Influence of Current Environmental Pressures on Ecosystem of Dil Stream Basin

Abstract

Dil Stream Basin holds, unplanned settlement areas, dense population, uncontrolled agriculture and livestock areas, organized industrial zones, waste water treatment facilities, uncontrolled and controlled landfill areas, quarries beside historical wealth, nature park, efficient water resources together. Therefore, it has a complex structure. This complex structure still bears the traces of a clean and natural environment in some parts. This can be considered as a proof of how clean and natural environment gradually left its place to a dirty and destroyed environment as a result of human activities. Dil Stream Basin, which has strategic importance in many aspects, has been divided into 7 sub-basins for the first time with this study. Firstly, surface water chemistry and then land data were studied in detail. Geomorphological conditions, land use, topographical changes and positive and negative effects of these changes have been examined. The analysis and evaluation methods have been applied using Geographical Information Systems. As a result of the field studies carried out, it was observed that the natural structure of the basin was degraded due to the change in geomorphological conditions, settlement, transportation, unplanned land use, especially in the south and west parts of the Dil Stream Basin. Biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), conductivity (EC), nitrate (NO3), total organic carbon (TOC) and some major and trace elements were analyzed in surface waters to determine the water quality of Dil Stream Basin. The data obtained were compared with the water quality limit values given in the Regulation on Amendments of the Surface Water Quality Regulation. According to the obtained results there are negative changes in Adatepe, Kocakaya, Tembelova and Pelitli Sub-basins, where industrial enterprises are located, compared to other sub-basins.