REMOVAL OF ALGAE FROM THERMAL MUD POOL: A CASE STUDY IN KOPRUKOY (ERZURUM, NORTHEAST (NE) TURKEY) THERMAL SPRING AREA

Thermal spring areas, which are available globally, are used for recreational purposes or wellness applications because these areas have mineral-rich materials of thermal water and thermal muds. At the same time, thermal spring areas are one of the best habitats for algae among aquatic habitats. If algae formed on the surface of the thermal water in these areas, they create an ugly appearance and disrupt the aesthetics of the water because of their uncontrolled growth. The algae removal applications are the most effective methods for solution of these adversities in the thermal spring areas. In this work, experimental study was carried out to investigate the removal of algae from thermal water and thermal mud pools in the Delicermic-Koprukoy (Erzurum, NE Turkey) thermal spring area. For this purpose, some chemical materials were used for the removal of algae. The results of the experimental studies showed that the Al2SO3+CaO solution is a good material that provides 100% removal of algae from thermal water and thermal mud pools at pH 6.