A Study on the Pollution and Water Quality Modeling of the River Buyuk Menderes, Turkey

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of existing and planned facilities on the water quality, and to propose some measures for the protection and improvement of water quality in the basin. For this purpose, the water quality was monitored on the river itself during the last 2 years 2008-2009. After the evaluation of the data collected by using computerized methods, water quality map was prepared, and the MODQUAL mathematical model was applied to the basin to determine the probable effects of different scenarios on the water quality of the river. The simulated water quality variables were: NH3-N, NO3-N, NO2-N, BOD5, DO, o-PO4, and COD. At the end of the study, it was determined that water quality of Buyuk Menderes river and its effluent presents generally polluted water quality in terms of various observed parameter groups. Values obtained by modeling in irrigation season are presented comparatively with analytically measured values. Analytical and modeling results of six of those parameters - except NO3-N - presented regular consistency. In winter season, a general consistency was provided in modeling of all parameters. It was purposed that the waste water originated from domestic and industrial activities should be treated before discharging them to the water bodies, and amount of fertilizer and pesticides used in agriculture should be under strict control throughout the basin in order to protect the water quality and prevent pollution of the water resources.