Researchers from the Landscape Studies and Nature Management Laboratory of the Institute of Geography under the Ministry of Science and Education have conducted an expedition in the Masalli, Astara, and Lankaran districts. One of the serious environmental problems in the region is the pollution of water resources and the improper management of surface waters.

This was reported to AZERTAC by Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Associate Professor Mirnuh Ismayilov. He stated that cases have been observed where wastewater from urban and rural landscapes is discharged directly into rivers and the Caspian Sea without treatment.

Particularly in the city of Lankaran and surrounding settlements, wastewater is released into the open environment due to outdated sewage systems or the complete absence of such systems. The same situation also exists in the Masalli and Astara districts.

Ismayilov emphasized that pollutants carried by rivers cause an increase in microbiological contamination in coastal waters, a decline in water quality, and disruption of marine ecosystems. As a result, a decrease in fish stocks, worsening sanitary conditions in coastal zones, and weakening tourism potential are being observed.

The scientist also added that flooding caused by heavy rainfall in April was recorded most severely in Lankaran city: “Approximately up to 40 percent of the city became impassable.”