The quality of Albanian natural waters and the human impact

Albania possesses a wealth of aquatic ecosystems, many of enormous natural and biological value, such as the Lakes Ohrid, Prespa and Shkodra, glacial lakes, river valleys, and coastal lagoons. Although many habitats are highly polluted by inorganic and organic wastes, detailed knowledge on the water...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environment international 2005, Vol.31 (1), p.133-146
Main Authors: Cullaj, Alqiviadh, Hasko, Agim, Miho, Aleko, Schanz, Ferdinand, Brandl, Helmut, Bachofen, Reinhard
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Albania
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Applied ecology
Applied sciences
Aquatic ecosystems
Biological and medical sciences
Brackish
Conservation of Natural Resources
Continental surface waters
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Ecosystem
Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution
Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics
Environmental assessment
Environmental Monitoring - standards
Exact sciences and technology
Fresh water environment
Freshwater
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Groundwaters
Humans
Hydrology
Marine
Monitoring
Natural water pollution
Pollution
Pollution, environment geology
Rivers
Waste Management - standards
Wastewater
Water Pollution
Water quality
Water Supply - standards
Water treatment and pollution
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Summary:Albania possesses a wealth of aquatic ecosystems, many of enormous natural and biological value, such as the Lakes Ohrid, Prespa and Shkodra, glacial lakes, river valleys, and coastal lagoons. Although many habitats are highly polluted by inorganic and organic wastes, detailed knowledge on the water quality is still lacking. For the first time, an environmental assessment of the water quality is presented and the main polluting sources identified. As a consequence, a systematic control and the establishment of routine monitoring of surface and groundwater is proposed, which elucidates the present environmental state and helps to develop new strategies of waste and wastewater management. It would help allow Albania to reach an international standard in environmental protection, as a part of UNECE Convention, the Mediterranean Action Plan, the MAP/UNEP Medpol Program and the Basel Convention.
ISSN:0160-4120
1873-6750
DOI:10.1016/j.envint.2004.06.008