Chemical Pollution of Coastal Waters in the Izmir Bay, Aegean Sea

Abstract

During last 30 years in Izmir area (Aegean Sea basin), an industrial growth caused serious environmental contamination of both waters and landscapes. Coastal water pollution caused by the increased industrialization, particularly of Izmir Bay, has been detected recently. Urbanization has impressive rates in Turkey, increasing from 18.5% in 1950 until 62% in 2000. Such uncontrolled urban expansion leads to gradual decrease of fertile landscapes and agricultural areas along the Aegean coasts and increases the pollution of waters. The chemical contamination in Izmir bay (mercury originating from Gediz River and inactive mining sites in Karaburun Peninsula) comes to the shelf waters. Consequently, the detected content of mercury in selected plankton organisms exceeds the acceptable standards as a maximal limit in living creatures. As a result, it has been reported that pollution in Izmir’s overall surface water, chemical quality of groundwaters, lakes and rivers has deteriorated. An increase of water contamination caused by the industrial discharge posed a serious threat to environmental conditions in Izmir area. The ecological threats of water pollution has been documented by many reports, manuscripts and articles reviewed in this paper.