Investigation of Groundwater Pollution in a Protected Area in Turkey, The Göksu Delta

Göksu Delta is an important wetland where the Göksu River reaches the sea in the eastern part of the town of Taşucu-İçe1, Turkey. The delta is classified as a Wetland of International Importance according to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. Pollutants affect the surface and groundwater quality negatively. The intensively used fertilizers and pesticides contain not only N and P compounds, but also some heavy metals. The content of all pollutants were determined during four different seasons between 2006 and 2008, and with these data a Geographic Information System (GIS) was constructed by using Map Info. The queries and thematic maps show the polluted wells and aquifer locations. From the photometric heavy metal analyses, it is inferred that the excess concentration of Fe, Ni, Mn, Mo and Cu at some locations is the cause of undesirable drinking water quality. The source of excess concentrations of various heavy metals is attributed to agricultural activities and fertilizers in the area.