RAIMONDA TOTONI (LILO)*, EDLIRA BARAJ
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematical Engineering and Physical Engineering, Polytechnic University of Tirana.
*Corresponding author e-mail: rtotoni@gmail.com; edlirabaraj@yahoo.co.uk;
Abstract
At the present, one of priority objectives of Albanian Government in the agricultural field is the rehabilitation of existing irrigation/draining schemes in river basins. One of the most critical schemes remains that of Divjaka system. The proximity of the Karavasta Lagoon and the intercourse of draining waters within the lagoon body urge the careful management actions to be undertaken on the site. This paper intends to offer a model for integration of actions on the rehabilitation of irrigation system in Divjaka area, in order to maintain the ecological status of surface and ground waters in this region. It aims also to contribute for the improvement of the salinity balance at Karavasta Lagoon, considering the irrigation system water as the main resource of freshwater of the lagoon.
The authors have considered all available data on lagoon and ground waters quality, collected data on the quantity of fertilizers and pesticides used in the agricultural lands, the land use of the site according Karavasta/Divjaka Management Plan, etc. Suggestions how the environmental management tools can use the irrigation and draining waters as an instrument to maintain natural status of surface waters in the site and to reduce as much as possible salinization of ground water, by its overexploitation for irrigation purposes, have been provided. Proposal and application of the proper mitigation measures, implementation of the monitoring program and improvement of the administrative interactions are considered as some of the main tools that will contribute in successful accomplishment of such objective.
Key words: irrigation system, eutrophication, salinity balance, Karavasta Lagoon
