Physicochemical parameters and nutrient content of the surface waters of the river Aliakmon (Greece)

A monitoring of selected physicochemical parameters and nutrient concentrat ions in the river Aliakmon waters where three major hydroelectric dams are present, was performed at bimonthly intervals from February 1995 to January 1996 at two sampling stations. Dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids an d pH were significantly higher (P<0.05) at the upstream station whereas nut rient concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.05) downstream of the d ame. The results suggest that the existence of dams has a substantial impac t on nutrient cycling in the river system.