Polluted Turkish lake threatens drinking water and tourism for millions.
The study looked at how human activities and natural processes affect the quality of water in Eg ˘irdir Lake, the second largest freshwater lake in Turkey. The researchers took water samples from different locations in May and October 2009 to see if the water met safety standards for drinking. They found that pollution from agriculture, industry, and rock interactions can make the water quality worse, especially during dry periods. At points where streams flow into the lake, high levels of chemicals like potassium, aluminum, and lead were detected, exceeding safe limits. This information is crucial for protecting human health and ensuring sustainable use of the lake for activities like drinking, irrigation, tourism, and fishing.