Anthropogenic Contamination of Water From Galda River - Alba County, Romania

Water is an important factor in the ecological balance. Surface water pollution, due to activities related to the food industry and population growth, is a current problem with serious consequences to human health. Galda River from Alba County, Romania is a medium size river, but strongly affected by the pollution from anthropogenic sources. To restore the ecological balance of this area, the water quality parameters from the source to the mouth must be carefully monitor. In order to assess the water quality, the physico-chemical and biological parameters of water were measured over time. It was found that the quality of water from Galda River is principally affected by the agricultural and industrial activities carried out in the area (four high capacity food factories that processes animal products). The experimental results reflected a growing pollution, from the source to the confluence with the Mures River, in warmer months - November and May, while in the cold season the level of pollution was lower. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.