Investigation of Karina lagoon according to sediment and water quality

Objective: In this study, aim of that try to understand how degree effected of water, sediment and tradely important fish species in terms of various chemical parameters and heavy metals. Material and Methods: In this study, seven stations (marine areas: D1, D2, D3; lagoon areas: L1, L2; canals: K1 ve K2) which are from inner north part of Karina Lagoon where the River Büyük Menderes poured and from the sea where outer part of Karina Lagoon were determined. From the stations were determined instantaneous water measurement was done and water samples were taken. In measurement temperature, oxygen, electrical conductivity, salinity, pH, total suspended solids, chlorophyll a, suspended solids, amonium, nitrite, nitrat, phosphor, copper, cobalt, cadmium, lead and chemical oxygen demand analyse were done. Sediment samples were taken only two times in March and September from same stations. Nitrogen, copper, cobalt, lead, carbonate and total organic carbon analysis were done from the sedimen samples. At the same time, fish samples were taken in November and December from local cooperative which do fishing activity in Karina Lagoon. Mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenicand pesticide analysis were done from this fish samples. Results: In the thesis, copper, cadmium and ammonium values of the samles taken from sea area stations determined for sampling were above the general quality of seawater determined by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (TOB). As a result of analysis made in the marine area, station D1 was found to be eutrophic in terms of chlorophll a, while D2 and D3 were found to be hypertrophic. According to results of samples where made from inner part of lagoon and canals which supply the fresh water to lagoon, the area was found IV. class water which are highly contamined water in terms of amonium, nitrite and phosphore. Analysis made in the fish, mercury and lead residues were below the acceptable values determined by TOB, and no cadmium and pesticide residues were detected. However, in the examination made in terms of arsenic, it was determined that all fish species were above the acceptable values determined by TOB. At sediment analysis it was determined that L2 station had the lesser effect degree in terms of copper. Conclusion: Because of the lagoons are sensitive areas, around of them should be protected, this part should be stayed away any human activities except some obligatory cases, any contaminant sources and activities should be away from lagoon area, if building is planned on around of lagoon it should be interfered any residential areas. Agriculture activities should be controlled, pesticide and fertilization processes should not be done randomly.