Assessment of nitrate contamination in a transnational groundwater basin: a case study in the Ceylanpinar Plain, Turkey


SELEK Z., DEMİR YETİŞ A.

ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES, cilt.76, sa.20, 2017 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 76 Sayı: 20
  • Basım Tarihi: 2017
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s12665-017-7044-4
  • Dergi Adı: ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Groundwater, Water quality, Nitrate pollution, GIS, Ceylanpinar Plain, HARRAN PLAIN, GAP PROJECT, IRRIGATION, QUALITY
  • Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır

Özet

A study was undertaken to determine seasonal variations in nitrate concentrations in a transnational groundwater resource beneath the Ceylanpinar Plain near the border between Turkey and Syria. Spatial distribution maps of nitrate pollution for groundwater in the study area were created using a geographical information system (GIS), and the potential for contamination in the entire plain was determined. Seasonal variations of nitrate concentrations in groundwater were assessed by sampling during spring, summer, autumn, and winter in the period April 2012 to January 2013. The groundwater samples were analyzed for nitrate (NO3). The results obtained were evaluated using a number of national and international standards and classifications. Seasonal average concentration distribution maps were established for nitrate to determine the extent and severity of contamination by this parameter in groundwater in the region. The monitoring indicated that nitrate concentrations in only two wells exceeded the recommended drinking water limit and that groundwater beneath the basin is currently suitable for irrigation.