The project, supported by TÜBİTAK and HÜBAP, investigating the effects of demolition wastes on groundwater quality in Hatay province as a result of the February 2023 earthquakes, has been completed under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Galip Yüce a faculty member from Geological (Hydrogeological) Engineering Department and Dr. Pınar Avcı as a researcher in the project at the same department.
As part of the project, sampling was conducted at 17 water points in the districts of Antakya, Samandağ, and Defne to evaluate the sustainable usability of groundwater sources after the earthquake. Six of these points are specifically wells that provide drinking water to the city of Hatay following the earthquake. In this study, the presence of major ion chemistry and the existence of heavy metals, endocrine disruptors (such as pesticide types, phenols, ketones, phthalates, and others), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyl types (PCBs), and organic volatile compounds (VOCs) were analyzed, taking into account the potential infiltration of various contaminants, especially those arising from infrastructure damages and surface debris, into groundwater after earthquakes. These analysis were conducted to assess the potential risks to water resources and human-environmental health.
The project results indicated that none of the samples exceeded the limit of quantification for endocrine disruptors, PAHs, PCBs, and VOCs, posing no threat. However, certain drinking water and spring samples exceeded the international drinking water quality standard regarding heavy metals (such as iron and aluminum). This study highlights the importance of consistently monitoring of the water quality parameters and implementing necessary measures, particularly to ensure the sustainable use of drinking water sources in the future.