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In the current research, the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown period on groundwater quality of Lower Meriç Plain (Thrace Region of Türkiye) was evaluated. Some significant nutrient characteristics (NO

In the current research, the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown period on sediment quality of the Meric-Ergene River Basin was evaluated by determining the potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in sediment samples collected from 25 sampling points in the basin. Also some important ecological indicators including potential ecological risk index (PERI), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), biological risk index (BRI), and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and some important statistical indicators including the Pearson correlation index (PCI), factor analysis (FA), and cluster analysis (CA) were applied to collected data. Levels of all the investigated PTEs in sediment of the basin show significant differences between the pre-lockdown and lockdown periods. The PTE contents have considerably decreased by 12.8%–45.4% during the lockdown period. Similarly, the results of applied sediment quality risk assessment indices showed significant improvement and the values have decreased by 22.4%–35.8%. In the lockdown period, reduction of industrial activities or limited production at many industrial facilities located in the basin reduced the amount of effluent, leading to significant improvement in sediment quality.

In this study, the performance of one of the most popular household drinking water purification systems (WPS) of Turkey was evaluated. Tap and purified water samples were taken from İpsala District (Thrace Region). A total of 23 significant water quality assessment parameters including essential and toxic metals (pH, TDS, EC, turbidity, Cl, NO3, SO4, PO4, BOD, COD, B, Al, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Mo, Sb, Ba, Pb) were measured in water samples and how much the WPS improves these parameters were determined. Also Water Quality Index (WQI), Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI), Nutrient Pollution Index (NPI), Cancer Risk (CR), Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index (HI) were applied to data in order to assess the qualities of tap and purified water in terms of multiple effects of toxicants and possible risks of human health. As a result of this research, it was determined that the investigated WPS significantly improved the drinking water quality and significantly reduced the scores of applied ecological and health risk assessment indicators.

In the present study, the spatial-temporal variations of iron, lead, copper, cadmium, mercury, nickel, and zinc accumulations in the water of Sehriban Stream (northern Turkey) were investigated. Water Quality Index (WQI), Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI), Pearson Correlation Index (PCI), and Factor Analysis (FA) were used in analyzing the water quality. Sampling was performed in 12 stations on monthly basis between February 2019 and January 2020 (a hydrological year). The data showed that the Sehriban Stream had significantly high water quality characteristics and the investigated toxicants were not found as dangerous for health. Although there was a slight decrease in the water quality from upstream to downstream, the stream was found to have 1st class water quality in general. As a result of WQI and HEI, although it was determined that the water quality decreased slightly in autumn, the stream was found to be "A Grade - Excellent (

In this research, spatial – temporal variations of water quality in the fluvial components of the Hasanağa Stream Basin were evaluated by using the Water Quality Index. Surface water samples were taken from seven stations selected on the basin in the winter seasons of 2019 and 2020. Elev-en variables including dissolved oxygen, oxygen saturation, pH, electrical conductivity, total dis-solved solids, salinity, turbidity, nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and sulphate were measured in freshwa-ter samples. The Water Quality Index (WQI) and Cluster Analysis (CA) were applied to the detected data in order to determine the differences among the spatial – temporal contamination levels and classify the investigated locations according to their similar water quality characteristics. According to the detected data, the water of the Hasanağa Stream Basin has 1. – 2. Class quality in 2019 and 2. – 3. in 2020, in general. According to the results of WQI, although it was determined that the water quality decreased significantly in 2020, the basin was found to be of "A Grade – Excellent" water quality (

Aim of the study: Thrace Region is the most important geographical regions of Turkey in terms of agricultural and industrial production. Meriç – Ergene River Basin is the main watershed of this significant region and there are many streams feeding the basin. In the current research, water qualities of fluvial ecosystems of Thrace Region were evaluated by using some ecological and statistical indicators. Material and methods: For each water sample, 27 physical and chemical limnological parameters (EC, TDS, turbidity, NO3, NO2, SO4, F, COD, BOD5, As, Se, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sb, Ba, Pb, B, Na, Mg, Cr, Mn, Al, K, Ca, Fe, Ni) were analysed and all the investigated parameter values were used to develop the Water Quality Index (WQI). Furthermore, Cluster Analysis (CA) were applied to detected data in order to classify the investigated locations and also Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to provide a visual summary of contamination levels in the basin components. Results and conclusions: The results show quite high WQI coefficients of COD (20.773), Se (9.667) and BOD5 (9.216) parameters in fluvial components of Thrace Region. The WQI values of the fluvial habitats of Thrace Region ranged from 33.91 – 329.84 and Çorlu Stream and Ergene River were determined as the most contaminated fluvial ecosystems. According to the results of applied CA, 2 statistically significant clusters were formed, which were named as “High Contaminated Zones” and “Low Contaminated Zones”.

This research was carried out to investigate and compare the fluoride accumulations and some physical and chemical properties (dissolved oxygen, oxygen saturation, pH, oxidation – reduction potential, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solid, salinity, nitrate nitrogen) in the drinking water of Enez and Süloğlu Districts, which are located in the northern and southern parts of the watershed of Meriç River. Water samples used for drinking were taken from tap waters in a total of 22 residential areas in the Enez and Süloğlu Districts at the winter season of 2019. Fluoride levels of water samples were determined by using a spectrophotometer and Principle Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to the results. The detected fluoride amounts and physical/chemical data were also evaluated in terms of teeth health of humans. According to the results obtained, although the detected fluoride accumulations both in the northern and southern part of the basin are slightly below the optimum levels for teeth health, it has been found that fluoride concentrations did not exceed the permitted values for drinking water. The minimum and maximum fluoride levels recorded as min. 0.159 ppm (Süloğlu District) – max. 0.475 ppm (Küküler Village) in the northern part of the basin and recorded as min. 0.068 ppm (Hasköy Village) – max. 0.603 ppm (Karaincirli Village) in the southern part of the basin. As a result of PCA, 2 factors named as “Agricultural Factor” and “Fluoride Factor” explained 79% of the total variance. It was also determined that contamination rates in terms of physicochemical variables of investigated regions were found as South Region of the Basin > North Region of the Basin in general.

