Title: Boron pollution due to geothermal wastewater discharge into the Buyuk Menderes river, Turkey

Authors: Z. Demirel, N. Yildirim

Addresses: Environmental Engineering Department, Engineering Faculty, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey. ' General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration, Ankara, Turkey ' '

Abstract: Kizildere, which is the only commercial geothermal power plant in Turkey and located in Buyuk Menderes Graben in south-west Turkey, discharges annually 6 million tonnes of wastewater into the Buyuk Menderes river, creating environmental pollution. Currently, the wastewater, which includes up to 24 mg/l boron, is discharged into the river at a rate of 750–1500 tonnes per hour. The temperature of the wastewater is approximately 1401°C. The water quality of Buyuk Menderes river is very important for the environment and aquatic life. Reinjection seems to be the only possible solution to this environmental problem.

Keywords: boron pollution; geothermal wastewater; Kizildere geothermal field; Menderes river; Turkey.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2002.003741

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2002 Vol.18 No.6, pp.602 - 608

Published online: 22 Dec 2003 *

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