Assessment of metal concentrations and physicochemical parameters in the waters of Lake Tecer

Abstract

Aim of the study: The objectives of this study are to observe the monthly and annual changes in water
samples using physical–chemical methods in order to determine the water quality properties, to reveal
pollution problems, to determine the suitability of water quality for aquatic life and to classify the quality
of water in accordance with the Surface Water Quality Management Regulation’s Inland Surface Water
Classes criteria.
Area of the study: Lake Tecer is located in the southeastern area of Sivas city and at the end of Brook
Tecer, a branch of the Kızılırmak. The lake has a mean depth of 2.4 m and is fed by surface waters and
snowmelt.
Material and methods: The study period was from March 2011 to February 2012. Samples analysed
for several chemical and physical parameters representing water quality were collected monthly over a
period of 12 months.
Main results: It was observed that the condition of the lake in terms of water quality is good.
According to the Classification of the Intra-Continental Water Resources in the WPCR, the lake shows
Class I, II and III water quality characteristics.
Research highlights: In order to protect the water quality of this water source, to reduce further
pollution and to sustain the natural ecological balance consisting of natural fish stocks and other aquatic
animals, this lake should be monitored continuousl

Full text

Kastamonu Uni., Orman Fakültesi Dergisi, 2018, 18 (1): 1-10 Research Article
Kastamonu Univ., Journal of Forestry Faculty
Doi: 10.17475/kastorman.302185
1
Assessment of metal concentrations and physicochemical parameters
in the waters of Lake Tecer
Ekrem MUTLU1*, Banu KUTLU2, Tuğba DEMİR3, Telat YANIK4
1Kastamonu University, Faculty of Fisheries, Kastamonu, 37150, TURKEY
2Munzur University, Faculty of Fisheries, Tunceli, 62000, TURKEY
3Cumhuriyet University, Hafik Kamer Örnek Vocational School, Sivas, 58760, TURKEY
4Atatürk University, Faculty of Fisheries, Erzurum, 25030, TURKEY
*Corresponding author: emutlu@kastamonu.edu.tr
Received Date: 29.03.2017 Accepted Date: 26.05.2017
Abstract
Aim of the study: The objectives of this study are to observe the monthly and annual changes in water
samples using physical–chemical methods in order to determine the water quality properties, to reveal
pollution problems, to determine the suitability of water quality for aquatic life and to classify the quality
of water in accordance with the Surface Water Quality Management Regulation’s Inland Surface Water
Classes criteria.
Area of the study: Lake Tecer is located in the southeastern area of Sivas city and at the end of Brook
Tecer, a branch of the Kızılırmak. The lake has a mean depth of 2.4 m and is fed by surface waters and
snowmelt.
Material and methods: The study period was from March 2011 to February 2012. Samples analysed
for several chemical and physical parameters representing water quality were collected monthly over a
period of 12 months.
Main results: It was observed that the condition of the lake in terms of water quality is good.
According to the Classification of the Intra-Continental Water Resources in the WPCR, the lake shows
Class I, II and III water quality characteristics.
Research highlights: In order to protect the water quality of this water source, to reduce further
pollution and to sustain the natural ecological balance consisting of natural fish stocks and other aquatic
animals, this lake should be monitored continuously.
Keywords: Metal Concentration, Water Quality, Wetland Area, Water Pollution
Tecer Gölü’nün metal konsantrasyonu ve fizyokimyasal
parametrelerinin belirlenmesi
Özet
Çalışmanın amacı: Bir yıl boyunca, gölün bütününü temsil eden üç istasyondan aylık olarak alınan su
numunelerinde aylık ve mevsimsel fiziko- kimyasal değişiklerinin izlenerek, su kalitesi özelliklerinin
belirlenmesi, kirlilik sorunlarının ortaya çıkartılması, sucul yaşam açısından uygunluk düzeyinin
belirlenmesi ve sınıflandırılmasıdır. Ayrıca Yüzeysel Su Kalitesi Yönetim Yönetmeliği Yüzey Su
Sınıfları kriterlerine göre suyun kalitesinin belirlenmesidir.