Bu çalışma, Trakya Bölgesi'nin en önemli ve Türkiye'nin en kirli nehir havzalarındanbiri olan Ergene Nehir Havzası içme sularında florür seviyelerinin belirlenmesiamacıyla yapılmıştır. Ergene Havzası'nda belirlenen 30 istasyondan, 2018 yılıyaz (kurak) sezonunda, içme suyuörnekleri toplandı. Su numunelerindeki florür seviyeleri spektrofotometrekullanılarak belirlendi ve incelenen yerleşim alanlarının florür içeriğine göresınıflandırılması için tespit edilen verilere Cluster Analizi (CA) uygulandı.Havza içme sularındaki florür birikimlerinin görsel bir özetini sunmak içinCoğrafi Bilgi Sistemi (CBS) kullanılmış ve havza florür dağılım haritasıçizilmiştir. Ayrıca edilen veriler sürekli olarak bu suyu içen yöre halkınındiş sağlığı açısından da değerlendirilmiştir. Çalışmamız sonuçlarında göre,Ergene Havzası içme suyunda florür birikimleri 0.246 ppm (Velimeşe Köyü) -1.460 ppm (Bayramlı Köyü) arasında olarak tespit edilmiştir. CA sonuçlarınagöre ise, istatistiksel olarak anlamlı 3 küme tespit edilmiş ve bunlar “YüksekFlorür Kümesi”, “Optimum Florür Kümesi” ve “Düşük Florür Kümesi” olarakisimlendirilmiştir., This study was carried out to determine the fluoride levels in drinking waterof Ergene River Basin, which is known as the life blood of Thrace Region andone of the most contaminated river basins in Turkey. Drinking watersamples were collected from 30 stations including residential areas located inthe Ergene River Basin in dry (summer) season of 2018. Fluoride levels of watersamples were determined by using a spectrophotometer and Cluster Analysis (CA)was applied to detected fluoride data in order to classify the investigatedresidential areas according to fluoride contents. Geographic Information System(GIS) was also used in order to make a visual explanation by presentingdistribution map of fluoride accumulations and also the detected data were evaluatedin terms of teeth health of local people, who constantly drinks this water. Accordingto detected data, the fluoride accumulations in drinking water of Ergene RiverBasin were determined between 0.246 ppm (Velimeşe Village) – 1.460 ppm (BayramlıVillage). According to the results of CA, 3 statistically significant clusterswere formed as “High Fluoride Cluster”, “Optimum Fluoride Cluster” and “Low FluorideCluster”.

Son yıllarda, sucul ekosistemlerin kalitesini değerlendirmek için istatistiksel uygulamaların kullnaıması artış göstermektedir. Temel Bileşen Analizi (PCA), çevresel kirlenmeyi değerlendirmek için yaygın olarak kullanılan güçlü bir çok değişkenli istatistiksel tekniktir. Ergene Nehir Havzası, Trakya Bölgesi'nin en önemli sucul habitatıdır ve ülkemizin Marmara Bölgesi'nin kuzey-batı kesiminde yer almaktadır. Havza yoğun bir tarımsal, evsel ve endüstriyel kirlenmeye maruz kalmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, Ergene Nehri Havzası’nın lotik (akarsular) ve lentik (baraj gölleri) bileşenlerinin sularındaki makro ve mikro element birikimlerini (Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ba, Tl, Pb) Pearson Korelasyon İndeksi (PCI) ve Temel Bileşen Analizi(PCA) kullanarak değerlendirmektir. Bu amaçla, 2018 yılı bahar mevsiminde yapılan arazi çalışmaları ile havzada belirlenen toplam 36 istasyondan örneklemeler yapılmış ve sudaki bazı mikro ve makro element birikimleri incelenmiştir. Çalışmamızda uygulanan PCI sonuçlarına göre, incelenen makro ve mikro elelementler arasında, p

Ergene Nehri, Trakya bölgesinin en önemli sucul ekosistemidir. Fakat birçok akuatik sistemde olduğu gibi, Ergene Nehri’nin de, üzerindeki özellikle tarımsal ve endüstriyel baskı nedeniyle önemli derecede kirliliğe maruz kaldığı bilinmektedir. Bu çalışmada, bazı istatistiki teknikler kullanılarak, Ergene Nehir Havzası’nın su kalitesinin değerlendirilmesi ve Egene Nehri’nin, Meriç Nehri üzerindeki baskısının ortaya konulması amaçlanmaktadır. Bu amaç için, havzada belirlenen toplam 21 istasyondan su numuneleri toplanmıştır. Su numunelerinde sıcaklık, çözünmüş oksijen, oksijen doygunluğu, pH, iletkenlik, toplam çözünmüş katı madde, tuzluluk, bulanıklık, nitrat, nitrit, fosfat, sülfat, florür, kimyasal oksijen ihtiyacı ve biyolojik oksijen ihtiyacı olmak üzere toplam 15 su kalite parametresi tespit edilmiştir. Elde edilen veriler, Faktör Analizi (FA), Kümeleme Analizi (CA) ve Pearson Korelasyon İndeksi (PCI) kullanılarak istatistiki olarak değerlendirilmiş ve çeşitli ulusal ve uluslararası kuruluşlar tarafından bildirilen limit değerler ile karşılaştırılmıştır. FA sonuçlarına göre, üç faktör toplam varyansın %87'sini açıklamıştır. CA sonuçlarına göre, istatistiksel olarak anlamlı üç küme tespit edilmiştir. Elde edilen verilere göre, Ergene Nehri'nin yüksek miktarda kirliliğe maruz kaldığı ve genel olarak 3. – 4. sınıf su kalitesinde olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca Çorlu Çayı'nın birçok parametre açısından 4. sınıf su kalitesine sahip olduğu ve havza için çok büyük risk teşkil ettiği belirlenmiştir.Anahtar kelimeler: Ergene Nehri Havzası, su kalitesi, istatistiki değerlendirme

