Determination of some ecological parameters in Dalyan channels (Köyceğiz-Muğla)

Köyceğiz-Dalyan Lagoon Basin, Turkey is one of the largest wetlands in coastal areas, is a location rich in terms of flora and fauna. The Ramsar Area, Köyceğiz Lake and Dalyan Lagoon Basin have an important place in terms of feeding and some breeding area of water birds and fish. Dalyan channels, where the study is carried out, has an important ecologic place in Köyceğiz-Dalyan Lagoon Basin. This study was conducted between December 2017 and November 2018 at 8 strategic stations up to the seaports to determine the water quality of Dalyan channesls. Some physico-chemical parameters of water samples; Water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, saturated oxygen, electrical conductivity, salinity, nitrite nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, ortho-phosphate, total phosphorus, suspended solids, BOD5, chlorophyll-a and turbidity were examined monthly. Water samples taken from selected stations were analyzed in the Water Analysis Laboratory of the accredited Research Laboratories of Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University. According to the results of the analysis, the study area, which has its own natural structure during the winter months, was influenced by the intensive tourism activities during the May-October season. Keywords: Dalyan Channels, Köyceğiz-Dalyan Lagoon Basin, Water Quality, Pyhsico-Chemical Parameters, Environmental Factors, Tourism Activities, Water Resources