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Hydrogeology of karst aquifer systems in SW Turkey and an assessment of water quality and contamination problems

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between groundwater flow and water quality of different ground and surface water basins in the southwest Turkey. In addition, groundwater vulnerability is assessed taking into consideration groundwater flow and quality. The autochthonous Beydaglari limestone is the major karstic aquifer in the region. According to the groundwater level map of alluvium aquifers in the basins, groundwater discharge toward the carbonate aquifer is direct and indirect. The hydrogeological connection between ground and surface water basins occurs via the karstic aquifer located at the bottom of the alluvium bottom. In Egirdir lake, water also discharges in the karstic aquifer via karstic sinkholes at the western border of the lake. In the research area, general groundwater discharge is toward the Mediterranean Sea by means of autochthonous carbonate system, according to hydrogeological investigations, research of lineament and hydraulic conductivities. This result is supported by the locations of lineaments and shore springs discharging from the limestone. In addition, spreading of contaminants via karstic aquifer to great distance has been clearly identified.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geological Engineering, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey

    Aysen Davraz, Erhan Sener, Fatma Seyman & Sehnaz Sener

  2. Department of Geological Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey

    Remzi Karaguzel

  3. Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Bucak Emin Gulmez Vocational Scholl, Burdur, Turkey

    Iskender Soyaslan

Authors
  1. Aysen Davraz
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  2. Remzi Karaguzel
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  3. Iskender Soyaslan
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  4. Erhan Sener
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  5. Fatma Seyman
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  6. Sehnaz Sener
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Correspondence to Aysen Davraz.

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Davraz, A., Karaguzel, R., Soyaslan, I. et al. Hydrogeology of karst aquifer systems in SW Turkey and an assessment of water quality and contamination problems. Environ Geol 58, 973–988 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-008-1577-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-008-1577-5

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