Çalışmamızda, Gala ve Sığırcı Gölleri için ekonomik açıdan önemli olan balık türleri (Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782), Carassius carassius (Linnaeus, 1758), Scardinius erythrophthalmus (Linnaeus, 1758), Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758, Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758), Perca fluviatilis Linnaeus, 1758) üzerinde kirliliğin etkileri araştırılmıştır. Kirliliğin genotoksik etkileri, kas, solungaç ve karaciğer dokularında antioksidan savunma sinyali (GS, Cu-Zn SOD, CAT), ısı şok proteinleri (HSP26, HSP60, HSP70 ve HSP83) ve QRT-PCR testi ile DNA onarımı (SMUG1) metotları kullanılarak incelenmiştir. Ayrıca, RAPD analizi kullanılarak balık dokularındaki DNA hasarları belirlenmiştir. Bant değişimleri, özellikle tüm balıkların solungaç dokularında açıkça tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca, C. gibellio, S. erythrophthalmus ve S. lucioperca'nın kas dokusunda CuZn-SOD'un nispi ekspresyonunda önemli bir artış gösterdiği tespit edilmiştir. CAT ekspresyonu tüm balık dokularında önemli ölçüde değişiklik sergilemiştir. Bununla birlikte, CAT 128,9, 102,1 ve 138,4 fg/ug total RNA'nın ekspresyon seviyesindeki en yüksek artış, S. lucioperca'nın kas, karaciğer ve solungaç dokularında belirlenmiştir. HSP60 ve HSP70 çevre kirliliğinden en az etkilenirken, S. lucioperca'nın karaciğer dokusunda en büyük DNA onarım aktivitesi açık şekilde gözlenmiştir. Çalışmamızın sonucunda, Gala ve Sığırcı Göllerindeki çevre kirliliğinin DNA stabilitesi ve savunma sinyallerinin gen ifadeleri üzerinde genotoksik etkileri olduğu ortaya konulmuştur. Ayrıca, S. lucioperca türünün, su kirliliğinin biyolojik olarak izlenmesinde biyoindikatör bir tür olarak kullanılabileceği sonucuna varılmıştır., In this study, the effects of pollution on economically important fish species for Gala and Sığırcı Lakes [Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782), Carassius carassius (Linnaeus, 1758), Scardinius erythrophthalmus (Linnaeus, 1758), Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758, Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758), Perca fluviatilis Linnaeus, 1758)] were investigated. The genotoxic effects of environmental pollution were investigated with reference to gene expressions of antioxidant defense signal (GS, Cu-Zn SOD, CAT), heat shock proteins (HSP26, HSP60, HSP70 and HSP83) and DNA repair (SMUG1) by qRT-PCR assay in muscle, liver and gill tissue of fish species. Additionally, DNA damage determined using RAPD assay. Band changes were clearly detected, especially in the gill tissues of all fishes. In addition, a significant increase in the relative expression of CuZn-SOD in muscle tissue of C. gibellio, S. erythrophthalmus and S. lucioperca. The expression of CAT changed significantly at all tissue of fishes. However, the highest increase in expression level of CAT 128.9, 102.1 and 138.4 fg/µg total RNA was determined in muscle, liver and gill tissues of S. lucioperca. While the HSP60 and HSP70 was the least affected by environmental pollutions, greatest DNA repair activity was clearly observed in liver tissue of S. lucioperca. We conclude that environmental pollution in Gala and Sığırcı Lake exert genotoxic effects on DNA stability, and gen expressions of defense signaling. Additionally, S. lucioperca may be a bio-indicator species for biomonitoring to water pollution.

The Ergene River is the most significant fluvial ecosystem located in the Thrace Region of Turkey. But it is being exposed to an intensive organic - inorganic pollution by means of agricultural - industrial applications conducted around its basin. In this research, the epipelic (EPP) diatoms of the Ergene River were investigated and the water quality was evaluated using the determined physical, chemical and biological data. EPP diatom samples were collected from upstream, middlestream and downstream of the Ergene River and certain physicochemical parameters (dissolved oxygen, oxygen saturation, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, salinity, turbidity, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, phosphate, sulphate, fluoride, chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand and oxidation-reduction potential) were measured during the field - laboratory studies. Also, the Biological Diatom Index (BDI) was used to determine the trophic status of the Ergene River in terms of EPP diatoms. According to the results of the physicochemical analysis, upstream of the Ergene River has Class I - II water quality and middle - downstream of the Ergene River have Class III - IV water quality in general. According to the results of the biological analysis, 24 diatom species were recorded in the upstream samples, 4 diatom species were recorded in the middlestream samples. and 7 diatom species were recorded in the downstream samples. Cymbopleura amphicephala (Nageli) Krammer, Nitzschia umbonata (Ehrenberg) Lange-Bertalot and Nitzschia capitellata Hustedt were determined as the most dominant species in the up - middle - downstream of Ergene River respectively. According to the result of the BDI, the upstream of Ergene River was found to be in an oligotrophic state - has high water quality and the middle - downstream of Ergene River were found to be in a eutrophic state - have poor water quality.

Ergene River Basin, which is located in the north-west part of Turkey, is the most significant aquatic habitat of Thrace Region. In addition to the presence of important lentic ecosystems in the basin, there are also important natural and artificial lotic ecosystems, which are of great importance both for the natural life and for the local public. Thrace Region is one of the most important and fertile agricultural regions of our country and despite such a great importance of Ergene River Basin for Thrace Region, almost all the components of the watershed are being exposed to an intensive pollution by means of especially agricultural applications. In this research, the pesticide concentrations in water – sediment of most significant 6 dam lakes (Altınyazı, Karaidemir, Kayalıköy, Kırklareli, Sultanköy and Süloğlu Dam Lakes) located in Ergene River Basin were investigated. Water – sediment samples were taken in rainy season (spring) of 2018 from 15 stations and pesticide concentrations (174 pesticides varieties) were determined by using an LC/MS. In addition, the investigated locations were classified in terms of pesticide accumulations in water and sediment by using Cluster Analysis (CA). As a result of this research, 3 pesticide types in water and 18 pesticide types in sediment were detected. Carbendazim and forchlorfenuron-706 were recorded as the most dominant pesticide types for water samples and propiconazole and prochloraz were recorded as the most dominant pesticide types for sediment samples. The total pesticide contents determined in both water and sediment were found to be much higher in Altınyazı and Sultanköy Dam Lakes compared to the other investigated reservoirs. As a result of CA, 3 statistically significant clusters were formed both for water and sediment, which were named as “high contaminated zones”, "low contaminated zones" and "moderate contaminated zones".

In this research, diatoms as the first step and fishes as the last step of the food chain were compared as toxic metal accumulation bioindicator in an A-class wetland in Turkey. Bioaccumulations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were determined in liver, gill and muscle tissues of two commercially consumed fish species Carassius gibelio and Cyprinus carpio and in frustules of epiphytic diatom communities living on submerged macrophytes. Samples were collected seasonally from the Gala Lake, which is among the best stopover habitats of birds migrating between Europe and Africa, considering the paddy harvest period that is a major stress factor for the ecosystem. Also, potential human health risks associated with the consumption of fishes and consumption - dermal contact of diatoms were evaluated both for summer - before paddy harvest (BPH) and autumn - after paddy harvest (APH) periods. As a result of this research, the investigated toxic metal concentrations were increased significantly in diatoms in the APH period, while less significant exchanges were recorded in fishes. The bioaccumulations of PTEs were ranked as follows: Zn Mn Se Cu B Cr Ni As Pb Cd for C. gibelio; Zn Mn Se Cu B Cr As Ni Pb Cd for C. carpio; and Mn Zn Se Pb B Ni Cr Cu As Cd for diatom frustules. Although the HI values in diatoms detected in the APH period were statistically significantly higher (about 1000 times; p 0.05) than detected in the BPH period, they were less than the limit of 1 in both seasons. However, the HI coefficients of fishes were quite higher than the limit (an average of 23.59 for C. gibelio and 19.18 for C. carpio), which means quite high probable non-carcinogenic health risks for humans. Furthermore, the CR coefficients of Cr, Ni and As in muscle tissues of fishes were considerably higher than the limit of 10

