Investigation Ion Balance, Enrichment and Neutralization Factors in Iskenderun Gulf's Precipitation

Year 2025, Volume: 20 Issue: 2, 149 - 157, 30.06.2025

Sermin Örnektekin , Sinem Çolak

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ion balance, enrichment (EFc) and neutralisation (NF) factors of precipitation in the Gulf of Iskenderun. There are several different industries in the Gulf region. pH, conductivity, anion, cation and trace element analyses were performed in precipitation samples (n=153) from five different locations. Ion chromatography (IC) was used for quantitative analysis of anions (sulphate, nitrate, chloride) in rainwater samples. Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) was used for cation and trace element (Ca, Ba, Mg, K, Ca, Li, Fe, Mn, Na, Cr, Ni, Cu, Al, Pb) analysis. Among the anthropogenic elements, the highest concentrations were found for Mn, Pb, and Fe. The ratio of cations to anions was found to be 1.0. The enrichment and neutralization factors of elemental concentrations also revealed the change in 10 years. In all locations, EFc values decreased within 10 years, indicating a decrease in pollutant concentrations. However, ion and element values are still high in precipitation in the region. To prepare a clean air plan in the region, it is suggested that the number of sampling sites where rainwater is taken should be increased, continuous measurements should be made with automatic devices and regular reports should be obtained on a yearly basis. On 6 February 2023, two earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.8 and 7.5 occurred in Türkiye and caused major damage in Iskenderun Gulf. This study provides valuable information on the use of post-earthquake rainwater analyses in Iskenderun Gulf.

Keywords

Precipitation, Gulf of Iskenderun, enrichment factor, neutralisation factor, ion balance

Ethical Statement

This study does not require ethics committee permission or any special permission.

Supporting Institution

Mustafa Kemal University (BAP-01Y0102)

Project Number

BAP-01Y0102

Thanks

This study is based on master thesis and I would also like to thank my advisor Prof. Dr. Sermin ÖRNEKTEKİN.

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