Evaluation of heavy metal contents, polyaromatic petroleum hydrocarbons and some inorganic pollutants in the south Marmara Rivers, Turkey

Abstract

Nilufer River is the main receiving body of water for the industrial and domestic wastes of 1.000.000 populated Bursa metropolitan area and it combines with Kocasu River before entering the sea at the south Marmara region, Turkey. Variations in concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, CI, SO4, PO4, NH4, NO3, NO2, BOD5, COD, polyaromatic petroleum hydrocarbons (PAH), pH and some heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Cr, Zn, Pb) were seasonally determined in 1991-94 period. The results showed that these rivers are included in the heavily polluted class of waters.