The evaluation of trace elements (TEs) in sediments of dam lakes is crucial for maintaining ecosystem health. Therefore, it is very important to determine their concentrations, pollution status, sources, controlling factors and ecological risks in these ecosystems. Here, for the first time, we analyzed 14 TEs (Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, Hg and Pb) and sediment properties (organic matter (OM) and pH) in sediments from four dam lakes (Erfelek, Derbent, Suat Ugurlu and Sarayduzu) in the Black Sea Region of Turkey, which are used for different purposes and located on the different rivers or streams with different pollution levels. The results indicated that Al, V, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Pb and Sb concentrations were lower in the Erfelek Dam Lake which has been used for drinking water supply, indicating that it is more protected than other dam lakes. However, Al, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu and Sb concentrations were higher in the Suat Ugurlu Dam Lake on the Yesilirmak River which is moderately polluted. According to sediment contamination indices, there was low contamination in the sediments of all dam lakes. Similarly, the assessment of ecological risk posed by TEs indicated low eclogical risk in the dam lakes. Sediment OM and pH were found to be important control factors affecting the distribution of TEs in the dam lakes sediments. Correlation and factor analyses suggested that all TEs in the sediments of dam lakes mainly originated from geogenic sources.

The objective of this paper was to stress the possible potential toxic element (PTE) accumulation in the surface sediments of the Cavuslu Stream (CS), as well as examining the source identification of whether or not any association between garbage disposal facility (GDF) and ecotoxicity or human health risk in Giresun, Turkey. The sediment specimens were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) followed by microwave digestion. The descending order of metals (mg/kg) in sediments were as follows: Fe (38,791 ± 3269) > Al (27,753 ± 4051) > Mn (730.90 ± 114.60) > Cr (233.39 ± 53.32) > V (176.40 ± 19.66) > Cu (85.22 ± 6.06) > Ni (72.87 ± 11.50) > Zn (46.45 ± 3.68) > Co (21.96 ± 3.33) > Pb (12.17 ± 1.97) > As (3.12 ± 1.45) > Sb (0.22 ± 0.06) > Cd (0.17 ± 0.02) > Hg (0.04 ± 0.01). Among these elements, certain metals (V, Cr, Cu, and Ni) in the sediments were above the average shale. Cr and Ni levels were above their corresponding threshold effect level (TEL) and probable effect level (PEL) values while Cu concentration exceeding its TEL, indicating that benthic organisms in the sediment of CS have likely toxic responses. Based on the results from contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), and geo-accumulation factor (Igeo) values of PTEs, the sediment was frequently classified into moderate contamination, moderate enrichment, and unpolluted to moderately polluted group. Pollution load index (PLI), integrated pollution index (IPI), and ecological risk index (Eri) indicated low pollution or low potential ecological risk. Toxicity risk index (TRI) and toxic unit analysis (TUs) suggested moderate toxicity. The outcomes of hazard quotient (HQ), total hazard index (THI), and lifetime cancer risk (LCR) stressed out that PTEs would not pose a significant health risk when adults are exposed to sediments in CS. However, a non-cancerogenic health risk for children was considered as the collective effect of 14 PTE (THI = 1.47 > 1). Multivariate statistical analysis (principal component analysis (PCA), Pearson’s correlation coefficient (PCC), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA)) outlined that the metallic accumulation in the sediments of CS was related to lithological, geological, and anthropogenic impacts. Therefore, the GDF is likely a major reason in terms of anthropogenic pollution in the sediments of the CS.

The Meriç River is one of the longest rivers of the Balkans and the Tunca River is the most significant tributary of the Meriç River. In the present study, the epipelic diatoms of the Meriç and Tunca Rivers were investigated and the water quality was evaluated from a physicochemical and biological perspective. Epipelic (EPP) diatoms were collected from the middlestream of the Meriç River (Edirne Province of Turkey) and from the downstream of the Tunca River (before emptying into the Meriç River) and certain physicochemical parameters including dissolved oxygen (DO), oxygen saturation (OS), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, turbidity, nitrate (NO3), nitrite (NO2), ammonium (NH4), phosphate (PO4), sulphate (SO4), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) were measured during the field studies. The Biological Diatom Index (IBD) was used to determine the trophic status of the Meriç and Tunca Rivers in terms of EPP diatoms, and Cluster Analysis (CA) was applied to the detected biological data in order to classify the identified diatom taxa in terms of their dominance in the system. According to the results of the physicochemical analysis, the Meriç and Tunca Rivers have I. – II. Class water quality in terms of dissolved oxygen, oxygen saturation, pH, EC, TDS, NO3, NH4, SO4 and COD parameters; and have III. – IV. Class water quality in terms of NO2 and PO4 parameters. 24 diatom species were recorded in the Meriç River by counting a total of 403 valves and a total of 19 diatom species were identified by counting a total of 409 diatom valves in the Tunca River. Cyclotella atomus Hustedt, Navicula gregaria Donkin, Nitzschia palea (Kützing) W.Smith and Nitzschia subacicularis Hustedt, were determined as the most dominant species in the Meriç River and Navicula erifuga Lange-Bertalot, Navicula gregaria Donkin and Navicula rostellata Kützing were recorded as the most dominant taxa in the Tunca River. According to the result of the IBD, the investigated rivers were found to be in a meso-eutrophic state and according to the results of CA, three statistical clusters were formed for both rivers, and were named as “dominant taxa”, “frequent taxa” and “rare taxa”.

Sakarya River with a length of 824 km is one of the most important lothic ecosystems of Turkey. Sariyar, Gokcekaya and Yenice Dams were constructed on the Sararya River for the purpose of electric ...

WOS: 000501486900048, The Meric River is located in the Thrace Region of Turkey, which has great importance in terms of agricultural potential and is known as "Rice Land". the Meric is also the longest river in the Balkans and is known to be exposed to intensive pollution by means of special agricultural pressure on the system. the aim of this study was to determine pesticide accumulation in water and sediment of the Meric River Basin. For this purpose, water and sediment samples were collected in spring (rainy) of 2017 from 24 stations selected on the basin and pesticide contents. A total of 174 different pesticide varieties were investigated in water and sediment samples using liquid chromatograph mass spectrometry LC/MS. According to detected data, the concentration of pesticide residues ranged from 30.4 ng/L (thiabendazole in Meric River) to 291,310 ng/L (carbendazim in Ergene River) for water samples, and from 12.4 ng/L (spiroxamine in Gala Leke) to 15,947 (carbendazim in Ergene River) for sediment samples. There was a clear dominance of the carbendazim in all the investigated aquatic habitats. It was also determined that pesticide concentrations detected in the Meric River Basin, especially in the Ergene River, were found to be at quite high levels and the system has Class III-IV water quality in terms of total pesticide accumulation., Trakya UniversityTrakya University; Trakya University, Commission of Scientific Research ProjectsTrakya University [2016/247], The authors would like to thank Trakya University for financial and technical support. This investigation was supported by project No. 2016/247 accepted by Trakya University, Commission of Scientific Research Projects.

