Assessment of water quality of gelendost (afşar, akçay) stream flowing to lake eği̇rdi̇r by using physicochemical parameters and biotic indexes

ABSTRACT M.Sc. Thesis ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY OF GELENDOST (AFŞAR, AKÇAY) STREAM FLOWING TO LAKE EĞİRDİR BY USING PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND BIOTIC INDEXES Fatma YILDIRIM Isparta University of Applied Sciences Institute of Graduate Education Department of Fisheries Basic Sciences Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Osman ÇETİNKAYA In this study, it is aimed to determine the water quality of Gelendost Stream (Afşar, Akçay), which is located in Isparta province and flows into Eğirdir Lake by using physicochemical parameters and biotic indices. In the research on-site instrumental measurements were made at 9 stations which were determined on the stream and which may reflect quality and changeduring May, August, November 2014 and March 2015. The waterand macro benthic organisms samples were analyzed in the laboratory and the biotic indices were calculated. Determined physicochemical parameters and macro benthic organism indices were used in the evaluation of water quality and pollution. The physicochemical and biological water quality of Gelendost Afşar stream varies spatially and temporally. At some points in the summer, the flow is cutand thestream bed dries. Hisarardı I, II and Akçaşar I points have the water quality which can be grown of trout. However, as coming from the upstream points towards the downstream, the water quality declines and the water is being polluted. The biotic indices used to determine the water quality of the Gelendost stream are generally compatible with each other, but deviations can be observed in the classification made considering physicochemical parameters and biotic indices.According to Water Pollution Control Regulation's criteria and biotic index values, Gelendost stream's water is generally in I. and II. quality classes. As we move away from the source, the water usage and the discharge of waste increases, the quality decreases (classes III.-IV.).It is also observed that the stream bed is stored with solid wastes. Therefore, there is a contamination that may affect the use of water at certain points, and when the water reaches the Lake Egirdir, the water of the stream becomes an effective source on the pollution of the lake. Agricultural water use should be reduced, less wateris stored in the irrigation reservoirs, flow regularity of the stream should be ensured and the discharge of solid wastes to the stream bed, discharging domestic and industrial wastes to the stream without purificationshould be prevented. Measures should be developed to reduce the nonpoint pollution caused by erosion and agricultural activities. Keywords: Macro benthic organism, biological monitoring, water quality, indicator, biotic index, Gelendost stream, EğirdirLake