%), algal flagella (19%), cyanobacteria (15.4%) and
diatoms (15%). Therefore, cyanobacteria are most possible responsible for the taste and odor in the CN water reservoir. Future
efforts should be directed toward preventive measurements for protecting water reservoirs from municipal and agricultural
wastewaters and algae control.

Keywords Water quality . Algae . Reservoir . Chah Niemeh . Sistan plain . Iran

Introduction
* Amir Hossein Mahvi Protection and optimal use of water resources are consid-
ahmahvi@yahoo.com
ered as a priority for every country to meet the sustainable
Gholamreza Ebrahimzadeh development goals worldwide [1]. Surface and groundwater
ebrahimzadeh421@gmail.com resources are most important in supplying water needed for
Mahmood Alimohammadi various activities such as agriculture, industry, and drinking
m_alimohammadi@tums.ac.ir objectives [2]. Recently, in pace with the human population
Mohammad Reza Rezaei Kahkah explosion and urban development, the discharge of pollut-
m.r.rezaei.k@gmail.com ants arisen from urban sewage and agricultural runoff to
lakes has increased significantly [3]. Discharge of wastewa-
1
Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public ter into the water bodies and excessive uses of fertilizers in
Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
agricultural activities make desirable conditions for algae
2
Department of Environmental health Engineering, Faculty of Health, growth [4]. They contain nutrients including N, P and K,
Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
which cause algal blooms and eutrophication phenomena in
3
Health Equity Research Center (HERC), Tehran University of water resources [5]. Algae taking advantage of phosphatase
Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
enzymes can absorb phosphorus through the hydrolysis
4
Center for Solid Waste Research (CSWR), Institute for process. As eutrophication and algal bloom abate the water
Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical
Sciences, Tehran, Iran
quality, therefore, monitoring the algae is of great
 J Environ Health Sci Engineer