Ergene River Basin is the most significant aquatic habitat for Thrace Region and also one of the most polluted watersheds in Turkey. The objectives of this study were to determine some essential-toxic element accumulations in drinking water of settlement areas located in Ergene River Basin and evaluated the water quality in terms of local public health. Drinking water samples were collected from 30 stations in dry (summer) season of 2018. Cluster Analysis (CA) was used to classify the investigated elements and villages and Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WAWQI) was used to assess the water quality. According to results of elemental CA, 11 statistically significant clusters were formed in terms of elemental densities and according to results of locational CA, 3 statistically significant clusters were formed in terms of drinking water qualities. According to results of WAWQI, the risk sequence of the elements in drinking water of the system as follows: Se > As > Mo > B > Ba > Cr > Pb > Mn > Ni > Cd > Cu. Although Ergene River Basin is known as a very contaminated freshwater ecosystem, it was determined that the groundwater of the basin has I. - II class water quality, in general. Selenium accumulations detected in almost all the investigated villages exceeded the drinking water limit of 10 ppb. Arsenic, boron and molybdenum accumulations detected in some villages exceeded the drinking water standards. Although concentrations of some elements in some locations were exceed the limit values and recorded as quite high levels, the majority of investigated element concentrations in drinking water of the basin have been found to be in the range of human consumption standards.

Ergene River Basin, which is known as a critically contaminated habitat, is located in the Thrace Part of the Marmara Region of Turkey. Altınyazı, Karaidemir, Kayalıköy, Kırklareli, Sultanköy and Süloğlu Dam Lakes are located in the Ergene River Basin in the Thrace Region, which has very large agricultural lands because of rich soil and many freshwater resources. They were constructed by DSİ (State Water Works) in order to provide irrigation and drinking water and flood protection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sediment quality of these artificial lentic ecosystems by investigating a total of 25 essential and toxic element accumulations and evaluate the ecological risks of toxic metals on the reservoirs by using Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI). Sediment samples were collected in the spring season (rainy) of 2018 from 15 stations and element concentrations were investigated by using an ICP-MS. According to the results of RI, cadmium, lead and arsenic were found to be the highest ecological risk factors for the basin reservoirs.

There are many reservoirs, ponds and lakes in the Meric-Ergene River Basin (Turkey), which is an intensive agricultural region. Since agrochemicals are extensively applied to the agricultural soils in the basin, these water bodies may be contaminated with toxic metal (loid)s (TMs). However, no study has been conducted to determine TM levels in the water bodies. In this study, levels of seven TMs (Cr, As, Cu, N, Zn, Cd and Pb) in surface water samples taken from 25 different stagnant water bodies (11 reservoirs, 12 ponds and 2 lakes) in the dry and wet seasons were measured and compared with water quality guidelines. In addition, spatial and seasonal variations, health risks, pollution status and possible sources of TMs were assessed. The mean As concentration of the lakes was significantly higher due to drainage water from paddy fields. The ponds had higher total mean TM concentration likely due to their low water volume. Surface runoff from rainfall caused the Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb and Cu concentrations to increase in the wet season. Only the mean As concentration of the lakes in the dry season was above the drinking water standards. Metal pollution indices showed low contamination of the water bodies in both seasons. Health risk indices indicated that As in the lakes in the dry season via ingestion exposure pathway may pose both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks to the residents. The results of factor and correlation analyses showed that among the studied TMs, only As originated from anthropogenic sources. The findings of this study revealed that agricultural activities caused As pollution in the lakes, while the reservoirs and ponds were not significantly affected by agricultural activities. We suggest that the levels of TMs in all water bodies should be measured at regular intervals to check the quality of surface water.

Ipsala district located in the northwest of Turkey is an intensive agricultural area, where paddy cultivation has been carried out for more than 50 years. The main source for drinking water in the area is groundwater. Since large amounts of agrochemicals are applied to the paddy fields, groundwater in the study area can be contaminated with toxic metal (loid)s (TMs). In this study, levels of eight TMs in the drinking water samples taken from the district and its 22 villages in the dry and wet seasons were measured and compared with drinking water quality guidelines. In addition, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks, and pollution status of TMs were assessed. The mean values of Cd, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, As and Cr in both seasons were below the drinking water limits. High clay content and low infiltration rate of the soils in the study area may have caused low TM concentrations. The TMs levels were higher in the wet season due to high rainfall intensity. Metal pollution indices indicated that groundwater quality is suitable for potable uses. All hazard quotient and hazard index results for children and adults in both seasons were lower than the acceptable risk level of 1. Carcinogenic risk results of As and Cr in both seasons were within or below the acceptable risk range. These findings revealed that the TMs in the drinking water would not pose health risks to the local residents.

Gala Lake is an internationally important lake due to its location on one of the world's most important bird migration routes. For this reason, water quality of the lake is of great concern. However, the lake surrounded by paddy fields may face eutrophication and toxic metal contamination due to excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides. In this study, impact of paddy fields on water quality of the Gala Lake was investigated. The concentrations of metal(loid)s and physico-chemical parameters in surface water samples taken from the lake were measured and compared with water quality guidelines. Also, human health risks and contamination status of metal(loid)s were assessed. The mean NO2, SRP and BOD concentrations in the lake exceeded the permissible levels for both salmonid and cyprinid waters. The mean BOD value indicated contaminated water quality in the lake, while mean COD and SRP values indicated lightly contaminated water quality. The mean As, Cr and Pb values in the winter exceeded the drinking water limits set by WHO and EC, while the mean Cr and Zn values exceeded the limit values for the protection of freshwater aquatic organisms set by USEPA. Similarly, heavy metal pollution index and the degree of contamination values in the winter indicated that the lake water is moderately polluted. Health risk assessment results revealed that As and Cr in the lake water via ingestion exposure pathway may pose both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks to the residents. The results of this study indicated that paddy fields are a major source of nutrients, organic matter and toxic metal(loid)s to the Gala Lake. To improve the water quality of the lake, we suggest that excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides should be controlled to reduce metal(loid) and nutrient loads from the paddy fields.

