Evaluation of spatio-temporal variations in microbial pollution indicators of a river passing through lowlands and urban areas in Northern Türkiye

The degradation of watersheds due to urban development increases the vulnerability surface waters pollutants anthropogenic origin. Urban streams draining near swimming can contribute significantly deterioration water quality. In study, microbial quality Terme River was investigated seasonally by collecting samples from four different stream sites. Microbiological analyzes were performed using standard methods with membrane filtration. colony-forming unit (CFU) method determined fecal contamination in samples. mean number colonies as 712 CFU/100 mL, 278 and 64 mL for total coliform, Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens, respectively. This situation indicates that there stream. According bacteriological parameters Water Pollution Control Regulation, found be class II terms coliform bacteria count. Research results is not much polluted microbiological but has values under pressure pollution. To increase pollution level, direct mixing domestic wastes/wastewater, animal wastes, drainage channels settlements agricultural areas around river should prevented. public made aware necessary precautions.