Çalışma alanı : Sivas'ın güneydoğusunda bulunan ve Kızılırmak'ın bir kolu olan Tecer ırmağınınca
beslenen, 2.4 m derinliğe sahip olup yüzey suları ve kar suları ile beslenen bir göldür
Materyal ve Yöntem: Bu çalışma Mart 2011- Şubat 2012 tarihleri arasında 1. yıl boyunca gölün
bütününü temsil eden üç noktadan aylık olarak alınan su örneklerinin bazı kimyasal ve fiziksel
parametrelerin analiz edilmesiyle gerçekleştirilmiştir.
Sonuçlar: Tecer Gölün su kalitesi açısından iyi durumda olduğu belirlenmiştir. Yüzeysel Su Kalitesi
Yönetim Yönetmeliğinin Kıta İçindeki Su Kaynakları Sınıflamasına göre göl I –III sınıf su kalitesi
özellikleri göstermektedir.
Araştırma vurguları: Ulusal Öneme Sahip Sulak Alan sözleşmesi kapsamında koruma altına alınan
Tecer Gölünün daha fazla kirlenmemesi, mevcut su kalitesinin korunması ve doğal balık stokları ve sucul
canlılardan oluşan doğal ekolojik dengenin sürdürülebilir olması için bu göl periyodik olarak izlenmelidir
Anahtar kelimeler: Metal yoğunluğu, Su kalitesi, Sulak Alanlar, Su kirliliği
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons
Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International
License.

Kastamonu Uni., Orman Fakültesi Dergisi, 2018, 18 (1): 1-10 Mutlu et al.
Kastamonu Univ., Journal of Forestry Faculty
2
Introduction
Since water plays a very important role
both for the future of human life and for the
continuity of other organismal life forms on
Earth, studies focussing on pollution and
water quality are common these days. Even
though ¾ of Earth’s surface is covered with
water, the level of freshwater suitable for use
by human beings is very limited. Further,
despite 2.5% of the total amount of water on
Earth being freshwater, only 0.3% consists of
freshwater resources that are suitable for use
by humans. The remaining portion of
freshwater exists in glaciers at the poles and
in high mountains, and in underground water
reserves (Mahanda et al., 2010). For these
reasons, freshwater resources are natural
resources that should be very carefully and
consciously protected. Determining and
protecting the ecological status of natural
freshwater resources and improving the poor
conditions in the remaining waters are very
important (EEA, 2006).
Freshwater is a limited resource necessary
for agriculture, industry, aquaculture and
human needs. In case of any deficiency in the
required quality and amount of freshwater,
the sustainability of life becomes impossible.
Lakes, ponds, dams and rivers are most
sensitive to pollution, and these ecosystems
happen to be affected at the highest level.
Leakage of wastes, originating from
domestic, industrial, agricultural and tourist
activities, into surface waters without a
sufficient level of treatment causes water
pollution. It is therefore necessary to
regularly examine the water quality and
pollution levels of lakes, ponds and dams
(Taş, 2006).
The decrease or increase in some of the
physicochemical parameters of lakes, ponds
and dams, and the extremely high or low
level of reproduction of certain aquatic
species deteriorate the balance in the aquatic
environment and reduce the water quality
(Mutlu and Uncumusaoğlu, 2017).
In our country, the most important water
supply for table, usage and irrigation water
comes from lakes, ponds and dams. These
lakes and ponds are generally located in the
central regions of Anatolia, influenced by a
continental climate, and are near residential
areas. They are exposed to high evaporation
rates because of higher temperatures and
lower precipitation levels during the summer
months. Water quality levels are
characterised by the physical and chemical
parameters, heavy metals and salinity ratios.
The objectives of this study are to observe
the seasonal changes in the physicochemical
parameters of water, to examine the effects
of other pollutants on the lake and to classify
the quality of water in accordance with the
Surface Water Quality Management
Regulation’s Inland Surface Water Classes
criteria. The study was carried out at three
sampling stations on Lake Tecer over a 12-
month period.
Material and Method
Study Area
Samples analysed for several chemical
and physical parameters representing water
quality were collected monthly from three
stations over a period of 12 months between
March 2011 and February 2012. The water
samples were taken to the laboratory for
analysis within a maximum of three hours
from collection. Temperature, pH, dissolved
oxygen and electrical conductivity were
measured in the field using hand-held
measurement devices. Dissolved oxygen and
temperature were measured using a YSI S2
model oxygen-meter. pH was measured
using an Orion 420A model pH-meter.