Thrace Region has a great agriculture and industry potential and Ergene River Basin is the prime watershed of this significant region. In the current research, water quality of lotic and lentic surface and groundwater resources of Ergene River Basin were evaluated by using some toxic element and health risk assessment indices. Samples were collected from sixty-six (21 of them lotic, 15 of them lentic and 30 of them groundwater) locations and nickel, chromium, arsenic, zinc, lead, copper and cadmium accumulations were read by using an ICP-MS. Heavy metal pollution index (HPI), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) and degree of contamination index (Cdeg) were applied to detected data. Also the toxic element concentrations in surface–groundwater were assessed in terms of public health by using some health risk assessment methods including hazard index (HI), hazard quotient (HQ) and cancer risk (CR). According to the results of applied indices, arsenic and chromium were recorded as the most dangerous toxicants among the investigated elements. While the lacustrine ecosystems were recorded as the least contaminated basin components, fluvial ecosystems, especially Corlu Stream and Ergene River, were recorded as the most polluted basin components. It was also recorded that arsenic contents in the drinking water of 50% of the investigated villages were found as a major risk factor for human health in terms of CR.

Emet River Basin is a worldwide significant mining area and contains the most important boron and chromium deposits of Turkey. In this study, water and sediment quality of Emet River Basin was evaluated using some toxic element risk assessment indices. Samples were collected seasonally from 8 locations and nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) accumulations in water and sediment were analysed using an ICP-OES. Water Quality Index (WQI), Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI) and Degree of Contamination Index (Cdeg) were applied to the data for assessing the water quality and Biological Risk Index (BRI), Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI), Geo-Accumulation Index (Igeo), Contamination Factor (CF) and Pollution Load Index (PLI) were applied to the data for assessing the sediment quality. According to the results of WQI, HPI, HEI and Cdeg, As and Cr were recorded as the most dangerous toxicants; according to the results of BRI, Igeo, CF and PLI, Cd, As and Pb were recorded as the most dangerous toxicants; and according to the results of PERI, Ni and Cr were recorded as the most dangerous toxicants among the investigated elements. The seasonal average values of applied ecological indices for the water of the basin ranged 71.41–888.29 for WQI, 85.97–915.76 for HPI, 4.04–49.80 for HEI and − 2.95–42.80 for Cdeg. The seasonal average values of applied ecological indices for the sediment of the basin ranged 33.72–130.56 for PERI, 0.14–0.93 for BRI, − 3.92–5.99 for Igeo and 0.45–1.20 for PLI. In addition to the intensive agricultural applications around the region, the geological structure of the watershed was considered as the main cause of the high heavy metal accumulations in basin waters and sediments. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature.

The surface water resources in the Meric-Ergene River Basin, especially Ergene River and Corlu Stream are among the most polluted rivers in Turkey. Despite the action plans for prevention and control of surface water pollution in the basin, the desired results have not been achieved. However, the implementation of a nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 might probably lead to an improvement in the surface water quality. We evaluated the impact of the lockdown on water quality by measuring the levels of physico-chemical variables and metal(loid)s in water samples taken from 25 sampling stations in the basin. BOD, COD, EC, turbidity, TSS and Mn levels did not show significant differences between the pre-lockdown and lockdown periods due to the ongoing domestic wastewater discharges and agricultural activities in the basin during the lockdown period. However, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, As, Pb and Cd concentrations decreased considerably during the lockdown. Similarly, heavy metal pollution index and heavy metal evaluation index values showed a significant improvement in water quality of almost all stations during the lockdown period. Also, total hazard index values for children and adults reduced by 67% and 69%, respectively during the lockdown period, while total carcinogenic risk values for As and Cr reduced by 60% and 94%, respectively. The limited operational status of most industrial facilities in the basin during the lockdown reduced the amount of industrial effluents, leading to significant improvement in surface water quality for metal(loid)s. The lockdown has shown that the solution for preservation and sustainability of natural water resources lies in our hands, and the efficient management of pollution sources can prevent surface water pollution at a very rapid pace. Finally, we suggest that water management policy needs to be improved and implemented.

Meriç Deltası Türkiye’nin Trakya bölgesinde yer alan dünya çapında öneme sahip sulak alanlardan biridir. Delta içinde yer alan Gala ve Sığırcı gölleri, biyo-çeşitlilik bakımından Türkiye’nin önemli göllerindendir. Bu çalışmada Sığırcı ve Gala göllerinden elde edilen altı balık türünün (Carassius gibelio, Carassius carassius, Scardinius erythrophthalmus, Cyprinus carpio, Sander lucioperca ve Perca fluviatilis) kaslarındaki toksik ve esansiyel element (Li, B, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Ag, Cd, Sb, Ba, Tl, ve Pb) konsantrasyonları tespit edilerek, bu elementlerin tüketimi ile ilişkili potansiyel insan sağlığı riskleri, yetişkinlerde “tahmini günlük tüketim (EDI)” dikkate alınarak değerlendirildi. Ayrıca, genel popülasyon için balık tüketim sıklığı dikkate alınarak, “hedef tehlike katsayısı (THQ)”, “tehlike indeksi (HI)” ve “kanserojen riski (CR)” değerleri belirlendi. Bu sonuçlara göre, tüm balık türlerin yenilebilir kaslarında Li, B, Cr, Co, Se, Tl, ve Pb için EDI değerleri genel olarak izin verilen günlük doz limitini aşmıştır. Ancak 1’in altında tespit edilen THQ ve HI değerleri kanserojen sağlık riskinin olmadığını göstermiştir. Ayrıca, As, Cr, Ni ve Pb için CR değerleri kabul edilebilir sınırlardadır. Sonuçlar, Sığırcı ve Gala göllerindeki balıkların kaslarındaki toksik element konsantrasyonlarının tüketiciler için önemli bir sağlık riski oluşturmadığını ortaya koymuştur., Meriç Delta is in the Thrace region of Turkey and it is one of the wetlands of worldwide importance. Sığırcı and Gala lakes are in the delta and they are two of Turkey's most important wetland in terms of biodiversity. In this study, toxic and essential element concentrations(Li, B, Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Ag, Cd, Sb, Ba, Tl, and Pb) in the muscles of six fish species (Carassius gibelio, Carassius carassius, Scardinius erythrophthalmus, Cyprinus carpio, Sander lucioperca, and Perca fluviatilis) obtained from Sığırcı and Gala lakes were determined and potential human health risks associated with the consumption of these elements were evaluated by calculating “estimated daily intake (EDI) in adults. In addition, considering the frequency of fish consumption for the general population, "target hazard quotient (THQ)", "hazard index (HI)" and "carcinogen risk (CR)" values were determined. According to these results, EDI values for Li, B, Cr, Co, Se, Tl, and Pb in all edible muscles of all fish species generally exceeded the allowable daily dose limit. However, THQ and HI values below 1 showed that there was no carcinogenic health risk. Also, CR values for As, Cr, Ni and Pb are within acceptable limits. The results revealed that the toxic element concentrations in the muscles of the fish in Sığırcı and Gala lakes do not pose a significant health risk for consumers.

