Determination of Heavy Metal Pollution Caused by Wastewater of Milk Products Factory, Paint Factory and Textile Factory in Erkenez Stream (Kahramanmaraş)

Abstract

Industries, as a source of pollution, have a considerable impact on aquatic ecosystems due to the diversity in the composition of their wastewater. In this study, it is aimed to determine the heavy metal pollution caused by the wastewater of milk products factory, paint factory and textile factory in the Organized Industrial Zone of Kahramanmaraş province. For this purpose, seasonal concentrations of some heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cd, As and Hg) have been determined in wastewaters of milk products factory, paint factory and textile factory and in the region where these wastewaters discharge in the Erkenez Stream. The seasonal variation of heavy metals in all stations, generally the lowest concentrations of all elements were determined in winter and the highest concentrations were determined in summer. When the heavy metal contents of milk products factory, paint factory and textile factory wastewaters were compared, the highest values were found in textile factory wastewater. When all stations are taken into consideration, according to USEPA and water quality criteria, it is determined that the wastewaters of milk products factory, paint factory and textile factory and the area of the Erkenez Stream, where these wastewaters are discharged, were very dirty in term of heavy metals. When these results are taken into consideration, it is clear that the wastewater of these factories causes serious heavy metal pollution in the Erkenez Stream.