Evaluating the pollution from Mure River on Arad-Pecica sector based on enzymatic activities from sediments (Western Romania)

Seven sediment samples were collected from the river Mure from the Arad-Pecica sector and were measured the following enzymatic activities: catalase, actual and potential dehydrogenase, urease and reduction of trivalent iron (Fe3+). All this activities were detected in all analyzed samples. Based on relative values of the enzymatic activities, the enzymatic indicator of the sediment quality (EISQ) was also calculated. The lowest value of EISQ was observed in point P6 in close proximity to the discharge area of waste water resulted from water treatment plant of the Pecica town, which could indicate a heavy pollution from the water treatment plant of the town. The pollution of Mure river on the analyzed sector can be determined by livestock farms, gravels and water treatment plants which do not work properly.