Abstract:

In this study, the pollution that may be caused by wastewater discharges into the Marmara Sea between Tekirdağ provincial campus and Küçükçekmece Lake (Istanbul) was investigated. The samples were taken and evaluated from the locations after the discharge points, before and after mixing with the sea. The pH, salinity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and inorganic pollutants (Cu, Cd, Co, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pb, P, Hg, Fe, As, Mn, Zn, Al, Na, Mg, K, Ca, B, Bi, Sb) were examined. The parameters measured as a result of these investigations were evaluated according to the regulations of the Republic of Türkiye, Water Pollution Control Regulation, Properties of Domestic/Urban Wastewaters Allowable for Deep Sea Discharge and Characteristics of Industrial Wastewaters for Allowable Deep Sea Discharge. It was observed that most of the parameters did not exceed the limit values specified in the regulation, but the boron element was above the limit values in the samples taken from Büyükçekmece and Küçükçekmece lakes. The reason for this may be laundry bleach, soap, detergent wastes, reactants used in industry, and fertilizers and pesticides used in agricultural areas. In addition, it is thought that the high solubility of boron minerals in water causes the boron concentration to be high at the discharge points of water sources passing through domestic and industrial areas. As can be seen, the first reason for the pollution of the Sea of Marmara is the discharge of industrial and domestic wastewater into the sea without it being sufficiently treated. In addition, it is necessary to constantly monitor the Sea of Marmara, which is dense in terms of maritime traffic, and to prevent negative behaviors that may cause pollution. Furthermore, depending on the intensity of agricultural activities in neighboring land areas, it is seen that agricultural fertilization and agricultural spraying are impacting sea pollution.

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