Mapping the Dispersion Pollution Load of Animal Waste and Investigating its Environmental Effects: The Case of Karaman

Abstract

Animal wastes are not stored correctly and are used haphazardly without control in agricultural lands. As a result, it causes many irreparable environmental pollution, especially water pollution. These wastes, which are described as diffuse pollution, cause pollution of both underground and surface water resources directly or indirectly and even make them unusable. In this research, waste generation as a result of animal breeding in Karaman province, its districts, neighborhoods and villages and the effects of animal wastes on environmental pollution were evaluated with distributed pollutant load calculations. In the study, the number of 1019277 ovine and 81368 bovine in Karaman in 2022 was used. The total nitrogen (TN) produced annually by the animals has been calculated as 1,723.23 tons/year, and the total phosphorus (TP) amount is determined as 124.23 tons/year. Additionally, for large ruminant animals, the annual total amount of dry manure is 130,305.77 tons, and for small ruminant animals, it is 41,984.27 tons. To prevent environmental pollution, these wastes should be stored in closed areas in compliance with standards, and processes such as composting, drying, and biogas production should be applied. By doing so, not only can environmental pollution be mitigated but also economic value can be obtained. The proper management and utilization of these wastes have high economic potential and can contribute to sustainable development, supporting the country’s economy. In addition, this study is a source for researchers working in the field in calculating the pollution load of animal wastes and is thought to be a guide for decision makers and practitioners.