Electrical conductivity (μs/cm) and salinity
(ppt) were measured using a YSI 30/50 FT
model conductance-meter.
Other parameters used for determining
water quality include total hardness, total
alkalinity, nitrite, ammonium nitrogen,
nitrate, sulphite, sulphate, phosphate,
chloride, sodium, potassium, biological
oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen
demand (COD), suspended solid matter
(SSM), magnesium, calcium, lead, ferrous
iron, zinc, copper, nickel, cadmium and
mercury. Analyses of the water samples were
conducted in the laboratory of the Sivas
Directorate of Provincial Food Agriculture
and Livestock on the same day.
Monthly mean values and standard
deviations were calculated, and graphics
were created for each of the parameters using

Kastamonu Uni., Orman Fakültesi Dergisi, 2018, 18 (1): 1-10 Mutlu et al.
Kastamonu Univ., Journal of Forestry Faculty
3
Office Excel 2007, which is a part of the
Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2007.
Water Analyses
Samples analysed for several chemical
and physical parameters representing water
quality were collected monthly from three
stations over a period of 12 months between
March 2011 and February 2012. Cleaning
and maintenance of all of the equipment,
hand-held measurement devices and glass
sampling containers to be used in sampling
were executed one day prior to sampling.
Sampling tubes were immersed into an acidic
solution and then dried in a drying oven after
being rinsed with de-ionised water. Water
samples were collected from a depth of 15
cm below the water surface after initial
flushing.
The obtained water samples were taken to
the laboratory for analyses within a
maximum of two hours from collection.
Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity
and electrical conductivity were measured in
the field using hand-held measurement
devices. Dissolved oxygen and temperature
were measured using a YSI S2 model
oxygen-meter. pH was measured using an
Orion 420A model pH-meter. Electrical
conductivity (μs/cm) and salinity (ppt) were
measured using a YSI 30/50 FT model
conductance-meter.
Other parameters used for determining
water quality include total hardness, total
alkalinity, nitrite, ammonium nitrogen,
nitrate, sulphite, sulphate, phosphate,
chloride, sodium, potassium, biological
oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen
demand (COD), suspended solid matter
(SSM), magnesium, calcium, lead, ferrous
copper and cadmium. Analyses of the water
samples were conducted in the laboratory of
the Sivas Directorate of Provincial Food
Agriculture and Livestock on the same day.
Titration with sulphuric acid (for total
alkalinity) and titration with EDTA (for total
hardness) were executed. The results are
presented in units of mg/L CaCO3. Chemical
oxygen demand was calculated through
titration with ferrous ammonium sulphate
based on the determination of the amount of
oxygen being used while lysing the natural
and organic pollutant load using powerful
chemical oxidants. The analyses of ammonia,
nitrite, nitrate, ammonium nitrogen (NH4+),
phosphate, sulphate, sulphite, chloride,
sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium
were conducted using a CECİL CE4003
spectrophotometer with Merck photometric
test kits according to standard procedures.
The analyses of lead, copper, ferrous iron
and cadmium water samples were conducted
using a PERKIN ELMER ANALYST 800
Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The
analyses for suspended solid matter (SSM)
were conducted by filtering the water
through Whatman Nr. 42 0.45 μm membrane
filters, followed by weighing and drying the
filter papers at 103°C for 24 hours and
calculating the weight difference.
Monthly mean values and standard
deviations were calculated, and graphics
were created for each of the parameters using
Office Excel 2007, which is a part of the
Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2007.
Results
Water temperatures showed significant
annual and monthly variability amongst
measurement stations across the lake (Figure
1). The lowest value of 4.2°C was measured
at the 1st station in February 2012, and the
highest water temperature of 24°C was
measured at the 2nd station in September
2012. The annual average temperature of the
lake was recorded to be 14.60°C.
Figure 1. Monthly mean temperature values
(0C)
The pH values denoted that Lake Tecer is
mildly basic. During this study, the lowest
pH value of 7.80 was measured at the 1st
station in February, and the highest pH value
of 8.17 was measured at the 3rd station in
September. The mean annual pH value of the
0
5
10
15
20
25
March
April
May
June
July
August
Sept…
Octo…
Nov…
Dec…
Janu…
Febr…
Temperature (°C)
1st
Station
2nd
Station
3rd
Station

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0
5
10
15
20
25
30
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
January
COD
1st
Station
2nd
Station
3rd
Station
lake was found to be 7.96. Also, the seasonal
averages were 7.93 in spring, 8.02 in
summer, 8.05 in winter and 7.85 in autumn.
