Investigation of Nitrate Pollution in Groundwater Used for Irrigation in Konya Karapinar Region, Central Anatolia

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Groundwater nitrate pollution risks via excess agrochemical use are a serious problem for human health, livestock and environment both in Turkeyand the world. This is a particularly serious threat in areas where irrigation is undertaken by groundwater as in the closed basin of Konya in Central Turkey. The 70% of groundwater irrigation wells in Konya run privately or by state institutions. contain NO3-N level of greater than 10 mg/L. The remaining wells’ nitrate content varied from 3 mg/L to 10 g/L, which all indicate an anthropogenic pollution although the levels of N is still not harmful for crop production. Moreover, about %20 wells EC is greater than the recommended levels for livestock (EC>1000 mg/L). Thus, the nitrate level of groundwater wells used for irrigation is within the permissible (tolarable) level for agricultural uses. However, the consumption by humans and animals is not recommended, because the irrigation in Konya Closed basin, extends to almost 5 M ha, is undertaken by 100.000 groundwater wells and out of 60% are illegally operated.