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Environmental impact of geothermal fluids on surface water, groundwater and streambed sediments in the Akarcay Basin, Turkey

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

In this study, the impact of geothermal water on ground and surface waters has been investigated in Akarcay Basin, Turkey. The release of thermal return water from district heating in the city of Afyon and from thermal baths has a considerable environmental impact on the main stream. Historical analyses of stream water quality data show that the present pollution is associated primarily with thermal return water of district heating system. Currently, about 6% of stream water comprises of thermal water. The pollution seems to degrade the water quality in Lake Eber. Streambed sediments were found to be in equilibrium with polluted water and may lead to additional pollution in lake water. Thermal groundwater intrusion to fresh water production wells was detected mainly at sites close to geothermal fields. Solutions to remove thermal water from surface environment are suggested.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works of Turkey for the logistics support provided during field studies. Financial support by the Hacettepe University Research Fund is gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hacettepe University, Department of Geological Engineering, Beytepe Campus, 06532, Ankara, Turkey

    M. S. Dogdu & C. S. Bayari

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  1. M. S. Dogdu
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  2. C. S. Bayari
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Correspondence to M. S. Dogdu.

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Dogdu, M.S., Bayari, C.S. Environmental impact of geothermal fluids on surface water, groundwater and streambed sediments in the Akarcay Basin, Turkey. Env Geol 47, 325–340 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-004-1154-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-004-1154-5

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