During the study, the dissolved oxygen
concentration showed variability between
months and seasons. The lowest value was
9.00 mg/L (September 2012, 3rd station), and
the highest value was 11.57 mg/L (February
2012, 1st station). The annual average of all
of the measurement stations in the lake was
10.74 mg/L. The seasonal dissolved oxygen
values were 11.34 mg/L in winter, 11.19
mg/L in spring, 10.34 mg/L in summer and
9.85 mg/L in autumn.
Chemical oxygen demand (COD) in
Tecer Lake showed an increasing trend
across all stations from February to
September and peaked in September (Figure
2). The lowest COD value of 3.78 mg/L was
found in February 2012, and the highest
value of 28.70 mg/L was observed at the 3rd
station in September 2011. The mean annual
value amongst all stations was 10.74 mg/L.
Figure 2. Monthly mean chemical oxygen
demand (COD) in mg/L across stations
The salinity of Lake Tecer peaked in all
stations in September when the water
temperature was at its highest and the
dissolved oxygen concentrations were at a
minimum. The highest value was measured
to be 0.12 ppt at the 3rd station in September
2012, and the mean salinity of the lake was
found to be 0.006 ppt.
Similar to chemical oxygen demand
(COD), the biological oxygen demand
(BOD) of Lake Tecer showed a regular
increase between February and September
and peaked in September at all of the
measurement stations (Figure 3). The lowest
COD value in the lake of 2.64 mg/L was
observed at the 1st station in February 2012,
and the highest value of 15.28 mg/L was
observed at the 3rd station in September
2011. The mean annual value for all stations
was 9.60 mg/L.
Figure 3. Monthly mean biological oxygen
demand (BOD) in mg/L
The electrical conductivity (EC) of Lake
Tecer showed significant variability amongst
months and seasons, and across stations
(Figure 4). The electrical conductivity (EC)
increased in the autumn months and
decreased in the winter months. The lowest
value of 137.60 µs/cm was measured at the
1st station in February 2012, and the highest
value of 295.92 µs/cm was observed at the
3rd station. The seasonal average ECs of Lake
Tecer were 184.10 µs/cm in spring, 247.64
µs/cm in summer, 253.75 µs/cm in autumn
and 150.53 µs/cm in winter.
The suspended solid matter (SSM)
amounts in the lake showed significant
changes between months and seasons, and
across stations. The highest observed value
was 24.40 mg/L (September 2011, 3rd
station), and the lowest value was 5.24 mg/L
(February 2011, 1st station). The mean annual
value was 12.42 mg/L.
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
January
February
BOD
1st
Station
2nd
Station
3rd
Station

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0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
January
February
Electrical Conductivity
1st
Station
2nd
Station
3rd
Station
Figure 4. Monthly mean electrical
conductivity values (µs/cm)
The measured nitrite, nitrate and
ammonium nitrogen concentrations of Lake
Tecer were lower in the winter months than
during other seasons. The nitrite (NO2)
concentrations were found to be at a
minimum in February 2012 at all three of the
measurement stations. The NO2
concentrations in Lake Tecer showed a
regular increase between February and July.
The minimum value of the lake, 0.0004
mg/L, was measured at the 1st and 2nd
stations, and the highest value of 0.0124
mg/L was measured at the 3rd station. The
mean value for all of the stations was 0.0048
mg/L.
Nitrate (NO3) concentrations continued to
increase at all three of the measurement
stations between February and September
and peaked at 9.83 mg/L at the 3rd station in
September 2011, and the minimum value of
1.98 mg/L was measured at the 1st station in
February 2012. The mean annual
concentration amongst stations was found to
be 4.66 mg/L.
The minimum concentration of
ammonium nitrogen (NH4) in Lake Tecer
was observed in February 2012 at all three of
the stations. Similarly to the NO2
concentrations, they showed an increase
between February and July. The minimum
concentration of 0.0002 mg/L was measured
at the 1st station in February 2012, and the
highest value of 0.0084 mg/L was measured
at the 3rd station in July 2011. The mean
annual value was 0.0006 mg/L.
