DETERMINATION OF SOME HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN WATER AND SEDIMENT SAMPLES TAKEN FROM GEDIZ RIVER (TURKEY)

In this study, heavy metal concentrations of Gediz River were determined between July 2001 and April 2002. Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb content of water and sediment samples were investigated. The values obtained in this study were compared with permitted maximum heavy metal concentrations for irrigation. All metal concentrations found were low (Cu 0.10, Fe 0.28, Mn 0.19, Zn 1.32, Cd 0.004, Co 0.006, Ni 0.12, Pb 0.22 mg L-1) but chromium (0.12 mg L-1) was at limit concentration at some stations. According to these results, the water is acceptable for irrigation. Furthermore, water sample results were compared with inorganic pollution limit amounts announced by the Water Pollution Control Regulation. It is obvious that the water pollution at Gediz River reached levels threatening public health, because of the high chromium (0.12 mg L-1) and lead (0.22 mg L-1) levels.