Özet:

Inland water bodies, either flowing or non-flowing all around the world, are under the adverse effect of both the climate change and anthropogenic activities. The water surface areas of lakes and wetlands diminish over time and thus, this global reality brings together the deterioration of water quality especially if such water bodies confront with a variety of human activities exerting pollutants. An example of such a vulnerable ecosystem is the Lake Salda located in the southwestern part of Turkey. This lake has gained the attention of international public due to its similarities with Mars. Over a long period of time, many researches have been conducted in this lake by different disciplines and scientists to better understand its unique features. In this study, water samples from the three selected stations on the lake at three different depths were collected and analyzed on physico-chemical parameters, organic matter content, nutrients, metals and semi metals according to national legislation and Water Framework Directive (WFD) of EU. The results are tabulated and analyzed in detail considering the potential pollution sources arising from the lake’s basin. The pollutants are linked with the experimental measurements, and those parameters that exceeded the Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) are underlined. It is for sure that the lake necessitates utmost care and attention according to the results achieved.

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