Monitoring the Temporal Changes of Trace Elements Pollution in Lake Uluabat Water (in 2003-2004 and 2008-2009)

Abstract

Due to its biological diversity wetland is considered the world's natural wealth museums and because of the natural functions and economic values they are the most important ecosystems on earth. The studies to identify the water quality of wetlands, their biodiversity, environmental pressures faced by efforts and protection methods have gained importance in our country. In particular, heavy metal and trace element pollution is one of the most important problems in wetlands affecting water quality and aquatic organisms. In this study, trace elements and contaminants temporal variation of pollution sources of trace elements was conducted to determine the effects of pollution in Lake Uluabat which is one of Turkey's most important wetlands identified as an area protected under the RAMSAR. In Uluabat Lake, five different stations were selected taking into account the distance to pollution sources, different depths and hydrodynamic properties. In the years of 2003-2004 (1st term) and 2008-2009 (2nd term) monthly water samples were taken and dissolved concentrations of Boron (B), chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni) elements were examined between years. As a result of the evaluations, seasonal factors, industrial discharges and agricultural activities are seen to be effective on changes in pollution. In particular, high concentrations of B elements thought to be due to take place by geological structure of the Lake Basin which is rich in boron and boron operating facilities in this basin. In order to prevent pollution of the water quality of Lake Uluabat it is necessary to be monitored at regular intervals and for the control of pollutants, all of the technical studies should be carried out in the Lake Basin in conjunction with participatory approaches of scientific and public institutions.

Keywords

• Trace element
• Variation of pollution
• Water quality
• Lake Uluabat