importance in water reservoirs [5]. Determination the qual- Materials and methods
ity index and degree of pollution of water resources re-
quires careful considerations and environmental indicators. Background information
As organisms inherently respond to any undesirable condi-
tion occurred in aquatic ecosystems, bio-monitoring method Zabol is situated in southeastern Iran and the northeast of
is a promising technology to detect any adverse effects in Sistan and Baluchestan province with geographical coordi-
the aquatic ecosystem [6]. Thus, bio-monitoring is one of nates: 61. 00° – 39. 593°E longitude and 31.000°– 2.00°N
the appropriate indicators to determine water quality and latitude with 480 m above the sea level. It is a hot and dry
aquatic populations that can provide appropriate responses desert climate with a minimum temperature of 7 °C in January
to environmental challenges [7]. In addition, chemical anal- and a maximum temperature of 45 °C in July. The annual
ysis has some drawbacks such as time, cost and technical average evaporation rate is 4 mm and rainfall is mainly ob-
restrictions which can influence the survey of water quality served in winter (The annual average: 51 mm).
[8]. The most common types of freshwater algae in aquatic
ecosystems include planktonic and benthic. In the view-
Sampling and experimental analysis
point of color classification, blue-green (cyanophyta), green
(chlorophyta), brown-gold (phaeophyta), and red
The sampling station approach was designed in a way that
(radophyta) [9] are mostly observed in aquatic environ-
include the all reservoir well and human activities in Zabol
ments. The water body can be affected by intracellular
city. Generally, water samples were withdrawn from 5 stations
and extracellular metabolites of algae (especially
in the depth of 30 cm underwater environments in different
cyanobacteria) which occurred bothduring the growth and
month of spring and summer seasons. The samples were taken
decay process. For instance, sulphides and terpenoids com-
in 4-l polyethylene containers and immediately transferred to
pounds could be generated by cyanobacteria [10]. The pre-
the laboratory at 4 °C. Nitrate and phosphate were analyzed
vious studies indicated that in spite of the importance of
using photometer plain test 7500. Algae were identified as
algae in water quality, there is no global algal index in
follow: Firstly, samples were passed through a filter
“Guideline for Water Quality Monitoring of Reservoirs”
(0.45 μm), then the filter was then rinsed with 1 ml of distilled
in Iran to determine the quality of water resources [11].
and was placed on a Sedgewick rafter lam counting and in the
There are few studies focusing on heavy metals in water
next, algae was counted with a light microscope (magnifica-
[12], bed sediment [13] and pesticides [14] in Iran water
tion 10). Algae identification was performed using the image
reservoirs which might affect the water quality and the
guide of standard method [19]. Water transparency was deter-
presence of algae. The presence of algae can result in the
mined using the depth of the Secchi disk (diameter 30 cm). To
formation of toxic materials such as microcystin in ponds
calculate the environmental population (T) of individual spe-
and lakes as well [15, 16]. In case of addition of nutrients
cies from the Sedgwick–Rafter counts: If C = number of or-
the lake water quality could be deteriorated by high algae
ganisms counted in N squares, and there is a 10×concentration
production [17],
from the original aquatic sample:
The Chah Nimeh (CN) water reservoir in Sistan is the
only drinking water source for five cities: Zabol, Zahak, 1000c
T¼ ð1Þ
Hirmand, Hamoun and Nimroz which serve population of 10N
447,350 people. In addition, one drinking water supply line
Where T is expressed as the number of organisms (single
is stemmed from CN for Zahedan. Water entering into the
cell or colonies) per ml of original sample [20] (Fig. 1).
CN reservoir originates from the Helmand River in
Afghanistan. Currently, there is no information available
on agricultural activities and level of effluent discharge
into the Helmand River in Afghanistan. Previous studies Results and discussion
have shown that some early-growing aquatic plants have
been breeding in the waters of the CN since early 2001 and Identification of algae in CN
2016 [18]. As these evidences confirm the presence of
nutrients in the CN, it can be reluctant to consume water Algae are widely found in freshwater environments such as
by altering water quality. Therefore, the present study was lakes, rivers, dams, and in reservoirs where water is less con-
developed to investigate the influencing parameters on al- taminated. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus
gae growth and identify the algae types in the water reser- discharged from agricultural, municipal, and industrial efflu-
voir. The better understanding on algae types and water ents enter the reservoir and consequently cause algae bloom
quality of CN can aid to find the essential strategies for [21]. Algae are widely found in freshwater. The chemical
control and improvement the drinking water quality. structure of the reservoir water are influenced by the
J Environ Health Sci Engineer

Fig. 1 Study area and sampling points in the reservoir

characteristics of the drainage area such as the geological tex-
ture of the area and the basin, the material and type of soil and
its constituents, vegetation, type and extent of erosion.
Generally, high erodibility in the basin cause possible transfer
of minerals and organic matter throughout the basin and ac-
cordingly accumulate within the water reservoir [22].
Table 1 shows the species of algae identified in the well
water samples within the spring and summer seasons. In total,
226 algae were found in the CN. The highest amount of algae
has corresponded to Green algae, Flagellate algae,
Cyanobacteria, and Diatoms, respectively, of which, 146 and
79 algae were identified in spring and in summer, respective-
ly. Furthermore, the highest and the lowest amount of algae
was corresponded to botryococcus and lyngbya, respectively.
A possible reason for difference in the number of algae
identified is related to algae growth which are affected by
competition between different algal groups, predation in the
food chain, the degree of pollution, and the flow characteris-
tics of the water [23]. As two species of green-blue algae have
been identified; therefore, they could be the effective factors in
changing the water quality taste of wells. The previous studies
revealed that taste and odor generating factors in Iranian and
world reservoirs are related to the algae. Davies et al. (2004)
illustrated that there is a strong positive correlation between
average TOC and average flavor profile analysis (FPA) inten-
sity in drinking water tanks and lakes [24].
Evaluation the nitrate and phosphate
Agricultural drains containing insecticides, fertilizers, indus-
trial effluents, runoff and sewage effluents are discharged to
environmental aqueous with large amounts of mineral ions

