DETERMINATION OF SEASONAL WATER QUALITY AND POLLUTION LEVELS OF KARASU AND MERZIMEN STREAMS (GAZIANTEP, TURKEY)

The determination of seasonal organic and inorganic pollution levels and water quality of Karasu and Merzimen Streams, Gaziantep (Turkey) was intended with the present investigation and water samplings were performed seasonally based on standard methods. Temperature was determined to be consistent with seasonal changes, pH values presented slightly alkaline character of streams and suspended solid values decreased in summer. Merzimen and Karasu streams were found to be first class water quality in terms of temperature, pH, SS, COD and BOD5, to be third class water quality according to TN and second class water quality when considering o-P04 levels. The levels of organochlorine pesticide were found to be lower than the allowable limits for drinking purposes moreover no statistically important difference was determined between streams seasonally. According to recommended maximum element concentrations for irrigation purposes, Karasu Stream was considered to be suitable for irrigation purposes meanwhile Zn content of Merzimen Stream was found to be higher than maximum recommended level.