Exploration of Anionic Detergent Pollution in Sırakaraağaçlar Creek (Sinop-Black Sea Region)

Abstract

The study was carried out between May 2014 and April 2015 with the aim of determining the anionic detergent pollution and some physico-chemical properties ï›PH, temperature, conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), total hardness (TH), chemical oxygen demand (COD), PO4-3-P, total nitrogen (TN)] of the Sırakaraağaçlar creek in Sinop. According to the results of one year measurement, it was established that the minimum and maximum values of the anionic detergent concentration vary between 0.02 and 0.98 mg/l, respectively. The results were classified according to Turkey‘s Water Quality Management Regulation criteria (2008 and 2016). Sırakaraağaç creek water has been determined high quality water and slightly dirty water (class I and II) acording to the pH, temperature and phosphorus concentrations. It was found to be high quality water in terms of total nitrogen and COD parameters. Additionally, creek water is equivalent to polluted water (class II and III) according to anionic detergent concentration and DO values. High anionic detergent and low oxygen content can pose a hazard to sensitive aquatic organisms. Thus, the creek is especially under pressure in terms of anionic detergent and DO. Results of this study showed that the sources of pollution threatening the creek may be primarily the environmental factors that include human and agricultural activities.