Research on the Non-Point Pollution Loads in the Lake Uluabat Basin

Abstract

Lake Uluabat, having an international significance and subject to the Ramsar Convention, is fed by the basin of Musta- fakemalpaşa Stream which runs through fertile lands utilized for livestock breeding and agriculture. In this study, total amount of nitrogen (TN) and phosphorus (TP) loads of non-point pollutants (agriculture, livestock breeding, vegetation, surface runoff and small settlements) was calculated. It was found out that most intensive pollution load stemmed from livestock breeding which causes dispersion of 13653.57 tons·year−1 of TN and 3224.45 tons·year−1 of TP into the Lake Uluabat. Additionally, seasonal changes in concentration of TN and TP were observed during the period of 2008-2009 in Lake Uluabat. It was concluded that the rise of agricultural activities in summer months was the reason underlying the increase in pollution during the months in question. Keywords: