Title: An investigation into heavy metal variations in surface water sources of some villages around Kocaeli-Golcuk, Turkey

Authors: Funda Dokmen, Cengiz Kurtulus, Hasan Endes

Addresses: Kocaeli University, Ihsaniye Agricultural School, Ihsaniye-Izmit/Kocaeli, Turkey. Kocaeli University, Faculty of Engineering, Vinsan, Izmit/Kocaeli, Turkey. Kocaeli University, Faculty of Engineering, Vinsan, Izmit/Kocaeli, Turkey

Abstract: Natural spring resources, other fresh water and used water related to natural springs have an important influence in Turkey and elsewhere. The value of water resources can be affected by pollution of the water by organic, inorganic, heavy metal, radioactive and biological substances. The rapid increase in pollution in Golcuk, a town of Kocaeli in the Marmara Region, and its surrounding area, is likely to create a problem for providing water needs in the future. The object of the research reported is to determine the heavy metal concentrations of the water supply. The investigation was carried out at eight surface water sources in Golcuk town and its surroundings. The water samples were collected from these sources each month in order to analyse for the following heavy metals Cr6, Cd, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cu, F^-;, Fe, total cyanide (TCN). The pH of each sample was also measured. This work was conducted between 1996-1997. The variations in parameters with time, season, rainfall and environment have been observed during this period. The temperature of the water samples was measured at their sources, and their colours and transparencies were observed either in situ or by laboratory analysis. The parameters have been evaluated according to national standards. The results show that no changes were observed in the levels of Cr+6, Cd, Pb, Zn, F^-;, Fe, T.CN in a year but some changes were observed in levels of Ni, Cu and pH. All of the springs were interpreted according to the national standard for water springs and are discussed in terms of drinkable, usable and irrigation water.

Keywords: water pollution; water quality; spring water; heavy metals; water quality standards.

DOI: 10.1504/IJW.2002.003192

International Journal of Water, 2002 Vol.2 No.2/3, pp.162-172

Published online: 15 Jul 2003 *

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