The quality of groundwater for certain chemicals in military fields in Ankara.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to determine the quality of groundwater for certain chemicals from all wells for the military units in Ankara (the capital city of Turkey) to evaluate special situations like a nuclear, biological, and chemical attack.


METHODS
The quality of underground water has been evaluated chemically by examining 34 different water specimens. Various chemical parameters and heavy metals have been assessed in these samples by using an ion meter and atomic absorption spectrophotometer.


RESULTS
Nitrate and chloride have been assessed at a higher rate with the levels exceeding maximum contaminant levels. Mercury, arsenic, aluminum, iron, conductivity, and salinity have also had levels exceeding maximum contaminant levels for each of them according to the levels set by the World Health Organization.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has given us some powerful clues that underground water in Ankara is at a growing risk to be contaminated mainly with nitrate and chloride. Although more detailed investigations are necessary for a better evaluation, it is clear that preventive measures should be implemented or improved.
Bakir
Bilal
B
Public Health Department, Gülhane Military Medical Academy, Sağliği, Ankara, Turkey.
Hacim
Ali Kasim
AK
Güleç
Mahir
M
Ozer
Mustafa
M
Hasde
Metin
M
D008886:Military Hygiene; D014421:Turkey; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis
D014867:Water