Natural environmental conditions and problems of Beyşehi̇r Lake Basin

Lake Beysehir Basin is located between 38 ° 03 - 37 ° 26 northern latitudes and 31 ° 46 - 31 ° 15 east longitudes and is located in the region of lakes. Lake Beysehir Basin is located within the boundaries of Beysehir, Seydisehir, Hüyük Derebucak, Sarkikaraagac and Yenisarbademli Districts both within the borders of Konya and Isparta and with its location, the basin shows transitional climate characteristics which carry both the characteristics of Mediterranean and terrestrial climate. Climatic conditions and geomorphological diversity of the topography have enriched the flora. Lake Beysehir is a National Park and one of the protected areas. By merging with Kizildag National Park located to the southwest of the lake, it is one of the rare areas where two natural beauties come together in one place. Lake Beysehir Basin, with its forested and picnic areas as well as its fresh water lake, almost gives life to the surrounding settlements. Lake Beysehir Basin, which has this unique beauty, has hosted many civilizations especially in alluvial lands along the streams around the lake due to the presence of fertile alluvial lands, being rich in rivers and streams, and having favourable climate conditions. Today, there are historical ruins of Hittite, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods in Lake Beysehir Basin and it is rich in eco tourism with both historical tourism and natural beauties. The west-southwest-northwest areas of Lake Beysehir Basin are covered with mountainous areas while the east-north-south areas are covered with plains and plateaus. Ovine and cattle breeding activities are carried out in mountainous areas, while cultivated and planted agricultural activities are carried out on the remaining plains and plateaus. In addition, tourism activities are carried out with forested areas and Yakamanastir picnic area which is located in the south of Lake Beysehir and Karaburun Beach businesses. In addition, many picnic areas and historical beauties in the basin have not known yet as they are not introduced and they are used by the local people with great interest. In recent years, due to global warming and with the effect of human factor in Lake Beysehir Basin, the water level has decreased due to cutting of the feet that feed the lake with embankment and dams, and sending of excess water from the lake to the Konya Plain regardless of the ecological status of the lake. Besides, this level of water decreases, sewerage wastes of the surrounding villages flow into the lake and have a large share in the pollution of the lake. In addition, the pesticides and fertilizers coming from the rivers to the lake by rain form a different pollutant. Under the influence of all these factors, these pollutants cause eutrophication in the lake due to the decrease in water level. With the formation of eutrophication, an oxygen-free environment is formed along the shore of the lake and an unpleasant smell pervades. One of the main reasons of eutrophication is the fact that the lake plants cover the entire surface of the lake as a result of the excessive proliferation and consequently the sun rays do not penetrate the depths of the lake sufficiently. Thus, an oxygen-free environment occurs in the lake and anaerobic bacteria emerge due to this environment. These bacteria cause unpleasant smells in certain parts of the lake. Keywords: Natural environment, environmental problems, Beyşehir Lake, pollution, basin.