A research on the determination of water and sediment quality in Harsit stream (Giresun)

The aim of this study is to investigate the water and sediment quality of, as well as level of pollution in the Harşit Stream within the borders of Giresun. Surface water and sediment samples were thus collected monthly from 7 stations between June 2014 and May 2015. Both the stream's water and sediment quality, alongside its pollution levels were analyzed seasonally, and assessed in accordance with Turkish legislation and international criteria. Sediment pollution assessment was done via an enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index, and pollution loading index. Based on the findings of this study, one can state that Harşit Stream's water quality is slightly alkaline, soft, and turbid across all four seasons. In addition, when the surface water samples were analyzed for pollution levels, its phenol level indicates the stream as being very polluted, where as its BOD5 level indicates it as just being polluted. The heavy metals found exceeded the reference concentration values for Ni, Cd, Cr and Zn during the autumn season. The results of the bacteriological analysis showed that as estuarine and storage areas were predominant, the bacteriological water quality of the streams water was/is thus not suitable for swimming, or for human health. Consequently, the pollution level of water and sediment structure of Harşit Stream can be said to be of threat both to the aquatic ecosystem, as well as to human health. Regular monitoring and the keeping of risk factors under control are recommended. Additionally, the stream water should not be used for domestic, food, or agricultural production purposes without any prior form of treatment.