Monitoring of microbiological pollutionof the Alazani River and assessment of its ecological risks

The scientific paper discusses the microbiological state of the Alazani River in 2023-2024, in two sections: Gurjaani and Akhmeta.Within the framework of the study, we conducted microbiological pollution monitoring of the Alazani River and assessed ecological risks associated with it.Within the framework of monitoring conducted in 2023-2024, we quantitatively enumerated indicator microorganisms-Escherichia coli, total coliforms, fecal streptococci, and Salmonella-in Alazani River water in accordance with international standards ISO 9308-2:2012/2013, ISO 7899-1:2011, ISO 6222:2008, and ISO 19250.Microbiological monitoring conducted in 2023-2024 in the Gurjaani and Akhmeta sections of the Alazani River revealed significant fecal and organic pollution, indicating a deteriorating ecological status of the river water.In the Gurjaani section, data from 2024 show an increase in pollution levels compared with 2023, reflecting intensified anthropogenic pressure.In contrast, the Akhmeta section exhibits pronounced seasonal pollution peaks, particularly during summer and autumn.High concentrations of Escherichia coli, total coliforms and fecal streptococci were recorded in both sections, which confirms the presence of fecal pollution of water and indicates the significant impact of organic substances generated as a result of domestic wastewater and agricultural activities.Despite the absence of Salmonella, high levels of indicator microorganisms pose ecological and sanitary risks, especially in the context of agricultural and domestic use.These findings underscore the necessity of long-term and systematic monitoring, strengthened wastewater management, and integrated river ecosystem management to improve the ecological status of the Alazani River and inform effective environmental policy development.