AN EVALUATION OF WATER QUALITY IN MICRO-CATCHMENTS WITH HIGH EROSION RISK WITH CCME WATER QUALITY INDEX: CASE OF CAPAKCUR MICROCATCHMENT

A significant portion of the world's freshwater resources is used for agricultural irrigation. However, these waters are becoming increasingly polluted due to various environmental factors. This pollution, in turn, leads to soil contamination through irrigation and the deterioration of specific productivity characteristics. Consequently, the monitoring of water resources has emerged as a critical global issue. In this study, we evaluated the water quality of the Çapakçur Stream, a vital water source for the Bingöl Plain, based on the Water Quality Index (WQI) established by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). For this assessment, the study collected monthly samples from six different locations throughout 2019. Subsequently, we analyzed 22 physicochemical parameters related to water quality. The analysis revealed that the lowest water quality index values in the Çapakçur Stream were recorded in July in the monthly assessment and during the spring season. Conversely, the highest water quality index was observed in January, both monthly and during summer. Notably, all the results we obtained were classified as "marginal" according to the WQI classification. As a result of the calculations, the index values were found to be in the range of 50-54 according to the season, 49-56 according to the months, and 48-56 according to the precast points. The same (52) results were found according to the dry and wet precipitation periods. These findings underscore the pressing need for a cautious approach to utilizing this resource for irrigation. Furthermore, they highlight the necessity of regular monitoring and periodic analyses to ensure its quality maintenance.