Seasonal Changes of Some Heavy Metal Concentrations in Sapanca Lake Water, Turkey

Abstract

Sapanca is one of the few lakes in Turkey, which provides drinking water. Because of its natural beauty and proximity to the
metropolitan Istanbul, it is exposed to heavy urbanization. In this study, it was aimed to investigate seasonal changes of some heavy
metal (Pb, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn and Cd) concentrations and to determine water quality classes of Sapanca Lake water. Ten different
stations were chosen as sampling area and water samples were taken from these stations in May 2003, July 2003, November 2003
and February 2004. ICP-OES Sequential device was used for the analysis. It was found that heavy metals concentrations in the
water samples were decreased in sequence of Zn >Cr> Ni > Pb> Mn >Cu> Cd. Also, it was determined that Sapanca Lake has 2nd
class water quality for Pb, Cr and Ni and 1st class water quality for Mn, Cu, Zn and Cd. Seasonal highest values of heavy metals
were observed as follows; Zn in Spring, Cr and Cu in Summer, Cr, Mn and Ni in Autumn and Cd and Pb in Winter.