Table 1 Types of algae identified

in spring and summer in the CN Type of algae species spring summer Total
reservoirs
Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green algae) anabaena 22 4 26
lyngbya 7 2 9
Green algae closterium 18 8 28
Oocystis 14 5 19
botryococcus 31 26 57
hildenbrandia 6 3 9
Diatoms cyclotella 8 5 12
tabellaria 13 9 22
Flagellate algae ceratium 18 11 29
chlamydomonas 9 6 15
 J Environ Health Sci Engineer

such as nitrate phosphate and ammonia. In warm seasons,
phosphate concentration is important for algae bloom phe-
nomena [25]. The phosphorus entering the water leads to
changes in the quantity and quality of biological and non-
biological elements of nutrients and can lead to algal blooms
and oxygen deficiency [26].
Phosphorus plays a crucial role in metabolic and biological
activities. Algae with the phosphatase enzyme can hydrolyze
P and then absorb P-rich substances outside their cells.
However, algae’s ability to promote this process is varied,
on the other hand, organic phosphate cannot be readily con-
sumed compared to inorganic phosphate (orthophosphate)
[27]. Phosphates are the only inorganic source of phosphorus;
the optimum concentration of these compounds for algae
growth is 0.15–15 mg/L. Nitrogen is also an essential nutrient
for algae growth. However, unlike phosphorus, it is very dif-
ficult to control the sources of nitrogen production because
nitrogen directly through the air Different forms are absorbed
and dissolved in the water body. In the water sources contain-
ing high phosphorus, phytoplankton growth leads to reduction
the nitrogen levels and limits growth to nitrogen [28]. The
occurrence of algal bloom is related to the low nitrogen to
phosphorus ratio (TN:TP). When TN: TP ratio in the water
is higher than 14 (>14:1) (by mass), N may exist in surplus
and P often limits the algal growth. On the other hand, When
N: P is < 14, N plays as the limiting factor. It should be noted
that nutrient bioavailability is different for algal taxa which
affect the N: P of algal growth [5]. The minimum phosphorus
concentration needed for algae growth and blooming in the
summer is estimated to be 0.005 to 0.01 mg/L [29].
Table 2 shows the average phosphate in spring (0.034 mg/
L) and summer (0.028 mg/L). As a result, it has significant
effect on the growth of algae due to the phosphorus load. Jin X
(1995) Cited total nitrogen levels >0.2 mg/L and total phos-
phorus >0.02 mg/L in dams as critical values for nutrition
[30]. Results obtained from the location of sampling station
No. 2 was the discharge site of agricultural wastewater in the
CN. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the amount of nitrate at station
4 has an increasing trend compared to other stations. In addi-
tion, the phosphate content in this site is clearly increasing
compared to other stations. The results of this study are con-
sistent in previous studies; high level of nitrate and phosphate
concentrations in are reported in the CN [31]. In a study con-
ducted by Dzialowski AR et al. (2009) focusing on hypertro-
phic reservoirs in Kansas, they proposed that reducing phos-
phorus has been identified as the main way of eliminating taste
and odor [32]. Burford et al. (2007) reported that the percent-
age of algal cover in the watershed, reservoir volume, and
watershed were all significantly correlated with the concentra-
tion of algae cells and total nitrogen. Total phosphorus was
only correlated with forest cover ratio in the field, indicating
that the volume and depth of the reservoir on total phosphorus
were less important than the concentration of algal cells or
total nitrogen. These results also indicate that the pattern of
the watershed and reservoir characteristics such as volume and
depth of water have a measurable effect on the type of algal
blooms in the reservoirs [33].
Physicochemical parameters affecting algae growth
in the reservoir
Temperature and pH
Table 3 shows that the mean temperature in spring and sum-
mer seasons were observed to be 23.9 (23.9 ±2) and 24.7 (24.7
± 6.3 °C). In addition, pH values for samples taken in spring
and summer seasons were found to be 8.5 (8.5 ±0.1) and 8.4
(8.4 ±0.1), respectively. pH depends on many factors: water-
soluble materials, which can be attributed to the types and
amount of erosion and bedding materials upstream [34]. pH
affects the solubility of nutrients and the forms of nutrients in
the water and ultimately the availability of these substances to

