Investigation of Lake Sapanca water pollution, Adapazari, Turkey

Abstract

Lake Sapanca has been the only source of drinking and recreational water for the city of Adapazari, Turkey. This paper reports a study of the variation of nutrient loading and trophic state of the lake, and also water quality parameters of Lake Sapanca compared to those of the neighbouring Lake Iznik. Through one year, samples were taken every three months from 15 different points on the streams feeding and draining off the lake. Nitrate, NO2‐N, NH3‐N, TKN, PO4‐P concentrations on the 12 streams fe and three draining off points were determined. Then, loading, discharge, and accumulation amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus causing eutrophication were calculated and the trophic state of the lake was determined. A simple model was used to analyse the response of Lake Sapanca when the phosphorus loading rate was changed. Through this model, the variation of different parameters (t, M, K, Q, V and A) with respect to phosphorus concentration (C) was studied to identify effects and results. The consequences of an eutrophic state and measures to protect the lake are also discussed.