Assessment of Sediment and Water Quality in Terms of Heavy Metals, In Lake Bafa

The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of heavy metals in water and sediment environments from various pollution sources threatening Lake Bafa and to develop solutions to assess ecological sustainability in the lake for heavy metal contamination. To determine concentrations of probable heavy metal species polluting the water environment of Lake Bafa, samples, were taken during 12 months from the surface and bottom, at 4 selected sampling points and from the entrance and exit channels of the lake, monthly. To determine the accumulation of heavy metals in the sediment environment, samples were taken seasonally, 4 times, at the stations where the water samples were taken. The heavy metal species expected to cause pollution in the water and sediment samples were defined as Al, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. It was determined that the heavy metal concentrations in the entrance channel, contained more heavy metal concentrations than the exit channel, and the difference was kept in the sediment environment in the lake. Heavy metals affecting Lake Bafa at the highest pollution level are gradable as Ni, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Fe. Concentrations determined in some water and sediment environments have exceeded certain accepted pollution criterion levels