Poison flows in Ergene River due to industrial waste mixing in Turkey’s west

Ömer Erbil – TEKİRDAĞ

A famous river dubbed the “life source of Thrace” in Turkey’s west has been flowing with poison because it has mixed with industrial waste. 

The Ergene River, which stems from the Yıldız Mountains and has seven arms, turns into poisonous water five kilometers away from its source after it merges with several other arms of the river. 

In addition to polluting nature, the river threatens the living spaces around it. 

Despite all attempts to clear the river, the 285-kilometer-long Ergene River cannot be saved from pollution. Purification plants set up to clear the river have also been unable to save the life source of Thrace.

Upon the increase in the levels of poison, the Forestry and Water Affairs Ministry launched new projects to save the Ergene River, while also accusing municipalities of not performing enough tests on the water. 

The water in the source of the Ergene River in Kaynarca is clear enough for one to drink. However, five kilometers out and it is polluted with domestic and industrial waste that have mixed with the water from the Pınarhisar Brook. The carcasses of animals and garbage spread bacteria to the area. 

When the path of the river is followed, it was seen that farmers are irrigating their fields with the muddy water by distilling it. 

Another 35 kilometers further from that point, the scene is even more horrific with the color of the river turning darker at every step. 

Çorlu Brook, especially, flows black after merging with other arms in Muratlı. Similarly, Lüleburgaz Brook continues to pollute the Ergene River close to Hayranbolu. 

Millions of Turkish Liras spent for the establishment of purification plants and clearing efforts have been wasted due to inability to control the pollution.  

It is even impossible to stand near the Ergene River in Uzunköprü, where it merges with the Meriç River, because of the heavy smell. 

At some points where the water flows rapidly, the river looks as if it is made up of tar due to the chemicals it involves. Agricultural fields are being irrigated with the water from this poisonous river.
 
It is impossible for water creatures to live in the river almost made up of tar. 

“A sheep drank water from the river accidentally and it died a couple of hours later,” a shepherd told daily Hürriyet on Sept. 17. 

According to research carried out by the Trakya University Medical Faculty, cadmium, which is accepted as one of the most dangerous carcinogens, is observed in higher than normal levels in the area.