Assessment of the ecological state of waters in mining regions (Debed River basin)

The Debed is a major river in northern Armenia, where in recent years noticeable changes in the ecological condition of the river have been observed, mainly due to the influence of the Shnogh, Nahatak, Akhtala, Lalvar and Dzoraget. The mentioned tributaries are closely related to mining activities in the region. The paper examines the above-mentioned tributaries of the Debed River from hydrological and ecological perspectives, analyzes and assesses water quality parameters in the selected tributaries, examines the impact of human economic activity (mining, industry, urban settlements) on these tributaries, identifies and defines potential sources of pollution of the Debed River and proposes recommendations for preserving and improving the ecological stability of river systems. It was found that in the Debed River catchment basin, some river sites were polluted with various heavy metals originating from mining activities, which adversely affected and is risky to human health in areas where the water is used for drinking purposes. It was revealed that investigations indicate that the water quality of the Debed River changes significantly downstream of the Shnogh confluence, that is, the Shnogh River has a substantial and multifaceted impact on the ecological condition of the Debed River. The main sources of pollution in the Lalvar River are abandoned or unmanaged mining wastes in the Alaverdi (area covering over 40 ha, the Alaverdi antimony mine tailings, the Alaverdi municipal landfill, and the Alaverdi copper smelter. Additionally, closed mine tailings and acid drainage from three defunct mines in Alaverdi significantly affect river water quality. Pollution in the Lalvar River directly impacts fish and other aquatic organisms in the Debed River, negatively affecting the integrity of the food chain. The Nahatak River that significantly impact the Debed River’s ecosystem. The Nahatak catchment contains several small active and abandoned metal mines, primarily extracting copper, iron, and manganese, as well as quartz and limestone deposits. Are minor local mines occasionally used for construction and industrial purposes. The main anthropogenic influence on the natural course of the Nahatak River is the Nahatak tailings impoundment, which serves as the operational tailings facility of the Akhtala ore processing plant. These findings this underscores the need to improve environmental monitoring systems, enforce strict legislation against polluters, modernize water supply and wastewater treatment infrastructure, and raise public awareness regarding environmental protection.

Frunzikyan H. B., Margaryan V. G., Misakyan A. E., Navasardyan S. K. Assessment of the ecological state of waters in mining regions (Debed River basin). MIAB. Mining Inf. Anal. Bull. 2026;(6):68-82. DOI: 10.25018/0236_1493_2026_6_0_68.

The research was supported by the Higher Education and Science Committee of MESCS RA (Research project № 25AA-1E003).

H.B. Frunzikyan, Chief Specialist, «Environmental Impact Expertise Center» SNCO, Yerevan, Armenia, e-mail h.frunzikyan@mail.ru,
V.G. Margaryan, Cand. Sci. (Geogr.), Assistant Professor, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia, e-mail: vmargaryan@ysu.am, ORCID ID: 0000-0003-3498-0564, Scopus ID 57212405659,
A.E. Misakyan, Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Head of Hydrology Service, «Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center» SNCO Ministry of Environment, Yerevan, Armenia, e-mail: miamalya@yandex.com,
S.K. Navasardyan, Cand. Sci. (Philol.), Assistant Professor, Head of Chair, Yerevan State University, Yerevan, Armenia, e-mail: s.navasardyan@ysu.am.

V.G. Margaryan, e-mail: vmargaryan@ysu.am.

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