Determination of chemical characteristics and quality assessments of streams by GIS in tunceli region, Turkey

The optimal use of a stream water is mainly depend on its physical and chemical characteristics which are play a significant role in classifying and assessing the water quality. Anion and cation balance are the most important parameter of these processes. Aim of this study is the evaluation of the physical and chemical features of surface waters located in the eastern part of Turkey. The physical and chemical parameters measured in collected water samples from 23 stations which are distributed along the streams in the province of Tunceli were used as the main data sources. Some of the measured parameters in the samples are; temperature, pH, EC, DO, anions, cations and then calculated Na% and SAR. In results, while the temperature is changing from 18 to 25°C, the pH values are changed between 6.1-8.7. Piper trilinear was also conducted indicating that all the surface waters, which are high quality and unpolluted fresh water, contain various physicochemical compositions of natural fresh waters. Especially, Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR meq/L) was indicated that these waters can be easily used for irrigation and agricultural activities, except 6 sampling stations. It has been determined that the there is a connection between mineral composition of the surface waters and geological formations found at the depth of origin. In addition, the Munzur and Pulumur Streams are special ecological areas. These areas and their endemic species should be protected under the national and international conventions with together flora- fauna and special water resources for natural ecological balance.