Eutrophication in İzmir Bay, Eastern Aegean

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Abstract
The polluted waters of Izmir Bay were studied to measure the variations of biochemical and physical characteristics monthly or three‐monthly. The spatial and temporal changes of nutrients (nitrate, nitrite, and ortho phosphate) and chlorophyll‐a, temperature and salinity in the bay were monitored during the period of February 1990 ‐ December 1992. The evaluated results were compared with the results obtained from the relatively unpolluted waters of the Aegean Sea. Eutrophication of the inner bay has already started, spreading progressively to the rest of the bay. The degree of eutrophication in the bay was assessed. The concentration of nutrients ranged between 0.21–2.51 μg‐at l‐1 for PO4‐P; 0.44–4.20 μg‐at l‐1 for NO3‐N; 0.11–3.50 μg‐at l‐1 for NO2‐N. Chlorophyll‐a concentration is between 0.7–39.1 μg l‐1 and estimated primary productivity in the bay is 7–10 times higher than the offshore production in the region. The main reason for high primary production is the high terrestrial input. As expected total suspended solids concentrations is high, so that the water is turbid having extremely low penetration, the average depth of secchi disk is between 2–10 m.