Assessment of eutrophication in the Berdan River Basin (Türkiye) using various classification tools

Abstract

The trophic status of the Berdan River Basin was determined using univariate and multivariate classification tools. The results indicated that the water quality/ trophic status of a downstream section of the Berdan River was characterized as “poor/eutrophic” due to anthropogenic inputs from agricultural, industrial and domestic wastewater discharges. Strong and positive correlations between TRIX values and concentrations of eutrophication parameters suggest that nutrient enrichment of water in the Berdan River during its flow will result in further eutrophication in the coastal region of the NE Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, the trophic and pollution status of the Berdan River, as well as other regional rivers flowing into the coastal area of the NE Mediterranean Sea should be monitored to develop action plans and sustainable management of eutrophication in regional rivers and the oligotrophic Mediterranean Sea.