Total alkalinity and total hardness values
of Lake Tecer showed parallelism during the
study, and their results were very close to
one another. Total alkalinity and total
hardness values increased in the spring
months and decreased in the winter months.
The lowest alkalinity and total hardness
values were observed in February 2012 at all
stations. The values then showed an
increasing trend between February and June.
The lowest total alkalinity value of 258.18
mg/L CaCO3 was measured at the 1st station
in February 2012, and the highest value of
313.90 mg/L CaCO3 was observed at the 3rd
station in June 2012.
The sulphate (SO4) concentrations in
Lake Tecer showed variability amongst the
stations and seasons. The highest SO4
concentration of 149.75 mg/L was measured
at the 3rd station in September 2011, and the
lowest value of 54.1 mg/L was observed at
the 1st station in February 2012. The mean
annual concentration for all stations was
95.83 mg/L.
Sulphide (SO3) values increased at all
stations between February and September,
with a maximum value of 9.93 mg/L
measured at the 3rd station in September and
a minimum value of 3.46 mg/L observed at
the 1st station in February 2012. Sulphide
concentrations showed variability amongst
seasons and months. The seasonal mean SO3
concentrations were 6.64 mg/L in spring,
8.70 mg/L in summer, 7.31 mg/L in autumn
and 3.34 mg/L in winter.
The chloride values in Lake Tecer showed
significant variability between months and
seasons. The highest value of 8.18 mg/L was
observed at the 1st station in July 2011, and
the lowest value of 6.53 mg/L was recorded
at the 3rd station in September 2011. The
mean annual concentration for all stations
was 7.37 mg/L.
The highest concentrations of phosphate
(PO4) in Lake Tecer were determined to be
0.10 mg/L (February 2012, 1st station) and
0.74 mg/L (November 2011, 3rd station). The
PO4 concentrations increased between
August and November at all three of the
stations.
The magnesium (Mg++) and calcium
(Ca++) values measured in Lake Tecer
showed parallelism. Magnesium and calcium
values increased in the spring months and
decreased in the autumn months. The highest

Kastamonu Uni., Orman Fakültesi Dergisi, 2018, 18 (1): 1-10 Mutlu et al.
Kastamonu Univ., Journal of Forestry Faculty
6
magnesium value of 51.90 mg/L was
observed at the 3rd station in June 2011, and
the lowest value of 27.20 mg/L was observed
at the 1st station in February 2012.
The seasonal Ca values were 45.42 mg/L
in spring, 44.8 mg/L in summer, 32.36 mg/L
in autumn and 32.78 mg/L in winter. The
lowest Ca concentration of 52.28 mg/L was
observed at the 1st station in February 2012.
The sodium (Na) and potassium (K)
values in the lake also showed parallelism.
The highest Na concentration of 61.20 mg/L
was measured at the 3rd station in June 2011,
and the lowest concentration of 35.44 mg/L
was observed at the 1st station in September
2011. The mean K value in Lake Tecer was
found to be 8.36 mg/L. The highest K
concentration of 9.88 mg/L was observed at
the 3rd station in June 2011, and the lowest
concentration of 6.94 mg/L was observed at
the 1st station in September 2011. The lead
(Pb), copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) values
of Lake Tecer showed variability amongst
the months. The lowest Pb concentrations of
0.02 mg/L were observed at the 2nd and 3rd
stations in September, and the highest Cu
concentration of 0.018 mg/L was observed at
the 3rd station in April 2011. The highest Cd
concentration of 0.009 mg/L was observed at
all of the stations in September 2011.
Discussion
Located within the borders of the Ulaş
district of Sivas city, Lake Tecer is located at
the southern end of Brook Tecer, a branch of
the Kızılırmak. It is a natural lake with an
average depth of 2.4 m and is fed by both
surface waters and snowmelt.
The seasonal mean values and standard
deviation values of water quality parameters
investigated at three stations in Lake Tecer
through monthly measurements over a period
of one year are given in Table 1.
