Gökçeada Deniz Suyu Kalitesinin Mikrobiyolojik Değerlendirilmesi

Physicochemical Assessment of Seawater Quality in Gökçeada

 Abstract This study aims to evaluate the microbiological quality of coastal waters around Gökçeada, to assess potential risks to human health, and to identify the main sources of pollution affecting the marine environment. Surface water samples were collected monthly from six representative stations between April 2022 and February 2023. Microbiological analyses included the determination of total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and fecal streptococci, while physicochemical parameters such as nitrite, nitrate, ammonium, phosphate, and chlorophyll-a were simultaneously measured. The results revealed pronounced seasonal and spatial variations in water quality. During the summer period, bacterial indicator levels at Kaleköy Harbor and Aydıncık Bay exceeded the threshold values specified by the Turkish Water Pollution Control Regulation (SKKY, 2004), indicating a potential public health risk. In contrast, winter measurements showed substantially lower bacterial concentrations, reflecting the effectiveness of natural dilution and self-purification processes. Overall, the findings highlight that intensified tourism pressure, insufficient wastewater infrastructure, and inadequate sewage management significantly deteriorate seawater 224 Öztürk, H., Ünal, V., Çardak, M., Gönülal, O., (Editörler) (2025). Bütün Yönleriyle Gökçeada. Türk Deniz Araştırmaları Vakfı (TÜDAV), Yayın No: 77, İstanbul, Türkiye. quality in the study area. The study underscores the necessity of continuous microbiological monitoring and integrated coastal management strategies to ensure the protection of ecosystem health and public safety in island environments. Keywords: Gökçeada, Aegean Sea, coastal water quality, marine microbiology, fecal indicator bacteria, ecosystem health