Modeling of nitrogen and phosphorus load from aquaculture and livestock in the Almus dam lake

Aquaculture and livestock are two indispensable sectors to meet the food security and protein deficit. As in every production activity, aquaculture and animal production also have environmental effects. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are especially produced as production wastes; when they reach the water, which is the final receiving medium, from the source point, they create an important water quality problem, which we call eutrophication. Use in such waters is limited, and serious consequences may arise in terms of ecosystem and human health. Nitrogen and phosphorus are often called diffuse pollutants because they come from non-point sources. Their control and management are difficult and require detailed scientific methods. In this study, nitrogen and phosphorus loads from animal and aquaculture production in the Almus Dam Lake and its basin located in the upper part of Yeşilırmak River were modeled. It has been revealed that the nitrogen and phosphorus values measured and modeled in situ produce results that support each other. According to the results, from the basin to the lake, from animal production 333 tons/year (40 %) nitrogen, 17 tons/year (20 % ) phosphorus; 330 tons/year (39 %) nitrogen and 66 tons/year (78%) phosphorus reach from aquaculture production. While the lake could assimilate nitrogen, phosphorus assimilation capacity was found at limit values. In order to prevent eutrophication in the lake; Best Management Practices (BMPs) in the aquaculture and animal production of the lake and its basin are suggested.