Chemical Oxygen Demand Levels in Streams of Çanakkale Strait Basin (Türkiye)

Abstract

In this study, the spatial distributions of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) levels a significant pollution indicator in water of lotic ecosystems in the Çanakkale Strait (ÇS) watershed were determined. 7 fluvial habitats flowing into the ÇS (total of 20 stations from up-streams to down-streams) were defined in the basin. Surface water samples were collected in the spring season of 2023. Then they were tested for the COD parameter. The determined spatial mean values of COD levels in water of the investigated riverine habitats in ÇS watershed were 8.62 mg/L for Munipbey Stream, 4.93 mg/L for Bağlar Stream, 41.60 mg/L for Kayaaltı Stream, 19.83 mg/L for Umurbey Stream, 17.35 mg/L for Çanakkale Stream, 15.70 mg/L for Hamamlık Stream and 9.96 mg/L Küçük Menderes Stream. It has been determined that the COD levels of the investigated rivers increase from the up-stream to the down-stream stations and Kayaaltı, Umurbey and Çanakkale streams were recorded as the riskiest component for the ÇS watershed.