Table 1. Seasonal Values of Water Quality Parameters Investigated in Lake Tecer
Investigated Water Quality Parameters
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
pH
7.93
8.02
8.05
7.85
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)
11.19
10.34
9.84
11.34
Saltiness (ppt)
0.04
0.08
0.09
0.04
Electrical Conductivity (μs/cm)
184.1
247.64
253.75
150.53
Nitrite (mg/L)
0.0042
0.0103
0.0045
0.0005
Nitrate (mg/L)
2.74
6.69
7.15
2.09
Ammonium Nitrogen (mg/L)
0.0034
0.0247
0.0036
0.0004
Total Alkalinity (mg/L) CaCO3
293.56
292.64
265.54
266.44
Total Hardness (mg/L) CaCO3
292.61
292.17
264.76
265.97
Sulphate (mg/L)
87.37
124.97
111.69
59.31
Sulphide (mg/L)
6.64
8.7
7.31
3.34
Chloride (mg/L)
7.71
7.4
7.12
7.25
Phosphate (mg/L)
0.212
0.206
0.55
0.221
Magnesium (mg/L)
49.19
44.55
31.99
32.32
Calcium (mg/L)
45.42
44.81
32.36
32.78
Sodium (mg/L)
54.86
51.02
43.61
49.11
Potassium (mg/L)
9.16
8.48
7.77
8.09
Lead (mg/L)
0.0054
0.0127
0.0146
0.0034
Cadmium (mg/L)
0.0042
0.007
0.0073
0.001
Copper (mg/L)
0.0154
0.0091
0.0096
0.0048
Ferrous Iron (mg/L)
0.0193
0.0176
0.0075
0.0003

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Water temperature is the most important
factor affecting the biological activity of
aquatic organisms and fish. Changes in water
temperature result from seasonal temperature
changes (Mutlu et al., 2013b). Lake Tecer
shows typical characteristics of inland
waters. The temperature differences
measured at the three stations over a period
of 1 year were not significant enough to
negatively affect aquatic life in the lake.
According to the Water Pollution Control
Regulations (WPCR), the water of the lake is
first class.
pH is the most important factor for
chemical and biological systems in natural
waters. The weak acid and weak bases can
separate from each other through pH
changes. This separation affects the toxicity
of many compounds (Atay and Pulatsü,
2000). In order for a pH value of any aquatic
medium to not jeopardise the aquatic life and
in order for a water resource to be suitable
for aquaculture, it should remain within the
range of 6.5–8.5 (Kara and Gömlekçioğlu,
2004). The mean value of water samples
taken monthly from Lake Tecer over a period
of 1 year was found to be 7.96, and the
highest value was found to be 8.17.
According to these results, the lake has
mildly basic character and is Class I–II in
accordance with the WPCR.
The dissolved oxygen (DO)
concentrations are an important criterion for
developing a balanced fauna. Beyond
dissolved oxygen being a necessary
compound for aquatic life, it is also
necessary for biochemical oxidation. In
sweet waters, there should be at least 5 mg/L
of dissolved oxygen for aquatic life to persist
(Atay and Pulatsü, 2000).
The lowest dissolved oxygen level of 9.00
mg/L in this study was observed at the 3rd
station in September 2011, equivalent to
Class I in accordance with the WPCR.
Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a
very important parameter for determining the
pollution level of water and wastewater
(Mutlu et al., 2013c). A concentration of
more than 25 mg/L COD in waters indicates
pollution, whereas values higher than 50
mg/L indicate severe pollution and possible
toxicity for aquatic organisms (Güler, 1997).
The highest COD value of 28.27 mg/L
measured in Lake Tecer was found at the 3rd
station in September 2011. According to the
WPCR, in harmony with the rule that the
worst value determines the class, Lake Tecer
is classified as Class II in terms of the COD
parameter.
Biological oxygen demand (BOD) defines
the amount of oxygen required for
microorganisms to dissolve organic matter in
an aquatic medium under aerobic conditions.
This parameter is used for determining the
environment’s pollution potential and the
receiver environment’s assimilation capacity
based on the ability of organisms to consume
dissolved oxygen when they are released into
the receiver mediums (Anonymous, 2013).
The highest BOD value of 15.28 mg/L in the
lake was observed at the 3rd station in
September 2011, equivalent to Class III
according to the WPCR in terms of BOD.
