Pesticide and nutrient contamination in the Kestel polje–Kirkgoz karst springs, Southern Turkey

The Kirkgoz karst springs are in the well-developed Taurus karst zone in southern Turkey. Discharge is at an average rate of 15 m³/s. The large Kestel polje is 40 km from the springs and within the recharge area of the system. Utilization of the Kestel polje for agriculture as well as sewage disposal at sinkholes are sources of pollution. Water samples were analyzed for nutrients and some of the pesticides among the persistent organic pollutants. Although nutrient contamination is not critical yet, pesticide concentrations that range between 81 and 9,009 μg/l are above the international guidelines. This is the first record of pesticide contamination in karst systems in Turkey. Pesticides may be useful as tracers.