Ecotoxicological studies of surface and groundwater in the adjacent territories of the Shuakhevi HPP (Adjara AR)

Abstract

River Adjaristskhali gorge alongside territories are refugium for third moisture Kolkhetian relictic forest eco-systems which was given UNESCO world natural heritage status. At present construction and exploitation of cascade type derivative hydroelectric stations in the gorge creates risk for fragmentation, destroy and losing of natural habitats. Elemental analysis of underground spring water by plasma atomic-emission spectrometry was carried out at Shuakhevi township location.The obtained data were compared with the results of the multi-elemental analysis of the Achariskali River. The basic macro-elements in spring water and river Adjaristskhali are Ca and Mg. in samples of river Adjaristskhali concentrations of P, Fe, Al are beyond MPC which is the verification for their anthropogenic pollutions. Besides such dangerous pollutants as Hg, Li, Pb, Ti is beyond MPC. Foreseeing the specificity, relief of Adjaristskhali it is necessary to carry serious geological and ecological examinations during construction and exploitation of Hydroelectric Stations, later - carrying periodic monitoring in order to identify problem areas and carry proper preventive measures.