Salinity is a unitless representation of
salts dissolved in 1 L of water in terms of
gram (Yanık et al., 2001). Salinity is closely
related with temperature and electrical
conductivity (Mutlu et al., 2013a). The mean
annual salinity of the lake was calculated to
be 0.06 ppt, with the observed variability
being related to changes in water temperature
and electrical conductivity.
Electrical conductivity (EC) is very
important for aquatic products, and as the
conductivity passes beyond the level of 100
µs/cm, the pollution capacity increases
(Verep et al., 2005). The electrical
conductivity values in this study decreased in
the winter months and increased in the
months when increases in water temperature
and salinity were also observed. The highest
EC value measured in the lake was 295.92
µs/cm, and it is considered Class I according
to the WPCR in terms of electrical
conductivity.
The amount of SSM rises as a function of
inorganic matter content, such as clay and
loam. The maximum permissible SSM level
for aquaculture is 10 mg/L (Ntengue, 2006).
The highest SSM amount in Lake Tecer was
measured to be 24.40 mg/L at the 3rd station
in September 2011, and it means that the lake
is not appropriate for aquaculture activities.
The nitrogen mixing into surface waters
originates mostly from natural domestic and
agricultural sources (Mutlu et al., 2013a).

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Kastamonu Univ., Journal of Forestry Faculty
8
Nitrogen derivatives such as nitrite (NO2),
nitrate (NO3) and ammonium nitrogen (NH4)
play a significant role in water pollution and
can have significant effects on dissolved
oxygen concentrations and, ultimately,
eutrophication. The maximum levels of NO2
and NH4 in the lake were observed at the 3rd
station in July 2011. These concentrations
derive from point sources of domestic and
animal wastes into surface waters during that
month. According to the WPCR, the lake
shows Class III water characteristics in terms
of NO2 and NH4. Nitrate is the final
oxidation product of nitrogenous compounds.
The existence of NO2 in surface waters
indicates the pollution of those waters due to
domestic and industrial wastewaters
containing ammonium and organic nitrogen
and the nitrogenous fertilizers used on
agricultural lands (Topal and Arslan, 2012).
The highest amount of NO3 of 9.83 mg/L in
the lake was observed at the 3rd station in
September 2011, which is not at a dangerous
level. According to the WPCR, the lake
shows Class II water in terms of NO3.
The total alkalinity and total hardness
values in lime soils are generally similar
(Boyd and Tucker, 1998). The total alkalinity
and total hardness values measured in the
lake in this study were observed to be very
close to each other. The mean hardness value
of the lake was measured to be 278.87 mg/L
CaCO3, and the highest value of 313.42 mg/L
CaCO3 was observed at the 3rd station in June
2011. The lake shows mildly hard water
characteristics.
Amongst natural anions in the water,
sulphate (SO4) should exist in natural
resources for improved biological
productivity (Taş et al., 2010). The highest
concentration limit for SO4 in water from an
aquatic ecosystem perspective was
determined to be 90 mg/L (Küçük, 2007).
The mean SO4 value of the lake was found to
be 95.83 mg/L, and the highest value of
149.75 mg/L was observed at the 3rd station
in September 2011. It was determined that
the lake is not suitable for aquatic products in
terms of SO4.
The sulphite (SO3) measured in this study
was sodium sulphate (Na2SO4), and its
highest level of 9.93 mg/L in the lake was
found at the 3rd station in September 2011.
The highest concentration limit for SO3
required for aquatic products was determined
to be 10 mg/L (Mutlu et al., 2013b). Because
the highest level of SO3 measured in the lake
does not exceeded 10 mg/L, Lake Tecer is
deemed suitable for aquaculture.
Chloride ions are important indicators of
healthy water. The highest chloride
concentration of 8.18 mg/L observed in this
study was found at the 1st station in July
2011, well within the values suitable for
aquaculture.
Phosphorous is the primary basic element
in water contributing to eutrophication
(Harper, 1992). Terrestrial phosphate-
containing fertilizers used for wheat
production are the likely cause for the
observed increase in the concentration of
phosphorous in the lake in October and
November. Alternatively, the increase may
be explained by the observed amount of
algae that are capable of binding PO4 directly
from the air. The highest level of phosphate
of 0.74 mg/L in the lake was observed at the
3rd station in November 2011, indicating
dangerous levels for aquaculture and aquatic
life.
