Water pollution studies in the rivers of the Edirne Region–Turkey

Abstract

Physico-chemical parameters of Tunca, Merich, Arda and Ergene rivers, in the Edirne region of Turkey, were investigated. Studies were carried out during 1998–2004 and the data obtained were compared with EU threshold levels. The results showed that the total concentrations of P, Pb, Cu, Ni, Mn and Co were higher than these threshold levels. There is an urgent need for Turkey to limit water pollution from a wide range of dangerous substances, particularly at a time when it is being considered as an EU candidate. Turkey will be required to achieve a satisfactory status in its waters by 2015, in particular in the waters of the rivers investigated in this paper that border Bulgaria and Greece. Levels of pollutants which pose a significant risk to the aquatic environment need to be monitored and strictly controlled.

Colored dissolved organic matter dynamics and anthropogenic influences in a major transboundary river and its coastal wetland

“…The dramatic shift in CDOM optical signature directly downstream of the merging with Ergene, combined with the more than an order of magnitude increase in , the > 2‐fold increase in Cl − , and the twofold increase in DOC, highlighted the importance of the Ergene river as a major source of allocthonous inputs of carbon, nutrients, and pollutants in this system. This is consistent with Sakcali et al (), who compared water quality in the three major tributaries flowing into Ervos: the Ergene, the Tunca, and the Arda river (the last two merging with Evros upstream of our northernmost sampling site) and found particularly high pollution levels in the Ergene river. Water samples from Ergene had the highest sulfate and nitrogen concentrations, the lowest DO levels, and considerably higher biological (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) values (by more than a factor of 5) (Sakcali et al ).…”

“…This is consistent with Sakcali et al (), who compared water quality in the three major tributaries flowing into Ervos: the Ergene, the Tunca, and the Arda river (the last two merging with Evros upstream of our northernmost sampling site) and found particularly high pollution levels in the Ergene river. Water samples from Ergene had the highest sulfate and nitrogen concentrations, the lowest DO levels, and considerably higher biological (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) values (by more than a factor of 5) (Sakcali et al ).…”

Determination of phytoplankton density, and study of the variation of nutrients and heavy metals in the surface water of Riva Stream; one of the water sources of Istanbul, Turkey

“…However, average lowest values of Al, B, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Pb are within normal limits (Between Class II and III) ( Table 5). Sakcali et al [9], have reported anomalies in metal concentrations and have related this to sources such as landfill leaching and municipal and industrial discharges in Meric, Arda, Tunca, and Ergene Rivers in Turkey. The same sources could be the reason of this high level of heavy metal pollution in Riva Stream.…”

“…Heavy metals cause pollution in the aquatic systems by atmospheric deposition, erosion of geological matrix and anthropogenic activities such as industrial effluents, domestic sewage, and mining wastes [8][9][10]. Rivers, which feed lakes and seas, are very important water suppliers in freshwater systems.…”

Evaluation of heavy metal pollution in the Ergene River Basin from a public health perspective

“…Several studies in this region have demonstrated high concentrations of heavy metals in its water, sediment, soil, air, plants, and animals, and even among its human inhabitants. [13][14][15][16] We report, moreover, the review of relevant literature.…”