Oxygen Levels in the Gönen River Have Dropped to Critical Levels

Oxygen Crisis in Gönen Stream

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sarı and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uğur Karadurmuş, Faculty Members of Bandırma Onyedi Eylul University, announced the results of their surface water quality measurements conducted in Gönen Stream. Measurements taken on October 24, 2025, revealed that the oxygen levels in the stream had dangerously decreased and that pollution had reached critical levels.

Water Quality Measurement Data Is Worrisome

The statement noted, "We conducted water quality measurements at 11 different stations from the delta to the Gönen Regulator. The data we obtained indicate that pollution in the stream has unexpectedly increased." It was emphasized that the stream is one of the freshwater ecosystems critically important for the Sea of Marmara.

Ecological Collapse and Health Risk

Scientists pointed out that in the Mansap region of the stream, due to the impact of industrial zone waste, dissolved oxygen levels have dropped to 0.11–0.17 mg/L, indicating that aquatic life is unsustainable. The high pH and ammonium levels clearly reveal the extent of agricultural and industrial pollution.

Threat for the Future

The statement also noted that the pollution in Gönen Stream increases the risk of eutrophication in the Sea of Marmara, raising the likelihood of mucilage formation. "The sustainable management of freshwater resources is a national security issue in the face of climate change and drought threats. While water scarcity is being debated, polluting our existing water resources is a significant loss," it said.

Urgent Measures and Solution Declaration

Prof. Dr. Sarı and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Karadurmuş outlined the necessary steps to prevent this ecological disaster as follows: "Discharge of industrial zone waste must be stopped immediately, the discharge of domestic waste into the stream without treatment must be ended, and the management of agricultural waste must be strictly monitored."