| The Kani Barazan and Yadegarlou wetlands in the southern part of Lake Urmia (Iran) have been substantially modifed due
to human activities and anthropogenic use. In recent years, freshwater-based eco-biological studies to recognize the quality
of water resources have been greatly expanded. Microalgae and Cyanophyta are considered important bioindicators for the
evaluation of water quality and wetland health worldwide. Herein, 22 microalgae and 5 Cyanophyta genera were identifed in
both wetlands, in which Cyanophyta has mainly caused blooms. Principal components analysis (PCA) was carried out based
on links between the distribution of microalgae and Cyanophyta with physical and chemical parameters. The data showed
that depth, turbidity, and the temperature had a signifcant infuence on the microalga and Cyanophyta communities in both
wetlands. Based on the biological properties, it seems that the Kani Barazan and Yadegarlou international wetlands experience meso-eutrophic conditions. The integration of the physical, chemical and biological parameters with the water quality
index (WQI) revealed that both wetlands were polluted as a consequence of human activities. Moreover, a close relationship
between WQI and the biological parameters was documented. Thus, we concluded that microalgae and Cyanophyta communities, their abundance patterns, and water quality changes could provide valuable data for the conservation of the Kani
Barazan and Yadegarlou international wetlands. |