Spatiotemporal Assessment of Physicochemical Properties and Anthropogenic Impacts on Seawater Quality in the Gulf of Durrës, Albania

Abstract

The coastal zone of Durrës, Albania, represents one of the most anthropogenically influenced marine areas along the eastern Adriatic Sea, where intensive tourism, industrial activities, and agricultural runoff exert increasing pressure on coastal ecosystems. This study presents a year-long assessment of seawater quality based on physicochemical parameters measured across seven sampling stations in the Gulf of Durrës from January to December 2024. In situ analyses were conducted using a Horiba “U-50” multiparameter analyzer to evaluate temperature, pH, oxidation–reduction potential (ORP), conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, and specific gravity. Overall, the recorded parameters indicated stable water quality within acceptable ecological limits, with limited spatial and temporal variation among most sites. However, localized deviations in ORP and turbidity were observed near the Pista Koka, Fishing Port, and Old Port stations during the summer months, corresponding to periods of intensified human activity and wastewater discharge. These findings emphasize the influence of seasonal anthropogenic inputs on nearshore water quality and underscore the need for continuous monitoring and targeted management strategies to mitigate human-induced degradation and ensure sustainable marine and tourism development in the Durrës coastal region.