Analyzing water quality in Mazandaran Province Rivers during release of fish fingerlings

We analyzed the physico-chemical properties of estuarine water in Mazandaran Province Rivers (Shirood, Tonekabon, Larim, Tajan, and Goharbaran) during release of fish fingerlings in spring and summer 2000-2001. Water temperature, pH, DO, BOD5, TSS, T DS, Cl-, P043-, NH4+, NO2- and hardness were determined for 52 samples. The results showed the present condition of rivers Shirood and Tonekabon to be suitable for release of fish fingerlings and classified them as AA to A. Ranking as class C, rivers Larim, Goharbaran and Tajan were found unsuitable according to EPA standards, due to agricultural water extraction and improper land use development.