Analysis of Environmental Impacts of Tuz gölü Natural Gas Storage Project on Tuz Lake

Abstract

Tuz Gölü Natural Gas Storage Project is one of the most crucial projects developed by BOTAŞ within the framework of ensuring energy supply security. Within the scope of this project, artificial caverns are created for the storage of natural gas and for this purpose, salt layers located 700 to 1500 meters below the ground are leached with fresh water. The brine released as a result of the leaching is discharged into the Tuz Gölü through a 40 km pipeline. This study aims to analyze and interpret the effects of this discharge on the Tuz Gölü. pH, Electrical Conductivity, Salinity, Dissolved Solids Suspended Solids, Sulfate, Chloride Alkalinity, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonium Nitrogen, Sodium, Magnesium, Calcium, Oil and Gress parameters were analyzed to determine the water quality in the brine samples taken monthly from the brine discharge point from 2015 when the discharge started until 2023. Related measurements were taken monthly within the scope of this project and analyzed by an accredited laboratory. SPSS 25.0 for Windows package program was used for data analysis. Mean and standard deviation values were used to describe the data. Kolmogorov Smirnov normality test was performed to confirm conformity of the research parameters to the standard normal distribution. The present study aims to provide an environmental impact prediction for future projects.