Seasonal changes of water quality of Murat River (Bingol, Turkey) in terms of physicochemical and biological parameters

Abstract

Murat River is the most important tributary of the Euphrates River, which has the highest water potential in Turkey. The seasonal variation of water quality parameters and water quality status of Murat River were determined according to the “Regulation on Surface Water Quality Management” criteria. 19 different parameters were measured in water samples taken from four different stations during the research. These parameters were temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, total hardness, total alkalinity, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), total phosphorus, fluoride, chloride, nitrite, nitrate, ammonium, sulfate, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a). According to “Regulation on Surface Water Quality Management”, physical and chemical analysis data showed that Murat River waters had "first-class water quality" in terms of temperature, dissolved oxygen, BOD, total phosphorus, fluoride, chloride, nitrate, ammonium, sulfate, "third-class water quality" for sodium, pH and “fourth class water quality” for nitrite. The electrical conductivity and alkalinity values were within normal limits and as "medium-hard" water. Considering all the results, it has been evaluated that there is no significant pollution problem in the Murat River.