Calcium (Ca++) and magnesium (Mg++)
are the most important dissolved solids in
water (Mutlu et al., 2013b), stemming from
alkali soil minerals, and are amongst the
most common ions existing in sweet waters.
The highest recommended Ca++
concentration is 75 mg/L (Taş, 2006). In our
study, the highest concentration of Ca++ of
52.28 mg/L was observed at the 3rd station in
June 2011, and the mean annual value was
38.84 mg/L. In light of these findings, it was
observed that the amount of Ca++ in Lake
Tecer is within the normal limits.
The concentration of Mg++ in normal
waters should be between 5 and 60 mg/L. In
mildly hard waters, values between 60 and
100 mg/L can be accepted as normal, with a
recommended concentration of 50 mg/L
(Taş, 2006). In our study performed in Lake
Tecer, the highest Mg++ concentration of
51.90 mg/L was observed at the 3rd station in
June 2011, and the mean annual value
amongst all stations was 38.51 mg/L, which
is accepted to be normal.
Potassium (K) exists in natural waters in
concentrations of between 1 and 10 mg/L,

Kastamonu Uni., Orman Fakültesi Dergisi, 2018, 18 (1): 1-10 Mutlu et al.
Kastamonu Univ., Journal of Forestry Faculty
9
and the concentration of sodium (Na) varies
between 2 and 100 mg/L (Boyd, 1998). In
our study on Lake Tecer, the highest K
concentration of 9.88 mg/L was observed at
the 3rd station in June 2011, which is
accepted to be within normal values.
The highest concentration of Na of 61.20
mg/L in this study was found at the 3rd
station in June 2011, and the lowest
concentration of 44.7 mg/L was measured at
the 1st station in February 2012. The mean
annual value was 49.65 mg/L. In light of
these results, it was determined that the
concentration of Na in the lake was within
the normal limits.
The heavy metal elements investigated in
our study are lead (Pb), copper (Cu),
cadmium (Cd) and ferrous iron (Fe). The
concentration of Pb was found to be 0.02
mg/L and that of Cd was 0.009 mg/L. In light
of these values, the lake shows Class II water
characteristics in terms of Pb and Class III
water characteristics in terms of Cd
according to the WPCR.
Although Cu was detected in trace
amounts during the winter months in Lake
Tecer, the level suddenly increased in April
2011. Although the mean concentration of
Cu in the lake in March was 0.007 mg/L, the
concentration in April was 0.015 mg/L. It is
thought that this increase was caused by the
penetration of Cu, accumulated in nearby
soils because of the dense usage of copper
vitriol during maintenance and pruning
processes in fruit gardens in the spring
season, into the lake waters through
precipitation runoff. According to the
WPCR, the lake shows Class II water
characteristics in terms of Cu.
Ferrous iron was detected in all three of
the stations in each month of the study. Its
level was low in the winter months, increased
during the spring months and peaked in the
summer months. The highest concentration
of Fe of 0.040 mg/L in our study was
observed at the 3rd station in May 2011. The
peak value of Fe observed in May and June
is thought to result from wheat planting
around the lake. Because ferrous-containing
agricultural pesticides are densely used in
May and June to increase the grain
productivity of wheat plants, ferrous-
containing waters and particles may leak into
the lake through precipitation runoff and
leakages.
Since Lake Tecer was determined to have
international importance in terms of being an
Aquatic Bird Habitat, its environment should
be utilised for recreational and ecotourism
purposes. According to the Classification of
the Intra-Continental Water Resources in the
WPCR, the lake shows Class I, II and III
water quality characteristics. It was
determined that the shallow depth of the lake,
SSM, BOD, SO4, SO3, lead and cadmium
concentrations in the lake are not appropriate
for aquaculture activities.
According to the terms of the RAMSAR
convention, more attention should be paid to
the protection of Lake Tecer by decreasing
the pressures on it and by protecting the
water level of the lake in a way that will not
harm the ecological balances. Besides that,
the continued pollution of this water source
should be prevented, and water quality
protection provisions required for sustaining
and improving the ecological balance
constituted by the natural fish stocks and
other aquatic organisms should be made
immediately. Finally, this lake should be
monitored continuously.
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