In this research, water quality of groundwater of some villages located in Edirne Province of Turkey were evaluated by using Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index (WAWQI). Groundwater samples were collected from ten villages in winter season of 2019. Thirteen parameters including total dissolved solids – TDS, oxygen saturation – OS, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen – DO, turbidity, nitrate – NO3, electrical conductivity – EC, nitrite – NO2, sulphate – SO4, oxidation – reduction potential – ORP, phosphate – PO4 and chemical oxygen demand – COD were measured in groundwater samples. According to detected data, groundwater of the region has 1. Class quality for dissolved oxygen, pH, nitrite, sulphate and COD parameters in general and has 2. Class quality for oxygen saturation, EC, nitrate and phosphate parameters in general. It was also determined that any investigated water quality parameter has not exceeded the drinking water standards. As a result of WAWQI, the values of overall WAWQI were recorded within the permissible limits (

In the current research, water quality of Meriç River Delta was evaluated using some toxic element risk assessment indices. Samples were collected from 24 locations and nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) accumulations in delta components were read using an ICP-MS. Water quality index (WQI), heavy metal pollution index (HPI), heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) and degree of contamination index (Cdeg) were applied to detected data for assessing the water quality. Also, the toxic element concentrations in water were assessed in terms of public health using some health risk assessment methods including hazard index (HI), hazard quotient (HQ) and cancer risk (CR). According to the results of WQI, HPI, HEI and Cdeg, Ni and As were recorded as most dangerous toxicants among the investigated elements and Gala Lake was recorded as most effected delta component. According to the results HQs and CR, As was recorded as the most dangerous toxicant among the investigated elements and Gala Lake and Ergene River were recorded as the most effected delta components. This investigation has been supported by the project numbered as 2016/247 accepted by Trakya University, Commission of Scientific Research Projects.

Meric River Delta is located in the Thrace Region of Turkey, and it is one of the most important wetlands worldwide. Gala and Sigirci Lakes, which are known as significant lakes in Turkey in terms of especial biodiversity, are located in the Meric River Delta and they are the main lentic factors of the system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the essential and toxic element bioaccumulation levels in fishes of Gala and Sigirci Lakes from a statistical perspective by investigating a total of 25 macro- and micro-element bioaccumulations. One-Way ANOVA Test (OWAT) was applied to detected data in order to determine the statistical differences of element bioaccumulations among the fish species. Cluster analysis (CA) was also applied to detected data in order to classify the investigated elements in terms of bioaccumulation levels in fish tissues. According to the results of OWAT, although statistical differences were not recorded among the fish species in terms of essential element levels, significant statistical differences were recorded in terms of toxic element levels (P

Bu çalışmada Eskişehir ilinde bulunan altı göletin (Keskin, Çukurhisar, Borabey Kanlıpınar, Sarısungur ve Yukarıkartal) yüzeysel su kaliteleri, bazı fizyokimyasal parametreler açısından (bulanıklık, nitrat, fosfat, fekal koliform, askıda katı madde, biyolojik oksijen ihtiyacı, sıcaklık, pH, oksijen saturasyonu ve çözünmüş oksijen) tespit edilmiştir. Yüzey suyu örnekleri, Eskişehir'deki 6 göletten mevsimsel olarak (2013 – 2014) toplanmıştır ve elde edilen veriler Su Kirliliği Kontrol Yönetmeliği'ne göre değerlendirilmiştir In this study, surface water quality of 6 ponds (Keskin, Çukurhisar, Borabey Kanlıpınar, Sarısungur and Yukarıkartal) located in Eskişehir were evaluated by determining some physiochemical parameters (turbidity, nitrate, phosphate, fecal coliform, suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, temperature, pH, oxygen saturation and dissolved oxygen). The surface water samples were collected seasonally (2013 – 2014) from six ponds in Eskişehir and the detected data were evaluated according to the Water Pollution Control Regulations in Turkey.

Many indices have been developed to evaluate the environmental risks of toxic elements in sediments.Potential Ecological Risk Index and Biological Risk Index are two of the most widely used sediment indices usedto evaluate the environmental risks. Seydisuyu Stream that is one of the most important branches of Sakarya Riveris located on the Eskişehir Province and exposed to an intensive agricultural, domestic and industrial pollution.The aim of the present study is to evaluate the sediment quality of Seydisuyu Stream Basin by using PotentialEcological Risk Index and Biological Risk Index. For this purpose, sediment samples were collected in summerseason of 2012 from 15 stations selected on Seydisuyu Stream Basin (2 of them from the Kunduzlar Dam Lake and3 of them from the Çatören Dam Lake) and some toxic element accumulations (arsenic, chromium, copper, lead,zinc, cadmium and nickel) in sediment samples were investigated. The Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) andBiological Risk Index (BRI) applied to the results to assess the environmental risks of heavy metals in the region.According to the results of PERI, chromium and cadmium, and according to the results of BRI, chromium, nickeland lead are the most risky elements for the Seydisuyu Stream Basin., Sedimette birikim gösteren toksik metallerin çevresel risklerini değerlendirmek için birçok indekslergeliştirilmiştir. Potansiyel Ekolojik Risk İndeksi ve Biyolojik Risk İndeksi çevresel riskleri değerlendirmek içinkullanılan en yaygın sediment indekslerinden ikisidir. Eskişehir’de yer alan ve Sakarya Nehri’nin en önemlikollarından olan Seydisuyu Çayı, yoğun bir tarımsal, evsel ve endüstriyel kirliliğe maruz kalmaktadır. Bu çalışmanınamacı, Potansiyel Ekolojik Risk İndeksi ve Biyolojik Risk İndeksi kullanılarak, Seydisuyu Çayı Havzası’nınsediment kalitesinin değerlendirilmesidir. Bu amaçla, 2012 yılının yaz mevsiminde, havza üzerinde belirlenen 15istasyondan (2 istasyon Kunduzlar Baraj Gölü’nden ve 3 istasyon Çatören Baraj Gölü’nden) sediment örneklerialınmış ve bazı toksik element içerikleri tespit edilmiştir (arsenik, krom, bakır, kurşun, çinko, kadmiyum ve nikel).Bölgede ağır metallerin çevresel riskleri değerlendirmek için elde edilen veriler kullanılarak, Potansiyel EkolojikRisk İndeksi (PERİ) ve Biyolojik Risk İndeksi (BRİ) hesaplanmıştır. Elde edilen PERİ verilerine göre, krom vekadmiyum, elde edilen BRİ verilerine göre ise, krom, nikel ve kurşun, Seydisuyu Çayı Havzası için en riskli ağırmetaller olarak tespit edilmiştir

