Surface water monitoring and environmental safety: a theoretical analysis of hydrological conditions, water quality and anthropogenic effects

The study aimed to analyse surface water dynamics and environmental safety in Albania by integrating hydrological monitoring data, water-quality indicators and evidence of anthropogenic effects. Literature analysis, systematisation of analytical data, comparative and structural analysis, and generalisation were used to identify relationships between hydrological, physico-chemical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of surface waters. The study considered surface-water monitoring as an analytical basis for linking natural water-resource formation with changes in aquatic-environment quality. Albania’s average annual precipitation of 1485 mm/year determines atmospheric recharge and water-resource formation, while total renewable water resources of 30.2 km3/year reflect internal runoff and external inflow. The Shkumbini River demonstrated a physico-chemical profile with a temperature of 17.8°C and WQI of 78. Devoll showed organic and chemical loading, while Buna reflected seasonal microbiological variability. The findings support prediction of vulnerable periods and water-management decisions under seasonal variability and anthropogenic pressure. This study is motivated by the need to improve environmental safety assessment by utilising hydrological monitoring data to support practical water-resource management decisions and identify deterioration in water quality early.