Table 2 average qualitative parameters affecting the algae growth in spring and summer

algae Number identified NO3 (mg/L) PO4(mg/L) PH TEMP

spring summer spring summer spring summer spring summer spring summer

anabaena 22 4 9 19 0.05 0.011 8.6 8.5 22 31

lyngbya 6 2 8 18 0.04 0 8.5 8.3 22 28
closterium 18 8 8 23 0.04 0 8.5 8.3 21 27
Oocystis 14 5 12 19 0.02 0.018 8.5 8.3 22 26
botryococcus 31 26 13 13 0.01 0.017 8.7 8.3 25 24
hildenbrandia 6 3 10 11 0.03 0.021 8.6 8.4 25 26
cyclotella 8 5 9.5 10 0.05 0.022 8.5 8.6 24 24
tabellaria 13 9 11 8 0.02 0.001 8.3 8.5 26 21
ceratium 18 11 6 5 0.01 0 8.5 8.4 27 20
chlamydomonas 9 6 5 8 0 0 8.4 8.4 25 20
J Environ Health Sci Engineer
Fig. 2 Nitrate concentration
during the sampling period
(spring and summer)
phytopalcones and more precisely the dominant algae species
[35]. Different pH values lead to the growth of different types
of algae. At low pH (increased by CO2) makes green algae
have a more competitive coexistence with green-blue algae.
Under all conditions, the soluble phosphorus form is directly
related to the pH of the water. At pH 6–7, phosphorus is the
easiest and best available nutrient for the algae [36].
Acceptable pH values for water quality assessment by the
world health organization range from 6.5 to 8.5 [37]. Results
obtained from the present study showed that the mean value of
pH for spring and summer is 8.4, indicating the pH of CN is
suitable for algae growth. The optimum temperature for algae
growth is >15 °C and even >20 °C for many cyanobacteria
species [38]. Moreover, some studies revealed that a temper-
ature of 25 °C is the minimum temperature required for the
maximum growth of most cyanobacteria [21]. Therefore, the
mean temperature in both seasons (>20 °C), the temperature is
suitable for the growth of algae, especially cyanobacteria in
the wells.
Fig. 3 Phosphorus concentration
during the sampling period
(spring and summer)
Depth of Secchi disk
The depth of the Secchi disk partly determines the quality of
the water, both aesthetically and visually [22]. According to
Table 3, the mean Secchi disks in spring and summer were
found to be 96.16 m and 119.83 m, respectively. As a result,
the reservoir has poor transparency in terms of algal growth.
As the CN reservoir is not in the proper range due to the
measurement of the qualitative parameters indicating the
growth of the algae, Therefore, other factors, including flood
entering into the reservoir, can be considered as one of the
factors affecting reservoir opacity.
Algae are of great importance in water reservoirs. They are
appropriate indicators to determine water quality and aquatic
populations that can provide appropriate responses to environ-
mental challenges as bio-monitoring. In this work, some main
parameters affecting the growth of algae were studied. It can
help to find the necessary strategies for their control and im-
provement of drinking water quality. Due to the growth of

Table 3 Physicochemical parameters affecting algae growth in the CN
reservoirs
Physicochemical parameters spring summer
Temperature(c) 23.9±2 24.7±3.6
pH 8.5±0.1 8.4±0.1
Secchi(m) 96.16±31.02 119.83±19.28
algae in the CN reservoirs, as well as the presence of phos-
phate and nitrate, indicates reservoir contamination.
Moreover, the presence of cyanobacteria in the reservoir re-
duced the quality of drinking water; the taste and virtually
doubles the water consumption for the consumer. Depending
on the amount of water transparency (Secchi disk), the reser-
voir water is atrophic. Therefore, eutrophication is likely to
occur if no action is taken to control and prevent agricultural,
urban, industrial effluent from entering the reservoir which
leads to algal blooms and increases the cost of water treatment.
It is worth to say that surface water quality such as lakes could
be classified by a few well known water quality indexes [39].
Acknowledgments The authors warmly thank School of Public Health,
Tehran University of Medical Sciences as well as the School of Public
Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences for supporting this project.
Compliance with ethical standards
Conflict of interest The author declares that they have no conflict of
interest.
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