Implications of Reservoir eutrophication for downstream communities
To recapitulate, the pollution of upstream water will lead to the eutrophication of the reservoir water. In addition, the physical diversion of tributaries will lead to increased erosion thus sedimentation. At natural levels, sedimentation is important for the process of bed depositions for downstream deltas and marshes. However, the increase in erosion due to anthropogenic activities will lead to unatural amounts of sediments to accumulate in the reservoir. The flood gates will inhibit the passing of sediments; this means that the downstream water will be lacking in nutrients, dissolved oxygen and sediments which can be detrimental to the biota and inhibit bed deposition.
Proposed Mitigation
Suggested mitigation approaches:
The above mitigation approaches are vague and lack concrete solutions. Additionally, as the Tigris river currently contains hypereutrophied sites, the above solutions are insufficient for preventing the guaranteed eutrophication of the reservoir and the implications it holds for downstream communities.
- Biological and tertiary plants in Bismil, Batman, Siirt & construction site. To date these have yet to be built.
- Control of irrigation rates, fertilizer use.
- Monitoring of surface water.
- Appropriate agricultural practices such as drip irrigation for cotton farms to reduce waste of water.
The above mitigation approaches are vague and lack concrete solutions. Additionally, as the Tigris river currently contains hypereutrophied sites, the above solutions are insufficient for preventing the guaranteed eutrophication of the reservoir and the implications it holds for downstream communities.