Investigation of some physical and chemical parameters in the River Yesilirmak in Tokat region, Turkey

Water sampled from the River Yeşilirmak in Tokat region during the four seasons has been analyzed. Standard methods have been used to determine the chemical and physical properties of these water samples. The metal ions (Pb, Cd, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn) were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry after liquid-liquid extraction. Recoveries were nearly quantitative for all the elements studied (≥ 95%) with detection limits (DL, ng/L) of 41, 15, 48, 24, 32 and 35 (n=20, 3s) for Pb, Cd, Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn, respectively. The results have been within the acceptable limits of pollution according to EU and Turkish Standards except organic matter, phosphate, ammonia nitrogen, and nitrite.