Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates in the Groundwater and Surface Waters: Ergene Basin Case Study

Abstract

Ergene Basin is one of the most important industrial centers due to the geographical location in Turkey. Uncontrolled and rapidly increasing industrialization brings together a large number of environmental problems in the basin. In this study, pollution was investigated in the water samples taken at time intervals and different parts of groundwater and surface water resources located within Ergene Basin by methylene blue anionic surfactants (MBAS) analysis method. Turbidity, temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), concentrations of total P and linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) were simultaneously determined in the investigated water resources. The results were compared with the Turkish Water Pollution Control Regulation specified in the Quality Criteria of the Inland Water Resources according to their class. The total P and LAS concentrations of surface waters are generally higher than groundwater. In terms of LAS concentrations, the groundwater is I-II class and the surface water is II-IV class.