Gediz River pollution levels rise during summer months

A joint monitoring report by the Izmir and Manisa Metropolitan Municipalities reveals a significant increase in pollution levels within the Gediz River basin during the summer months. Following a period of improved water quality due to heavy rainfall in early 2024, the reduction in precipitation since June has caused pollutant concentrations to rise again.

Prof. Dr. Yusuf Kurucu of Ege University noted that the river shows evidence of industrial, agricultural, and domestic waste. Monitoring at 59 different points across the basin, including the Nif Stream and Agil Stream, detected heavy metals and organic pollutants. Notably, certain substances such as copper, bromine, cobalt, and boron were measured at levels 100 to 200 times higher than normal, which experts state cannot be explained by natural processes alone.

The 401-kilometer river flows through Kütahya, Uşak, Manisa, and Izmir before emptying into the Aegean Sea via the Izmir Gulf. Experts warn that this rising pollution poses a direct threat to agricultural production, groundwater resources, and the broader ecosystem.