Seasonal Diatom Density Investigation of the Mersin Rivers

Ayse Everest, Dogan Can Aslan

In Mersin (Tarsus-Anamur Coastline), four seasons’ vegetation samples are gathered from around 20 estuaries and diatom percentages are determined. Mostly Navicula, Pinnularia, Gomphonema, Synedra, Nitzchia and also Triceratum, Cyclotella, Cymbella, Coconeis, Diatoma, Amphora, Gyrosigma, Licmophora species have been observed. The other determined organisms are bacteria and algae parts, as Vaucheria, Pediastrum, Pandorina, Peridinium, Phacus and Euglena which are seen in almost all rivers, and Ankistrodesmus, Kirchneriella species, which are found in Kuyuluk Creek.Over the past two years, the Metropolitan Municipality paved the river-beds with concrete to prevent flooding, and depending on the increased population andsettlement,water pollution has started to emerge. That is whythe periodic inspections are of theutmost importance. For 2013-2014, the data of Paşasuyu, Göksu and Tarsus rivers demonstrate a clearer picture. We believe that this research will increase the interest in the river ecosystems of Mersin, contributing to future researches in this field.