Investigation of Farm Animal Drinking Water Mineral Contents in Iğdır Province of Turkey

Abstract

With this research, it was aimed to investigate the content of some heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn)and macro minerals (Mg, Ca, K, Na) in the water resources that meet the water needs of livestock inIğdır. Water samples were collected from natural springs, surface waters, wells and drilling waters,Aras river and its branches in the region. The data obtained were classified in two different ways andstatistical analysis was performed. 1. According to the districts; Central District, Tuzluca,Karakoyunlu, Aralık. 2. According to the type of water resources; Ağrı Mountain spring waters, AğrıMountain surface waters, Mountain spring waters, Mountain surface waters, west of Aras river andit’s canals, east of Aras river, Well and Drilling waters. Mineral levels of the water samples weremeasured by using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer with flame system. According to the districtassessment, it was seen that Tuzluca district had lower values compared to other districts. Whenevaluated according to the type of water source, water mineral content was determined to increase asthe waters flowing forward on the surface after reaching to the earth surface It was even found tohave become unfit for consumption towards the end. Consequently, with this research, the levels ofsome heavy metals and macro minerals in the waters used for livestock in the Iğdır region wererevealed for the first time with their details. Except for the waters of the East Aras river, the watersof the Iğdır region were found to be of usable quality for animal husbandry.