OVERVIEW OF WATER QUALITY OF ALBANIAN RIVERS MIHO Aleko 1 , KUPE Lirika 2 , JAUPAJ Orjeta 1 , KARJALAINEN Satu Maaria 3 , HELLSTEN Seppo 3 , PRITZL Gunnar 4 1 Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, e-mail: amiho@icc-al.org 2 Faculty of Agronomy, Agricultural University of Tirana, e-mail: lirika_kupe@yahoo.com 3 Finnish Environmental Institute (SYKE), Integrated River Basin Research, University of Oulu, Finland, e-mail: seppo.hellsten@ymparisto.fi 4 Team Leader, EU project ‘Strengthening of the Environmental Monitoring in Albania (StEMA)’, Tirana, e-mail: gunnar@pritzl.dk Abstract Considerations on water quality of running waters from the whole Albanian territory based mainly on benthic diatoms (siliceous algae) were reported. The Trophic Index of Diatoms (TI DIA ) showed that five stations were classed as oligo-mesotrophic, twelve as mesotrophic to meso-eutrophic and the rest (18 stations) as eutrophic to polytrophic. it can be concluded that the rivers represented moderate or high inorganic pollution; the most polluted seem to be the rivers crossing Tirana (Ishmi and Tirana), downstream parts of Shkumbini (Papri and Rrogozhina) and in tributaries of Semani, as Gjanica (Fieri), Osumi (Ura Vajgurore), Devolli in Korca plain (Maliqi and Zvezda). After the Saprobic Index (SI), the saprobic state and the water quality of most of the rivers was limited to oligo-beta- mesosaprobic (class I-II) to beta-mesosaprobic (class II). Only in the river sites of Gjola (Ishmi) and Rinasi & Kameza (Tirana) the saprobic values were high, corresponding to the quality class III-IV, characterized by very strong organic pollution (alfa-mesosaprobic to polisaprobic). The suspended solids in waters of rivers in Western Adriatic Lowland (especially Ishmi, Tirana, Gjallica and Semani) often exceeded the guide values stated by the 2006/44/EC Fish Directive. It evidences the high rate of soil erosion, caused probably by the large deforestation in the respective watershed areas. The requirements derived from the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) would be important for Albania, as well. It means that all waters within defined river basin districts must reach at least ‘good’ status, by setting environmental quality objectives. Setting up an Integrated Environmental Monitoring Scheme (IEMS), following the requirements of the EC quality directives would help on the improvement of the environmental quality due to the increased monitoring capacity and formulate policies and measures to prevent environmental degradation and pollution. Keywords: Albanian rivers, phytobenthos, Trophic Index of Diatoms (TI DIA ), Saprobic Index (SI), Integrated Environmental Monitoring Scheme (IEMS), Introduction Albanian territory is rich in water resources, with about 35% of the hydrographic watershed extended beyond the political borders. More than 150 torrents and small rivers form finally 7 large rivers: Buna, Drini, Mati, Erzeni, Shkumbini, Semani and Vjosa, with a total flow of 1308 m 3 /s, which are the most important water suppliers in eastern Adriatic, beside River Po in western side (Italy, total flow of 1459 m 3 /s; Stanners & Bouredau, 1995). The main hydrological characteristics of Albanian territory are given by Kabo (1990–91). Albanian hydrographic map is reported in the figure 1, showing also the main sources of pollution: urban, industrial, river and coastal pollution, elaborated after UNEP (2000). Cullaj et al. (2005), in a review paper, summarize the current situation regarding Albanian natural aquatic ecosystems, addressing also the environmental problems caused by human impact. In the eastern, mountainous part, Albanian rivers exhibit a torrential and erosive regime, with large and undulated beds in the Western Adriatic Coastal Lowland. Their valleys are of enormous importance for the biodiversity and tourist values, especially the valleys of Vjosa, Drini, Mati, and most of the mountainous tributaries, where rivers of Cemi, Thethi and Valbona in Albanian Alps are distinguished. The rivers are important source of energy for the country, supporting more than 85% of the total installed power generation capacity; in year 2005, the total installed power generation capacity in Albania was 1659 MW, including 1446 MW hydro from the river reservoirs and 213 MW thermal (source http://www.energyagency.at/enercee/al/supplybycarrier.htm). They are not only important for