Evaluation in terms of pollution bilge waters taken from Mersi̇n Taşucu port

The problem of marine pollution caused by ships has become very important in recent years as a result of the increase in maritime transportation. This study aimed to evaluate ship bilge water in terms of marine pollution. Bilge water samples of two different ships in Mersin Taşucu Port were taken to determine pH, color, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, suspended solids (SS), hydrocarbon oil index (HOI), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), surfactant analyzes were performed. The results obtained were compared with the values specified in the Water Pollution Control Regulation. Analysis values of Bilge water samples taken from Ship 1 and Ship 2 are respectively SS 472 mg/L-812 mg/L; HOI 110.6-138.8 mg/L; COD 8870.4-17369.6 mg/L; BOD 1606.4 to 3881.1 mg/L were determined. According to the Table given by the Water Pollution Control Regulation for deep discharge, the limits are SS 350 mg/L, oil-grease 15 mg/L, COD 400 mg/L and BOD 250 mg/L. It was determined that the values obtained in this study were higher than the desired limits and bilge water should not be discharged directly into the sea.