Environmental issues concerning natural resources at Pamukkale protected site, southwest Turkey

Abstract

Pamukkale protected site is located 20 km away from the provincial center of Denizli in southwest Turkey. This site has unique natural and cultural assets such as hot water springs, white travertine terraces, and cultural ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis. The rising interest in this site leads to irreversible deterioration of natural and cultural assets. This study reveals the environmental issues, such as swimming activities, the lack of sewage treatment, mechanical damage, etc. on hot water springs and white travertine terraces. Swimming activities in the pools and sewage leakage from non-isolated cesspools encourage excessive microbial growth at the travertine surface resulting in the discoloration of white travertine terraces. Walking over the delicate travertine surface leads to the deformation of existing calcite crystals and delays the formation of the new crystals. Vehicle entry to the site causes damage, for example creating vibration, high gas emission, and dust airlifting. To ensure optimal protection conditions at this site, priority must be given to the maintenance, restoration, monitoring, and maximization of the natural resources, and special regulations and laws should be enacted. Although it must be realized that good resource management will never be able to completely solve the problems in conservation of this site, it is equally clear that a correct use of natural resources can help avoid worsening of an already difficult situation.