Prevention of Mucilage Like Disasters by Using Passive Biofilm Samplers to Reduce Pollution Load

Domestic and industrial wastewater discharges with increasing pollution load adversely affect the water quality of the receiving water bodies. The mucilage problem in the Marmara Sea reveals the extent of the deterioration in sea water quality. In order to solve mucilage and similar water quality problems, wastewater discharges should be controlled. Conventional sampling methods cannot reveal the temporal variation of discharge water quality. The biofilm sampler (octopus) method provides the opportunity to monitor the temporal variation of discharges, eliminating the disadvantages of traditional sampling methods. The octopus biofilm sampling method, which has been used successfully in Germany for many years, is an easy, economical and effective method. The first application of the method in Turkey was carried out in Konya and contributed significantly to the decision-making processes. The method proposed in this study can be used effectively to monitor the effluent quality of industrial establishments and wastewater treatment plants that discharge into the Marmara Sea. Monitoring the illegal discharges above the regulation limits and applying the necessary sanctions will improve the water quality of the Marmara Sea.