The assessment of heavy metal contamination in the waters of the Nilufer Stream in Bursa

Abstract

This study was conducted from 2002 through 2007 with no studies in 2004, to evaluate 8 metal contaminants (As(total), Cd, Cr (total), Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) of the Nilufer Stream, where intensive industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural activities take place. The results were then compared with national and international water quality guidelines. The effect of the wastewater treatment facilities that were established during the measurement period on water quality was also taken into account. It was determined that the Nilufer Stream water quality along the basin has declined rapidly year to year. Intensive wastewater discharge causes a waste dominating flow in the stream and has caused the water quality to steadily decline over time. The total chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb) levels in the basin outlet of the Nilufer Stream water were evaluated as "high polluted water" according to the national standards in the classification of the quality of the surface water. The mean metal concentrations in the Nilufer stream water are generally higher than the international guidelines. As a result, metal contaminant pollution of the Nilufer Stream was found to be connected to human activities in its catchments.