GIS-based assessment for trace metal pollution: case study on lake Uluabat

Abstract

This study was carried out to investigate distribution of Cr and Ni concentrations in water and sediment of Lake Uluabat, in Bursa (Turkey). The samples were collected from 10 sites and monitored monthly from August 2013 to July 2014. Data were mapped in ArcGIS 10.1 software and metals in water were assessed according to Turkish Water Pollution Control Regulations (TWPCR), while in sediment were assessed according to American National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) criteria. As a result, Lake Uluabat was determined 4th class water, in terms of dissolved forms of Cr, while the lake was determined 3th class water quality in terms of dissolved Ni forms. Trace metals monitored were found above upper threshold value in the lake sediment. These results showed the importance and the need for hard control of pollution loads for the protection of the Lake’s sediment and water quality. It is recommended to control and monitor all pollutant sources for ecological sustainability in the lake.