Gala Lake National Park that has an international importance is one of the most important wetland ecosystems for Turkey. As same as many aquatic habitats, Gala Lake is under a significant anthropogenic pressure originated from agricultural activities conducted around the lake and from industrial discharges by means of Ergene River. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sediment quality of Gala Lake and Irrigation Canal by investigating some toxic element accumulations (As, B, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu) from a statistical perspective. Pearson Correlation Index (PCI) and Factor Analysis (FA) were applied to detected data in order to determine the associated contaminants and effective factors on the system. Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI) and Biological Risk Index based sediment quality guidelines (mERM-Q) applied to detected data in order to assess the ecological and biological risks of heavy metals in the ecosystem. Also Geographic Information System (GIS) technology was used to make visual explanations by presenting distribution maps of investigated elements. According to the results of PCI, significant positive correlations were recorded among the investigated toxic elements at 0.01 significance level. According to the results of FA, two factors, which were named as “Agricultural Factor” and “Industrial Factor”, explained 86.6% of the total variance. According to the results of Potential Ecological Risk Index, cadmium was found to be the highest risk factor and according to results of Biological Risk Index, nickel and chromium were found to be the highest risk factors for Gala Lake and Irrigation Canal. As a result of the present study, it was also determined that heavy metal contents in sediments of Gala Lake National Park reached to critical levels and the system is intensively under effect of agricultural and industrial originated pollution.

Ergene River Basin is located in the north–west part of Marmara Region of Turkey. There are many industrial enterprises on its basin and as well as the majority of these facilities are located on the upstream of the basin. Therefore, Ergene River is one of the rare river ecosystems that are contaminated almost from the source area. The aim of this investigation was to assess the sediment contamination of Ergene River Basin including Meric and Ergene Rivers and 10 significant tributaries of the system by investigating total of 25 macro- and micro-element concentrations. Sediments were sampled in spring season (rainy) of 2018 from 21 stations and element accumulations were investigated by using an ICP-MS. The investigated macro- and micro-elements in terms of concentration levels in abiotic components of the basin and the investigated basin components in terms of sediment quality characteristics were classified by using cluster analysis (CA). Biological Risk Index (mERM-Q) and Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI) were also applied to detected data to make an assessment of biological and ecological risks of toxic elements on the system. As a result of elemental CA, four statistically significant clusters were formed, which were named as “most intense elements”, “moderate intense elements”, “moderate rare elements”, and “rarest elements”. As a result of locational CA, three statistically significant clusters were formed, which were named as “low contaminated zone”, “moderate contaminated zone”, and “high contaminated zone”. As a result of mERM-Q, chromium was determined as the most risky element, and as a result of RI, cadmium was determined as the most risky element for the sediments of Ergene River Basin.

WOS: 000461800200098, Statistical applications have been used to evaluate ecosystem quality in recent years. Factor analysis (FA) is a powerful multivariate statistical technique widely used to evaluate environmental pollution. Seydisuyu Stream Basin is located in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey and it is one of the most important branches of the Sakarya River. There is a globally important boron mine on the basin and the system is exposed to intensive agricultural, domestic, and industrial pollution. The aim of this study is to evaluate the sediment quality of Seydisuyu Stream Basin using FA. For this purpose, some micro and macro element accumulations including Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, B, Pb, Fe, K, Mn, and Mg in sediment were investigated by collected samples on the basin from 15 stations (including 3 from Catoren Dam Lake and 2 from the Kunduzlar Dam Lake) in summer 2012. According to FA results, three factors explained 90.95% of the total variance. The first factor (F1), the "urban-industrial factor," explained 47% of total variance; the second factor (F2), the "agricultural factor," explained 28.31% of total variance; and the third factor (F3), named the "geological-mining factor," explained 15.63% of total variance., Anadolu University, Turkey; Anadolu University, Commission of Scientific Research Projects [1101F011], The authors would like to thank Anadolu University, Turkey for its financial and technical support. This investigation also has been supported by project No. 1101F011 as accepted by Anadolu University, Commission of Scientific Research Projects.

CBU International Conference on Innovations in Science and Education (CBUIC) -- MAR 23-25, 2016 -- -- Prague, CZECH REPUBLIC, WOS: 000392271000120, The Meric River, the longest river of the Balkans, is the most important aquatic ecosystem within the Thrace Region of Turkey, along with its main tributaries, the Tunca and Ergene Rivers. In this study, the sediment quality of Meric, Tunca, and Ergene Rivers was evaluated by using the Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI) and the Biological Risk Index (mERM-Q), both widely used methods in sediment quality assessment studies, to assess the ecological and biological risks of heavy metals within the river ecosystems. According to the results of the Biological Risk Index, nickel and chromium displayed the highest risk factors, and in terms of the Potential Ecological Risk Index, cadmium yielded the highest risk factor across all the investigated lotic ecosystems., Central Bohemia Univ, Unicorn College

Meriç Nehri Deltası,ülkemizin Trakya Bölgesi’nin en önemli sucul ekosistemidir vehavzada yürütülen yoğun tarımsal faaliyetlerden ve özellikle Ergene Nehri'nden kaynaklanan önemli derecede organik ve inorganik kirliliğe maruz kalmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, sistemin en önemli biyotik öğeleri olan balıkların içerdiği ağır metal seviyelerinin belirlenmesi ve değerlendirilmesidir Bu amaç için, Gala Gölü ve Meriç Nehri’nden yakalanan Cyprinus carpio, Silurus glanis, Scardinius erythrophthalmus, Esox lucius, Carassius gibelio, Perca fluviatilis, Sander lucioperca, Squalius orpheus balık türlerinin kas, solungaç ve karaciğer dokularında kadmiyum, kurşun, arsenik, bor, krom, nikel, çinko ve bakır biyoakümülasyonlarının tespit edilmiş ve elde edilen sonuçlar balık ve insan sağlığı açısından değerlendirilmiştir. Çalışmamız sonucunda elde edilen verilere göre, Gala Gölü ve Meriç Nehri balıklarının kas, solungaç ve karaciğer dokularında tespit edilen toksik element biyoakümülasyonlarının oldukça yüksek olduğu ve genel olarak kas dokularında tespit edilen kadmiyum, kurşun, nikel ve krom seviyelerinin insani tüketim sınırlarının oldukça üzerinde olduğu tespit edilmiştir.