INVESTIGATION OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION OF DRINKING WATER IN THE TOWNS OF MURADIYE AND CALDIRAN (VAN, TURKEY)

Abstract

In this study, heavy metal contamination was investigated in drinking water at the Muradiye and Caldiran towns which is located in Van city in the eastern of Turkey. Muradiye and Caldiran towns are located in Muradiye-Caldiran basin which is the subbasin of Lake Van basin. There is Tendurek Volcano in the north of the basin which is known as the most active volcano of the Turkey. Because of the study area has intense volcanic rocks, heavy metals were determined in the drinking waters on the investigations in region. Samples were collected from 31 sample points including 20 springs and 11 wells. Heavy metals such as As, Al, Cu, Zn, Cr, Mn, Ni, Ba and Sb were investigated as analysed water samples. Investigations were evaluated based on TSE 266 (March 2013, Water Regulation for Intended Human Consumption), (EPA, 2016) - (Environmental Protection Agency) and (WHO, 2011) - (World Health Organisation). In the result of the investigation, some heavy metals such as As, Al, Cr, Mn, Zn and Ni have high values which are above the limit values. The waters shouldn not be drunk because of the negative effects of heavy metals which were detected in drinking water for human health.