WATER QUALITY AND MANEGEMENT STRATEGIES OF ESEN RIVER (MUGLA-TURKEY)

Abstract

To determine the water quality of Esen River, seven sampling points were selected and seven water quality determination methods were performed. Of the performed water quality methods, two were physicochemical and five were biological, based on benthic macroinvertebrates. SI, FBI, BMWP, ASPT, BBI biotic indices and EPT/Chironomus sp. ratios were the applied on Esen River. A total of 111 benthic macro invertebrate taxa consisting of 48 genera and 63 species, which belong to classes Turbellaria, Gastropoda, Bivalvia, Hirudinea, Crustacea and Insecta were identified and used. Of these, %86, 84 (96 taxa) belong to Insecta. It was determined that, Gammarus sp., was dominant on upper zones while Chironomus sp. was dominant on lower zones of Esen River. No significant difference was evident between the biodiversity and physicochemical parameters. According to the obtained data, it was evident that there are no intensive pollution pressures on Esen River. However, moderate pollution was found among sampling points of the lower river basin. Management strategies especially about the effect of fish farms on Esen River should be developed immediately.