Seasonal Variations in Nitrogen and Phosphorus Loads of Akçalar (Musa) Creek and the Affects of the Lake Uluabat

Abstract

Domestic, slaughter house and industrial waste waters of Akçalar town near the Lake Uluabat which has an international importance and subject to the Ramsar agreement is discharged to Lake Uluabat through the Akçalar Creek. Akçalar Creek pollutes the eastern part of the lake and reduces the water quality. In this study, flow rates, TN (total nitrogen), NH4-N, NO3-N, TP, PO4-P concentrations and pollution loads of Akçalar Creek were measured during the period 2008-2009. Loads of TN, NH4-N, NO3-N, TP and PO4-P were calculated as 22.45 tones/year, 3.14 tones/year,3.04 tones/year, 0.58 tones/year, and 0.46 tones/year respectively. The highest pollution loads for nitrogen and phosphorus fractions were determined in March. In order to prevent the pollution of Lake Uluabat and Akçalar Creek and reduce the pollution loads, domestic and industrial wastewater treatment plants should be done as soon as possible and using of fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural activities should be restricted. Also, some studies for European Union Water Framework Directive should be started

Keywords

• Akçalar Creek, Lake Uluabat, nitrogen, phosphorus, pollution loads