Evaluating the seasonal changes of water quality of the Degirmendere and Galyan Rivers (Trabzon, Turkey)


Altun L., Yilmaz M., Acar C., Turna I., Baskent E., Bilgili E.

JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY, vol.24, no.4, pp.415-422, 2003 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 24 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2003
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.415-422
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The Degirmendere and Galyan (Degirmendere tributary) Rivers that discharge their water into the Black Sea are important watersheds in the northeastern part of Turkey. Water quality parameters were sampled from 1997 through 2001 for each year at five sites (three for Galyan, two for Degirmendere) along 29 and 42 km gradients, respectively covering all seasons. Surface water was collected from the sites and analyzed for temperature, total alkaline (MAL), total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, conductivity (EC), nitrate (NO3), nitrite (NO2), total hardness (TH), phenolphthalein alkalinities (PAL) and organic matter (PV). Seasonal changes of water quality were analyzed statistically for both Rivers and evaluated according to the TS 266, EU and WHO standards. The analysis of variance results showed that Ca, Mg, MAL, NO3, pH, TDS and TH parameters of the Degirmendere River and Ca, DO, EC, MAL, NO3, pH and TH parameters of the Galyan River showed seasonal differences (p<0.05). The maximum values of the water pollution parameters for the two Rivers were below the threshold values throughout the study period. When both Rivers were compared, the mean values of the pollution parameters of the Degirmendere River were higher than those of the Galyan River and very close the limits. The results indicate that both Rivers can be used for the production of potable water during all seasons but only with an advanced treatment in the Degirmendere and a moderate treatment in the Galyan River, and for indirect and non-contact recreational activities.