Investigation of Some Physico-chemical Properties of Köyceğiz, Bafa and Limni Lakes (Muğla-Turkey)

Abstract

Lakes are among the most important wetland ecosystems. Lakes which are important ecologically are special ecosystems and havemany significant roles such as arranging water regime of the region, enabling characteristic plant and animal groups to live and forming a great source economically, culturally, scientifically and recreationally. In addition, the lake as a resource for various humanactivities (fishing, recreation and tourism, power generation, waste water emissions et al.,) and as a shelter for nature has to beadequately managed and exploited according to the approved regulations.Muğla Province, located between 36°17' and 37°33` Northern latitude and 27°13`and 29°46` Eastern longitude, has 13 328 $km^2$surface area and a very rough terrain. The province is located in the basins of Büyük Menderes, Dalaman and Eşen Rivers andsurrounded by the Mediterranean Sea in the South and the Aegean Sea in the West. Muğla Province is rich in terms of fresh waterresources with major water resources in the province being the Eşencay and Dalaman Rivers, Bafa Lake, Güllük Lagoon andKöyceğiz Lake.This study was carried out between June 2011 and May 2012 in these important lakes; Köyceğiz, Bafa and Limni Lake. Thesestations, selected these lakes were investigated for water quality aspects. In total 15 stations points were water sampled on these lakes.Water temperature, pH and electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen were measured on site by using YSI 556 MPS multi-probeinstrument. Samples taken from the site were measured in terms of ortho-phosphate, nitrite nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen and ammoniumnitrogen in the Basis Sciences Laboratory of Fishering Faculty in Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University.Water samples, taken from these stations were studied for physico-chemical evidences. Results of the study were determined as: watertemperature (11.43-28.62 ?C), pH (6.03-8.90), electrical conductivity (403.6-2124 $µScm^{-1}$), dissolved oxygen (1.73-11.42 $mgL^{-1}$),nitrite nitrogen (BDL-0.12 $mgL^{-1}$), nitrate nitrogen (BDL-25.85 $mgL^{-1}$), ammonia nitrogen (BDL-1.64 $mgL^{-1}$) and ortho-phosphate(BDL-1.24 $mgL^{-1}$). Physico-chemical data were evaluated in accordance with the Legislation of Water Pollution Control. As aconclusion of this study the pollution in these lakes were seen to be mostly influenced by a combination of anthropogenic factors,agricultural pollutants, tourism activities, domestic waste and sewage water.