Water Resources of Azerbaijan: Their Quality Status and Utilization Features

The presented article studies the possible causes for the mass death of red-necked grebes (Podiceps grisegena) near the village of Istisu (Khachmaz dist., Azerbaijan), while exploring the connections with the ecological state of water resources. The principal origins of anthropogenic pollution were identified grounded in an analysis of Azerbaijan’s hydrological network, the condition of transboundary rivers, and the water quality of the Caspian Sea. The main sources include heavy metals, petroleum products, and organic compounds. Hydro chemical analysis exposed the facts about threatening pollution of the Caspian Sea, which results in bird poisoning and ecosystem disruption.The water parameters of the Oguz-Gabala-Baku water supply system were explored to conduct comparison on this issue. According to the investigation, they comply with hygiene standards and displayed a high level of environmental safety. This comparative analysis underlines the contrast between polluted transboundary water systems and better-controlled water sources, highlighting the need to strengthen environmental monitoring, promote international cooperation, as well as present modern water purification technologies. The results are of practical importance for the development of strategies to preserve biodiversity and prevent environmental disasters in the Caspian region.The article also includes a comparative study of the hydrochemical indicators of mountain rivers in northern Azerbaijan (using the example of the Gudyalchay/Gusarchay rivers) and natural «Shollar» water, as well as a discussion of how river flow influences the quality of coastal waters in the Caspian Sea. The results of field and bibliographic studies on the hydrochemistry of the region, the official technical characteristics of «Shollar» water, and reports and overviews on the ecological status of the Caspian Sea were used.