Determination of nitrate and phosphate concentrations in Kizilirmak river: A case study for Kirikkale basin

In the present study, water samples were taken during 12 months between November 2009 and October 2010 from 8 stations in Kirikkale Kizilirmak basin to assess the water nitrate and phosphate levels. The stations for water samples were determined especially the near areas performed agricultural activities. During one year, water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, nitrate and orthophosphate levels were analyzed monthly from each station.Water analysis results were classified according to the Water Pollution Control Regulation, Classification of Water Resources Quality Criteria Water temperature values ranged from 11°C and 27.50°C ( = 17,13 ºC) annually in Kızılırmak river. According to the Water Pollution Control Regulation, Classification of Water Resources Quality Criteria, average water temperature results were classified as Class 1. During our study, pH values ranged between 6 and 8.20 ( = 7,19) In terms of pH values Kızılırmak river was Class 1. Values of dissolved oxygen in water samples were ranged from 3.45 mg/l and 8.40 mg/l ( = 5,28 mg/l). According to WPCR the average values of dissolved oxygen were classified as category III. Ammonia in water samples were ranged from 0,01 mg/l and 3,30 mg/l ( =0,83 mg/l). According to WPCR the average value of ammonia were classified as Class 2. Water nitrate levels were ranged from 0,13 mg/l and 3,44 mg/l ( = 1,40 mg/l). Water orthophosphate values were ranged from 0.05 mg/l and 0.40 mg/l ( = 0,24 mg/l). According to WPCR the average water orthophosphate values of were classified as Class 3.As the research findings were evaluated; water nitrate and orthophosphate levels in Kızılırmak Kırıkkale Basin did not exceed the limit values according to the Water Pollution Control Regulation in the period of November 2009 and October 2010.