Assessing Contamination Risks in Sultanköy and Altınyazı Reservoirs (Türkiye) Using Modified Organic Pollution Indices

Özet

Due to their lentic and enclosed nature, lakes are more susceptible to organic pollution and eutrophication. Sultanköy and Altınyazı reservoirs are located in the Edirne Province of Türkiye, where is classified as "Agricultural Land" because of its abundant freshwater resources and fertile soils. The reservoirs are exposed to organic pollution from surrounding agricultural activities and domestic wastewater. This study evaluated and compared the contamination threats for the Sultanköy and Altınyazı dam lakes by means of some modified organic contamination indices using Turkish Standards. For this purpose, nutrient pollution index (NPI) and water quality index (WQI) were selected as the organic pollution risk assessment indicators. Water samples were collected in the autumn season of 2024 and measured for 5 limnological parameters (SO₄, NO₃-N, NO₂-N, NH₄-N and PO₄-P) that are used to calculate the indices. The results revealed that although the Altınyazı Reservoir exhibits a lower potential eutrophication risk compared to Sultanköy Reservoir, the waters of both dam lakes were highly polluted.