Processes affecting the physical and chemical properties of Akkuyu Bay sea water (Mersin - Turkey)

Akkuyu Bay seawater is intended to be used as cooling water in the first nuclear power plant planned to be constructed in Turkey. Determination of the processes affecting the variation of the seawater's physical and chemical properties is essential for the optimum use of cooling water. Physical and chemical properties of the seawater comprising of temperature, pH, specific electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen content, salinity and redox potential were measured monthly in evenly distributed stations for a period of one year to determine the spatial and temporal variations. Atmospheric heat flux and fresh water inputs by rainfall were found to be major factors that affect these properties. The observations justified by Brunt-Vaisala stability frequency calculations pointed out that the seawater becomes vertically homogenous between September and February during which turbulent diffusion is the dominant process. Out of this period, vertical stability is well established and the difference between surface and deep water temperatures and specific electrical conductivity increases. Maximum stability frequency and resulting vertical inhomogeneity are attained in June. Observations based on the long period measurements show that the suitable depth for the deep water discharge is around -20 m and -25 m. Convenient period for the homogenisation of heat which is given to the sea water by the cooling water is between October-May. Efficiency of the power plant management should be reduced during the summer months, in order to keep sea water temperature between the limits of environmental quality criteria.Original Abstract: Tuerkiye'de insa edilmesi planlanan ilk nuekleer santralda Akkuyu Koerfezi'ndeki deniz suyunun sogutma suyu olarak kullanilmasi amaclanmaktadir. Deniz suyunun sogutmada en yueksek verimle kullanilmasi icin fiziksel ve kimyasal oezelliklerinin yer ve zaman icindeki degisimin bilinmesi gerekmektedir. Deniz suyunun sicaklik, pH, oezguel elektriksel iletkenlik, coezuenmues oksijen derisimi, tuzluluk ve redoks potansiyeli parametrelerinin, alan ve zaman icindeki degisimi calisma alaninda homojen olarak dagilan 14 istasyonda yapilan bir yil suereli aylik oelcuemlerle belirlenmistir. Atmosferik isi akisi ve yagis suyu kaynakli tatli su girisinin, bu parametrelerin degisimi uezerinde etkili ana faktoerler oldugu belirlenmistir. Brunt-Vaisala duraylilik frekansi hesaplamalari ile de desteklenen goezlemler; deniz suyunda tuerbuelansli difuezyonun hakim su