An approach for sustainable management of the balikligol lakes, Turkey

Abstract

The Balikligol Lakes in Sanliurfa, Turkey (Lake Ayn-i Zeliha and Lake Halil-ur Rahman) are freshwater lakes, which possess not only environmental value but also touristic value due to their natural aquarium look and their historical and sacred status in the past and present. The fi sh deaths have been encountered in these lakes from time to time. Deteriorating water quality can harm the health of the fi sh in the water. Therefore, the water quality in both the lakes needs to be monitored and proper management strategies should be developed. The pollution in the lakes exceeding the acceptable levels endangers the sustainable management of the biodiversity. With the advent of the measurement technology, it is now possible to set-up permanent monitoring and management systems in a cost-effective way. The objective of this study is to establish an online water quality monitoring and management system to protect the water quality in the Balikligol Lakes. In all eight measuring stations were selected at random for keeping track of the pollution levels. The applicable system units were determined. Each station will make predeter- mined measurements and send data to the Environmental Administration Center of Sanliurfa Governorship via wireless internet connection. The closeness of these Lakes to the city center makes the wireless internet access available. Moreover, the measuring station locations were geocoded on a digital map, and information tables for each station linked to the digital map using Geographic Information System (GIS) software. The basic approach of the system is that the collected data at the Environmental Administration Center will be analyzed with the support of GIS enabled software, and the action plan will be determined according to the guidelines established for the surface water quality standards. This whole process will create a management system for “The Balikligol Lakes” which receives real-time data continuously and respond promptly according to the guideline.