An adapted companion modelling approach for enhancing multi-stakeholder cooperation in complex river basins

The sustainable development agenda 2030 calls for achievement of certain targets to ensure access to water and sanitation for all. Multi-stakeholder partnerships and the use of data and modelling tools are conditioning elements for their achievement. In this article, we demonstrate that participatory modelling supports informed and participatory decision making in complex river basins. An adapted companion modelling approach is presented to support collective action by reducing disputes and enhancing collaboration among stakeholders. The co-development and use of empirical models for understanding the complexity of the physical system is combined with the use of role-playing games to ensure the active involvement of stakeholders. The approach is implemented in a top-down water quality planning process in Turkey. Results show its suitability for managing water quality in complex river basins in an inclusive manner and its substantial benefits in developing stakeholders’ capacities and creating a cooperative environment.     

An investigation of engine and fuel system performance in a diesel engine operating on waste cooking oil

Waste cooking oil (WCO) was experimentally examined to determine whether it can be used as an alternative fuel in a 3-cylinder, 4-stroke, direct injection, 48 kW power tractor engine. The test engine was operated under full load conditions using diesel fuel and waste vegetable oil from the 2400 to 1100 rpm and performance values were recorded. Tests were performed in two stages to evaluate the effect of the waste oils on the engine life cycle. When the test engine was operated with diesel fuel and waste cooking oil; engine torque decreased between at ratio of 0.09 % and 3% according to the engine speed. While no significant difference occurs in the diesel fuel tests at the end of 100 hours of operation, an important reduction was observed in the engine torque of the WCO engine between 4.21% and 14.48% according to the engine speed, and an increase in average smoke opacity ratio was also observed. In accordance with the results obtained from the studies, it was determined that the engine performance values of waste cooking oil show similar properties with diesel fuel, but in long-term usage, performance losses increased. In the SEM analysis performed on the fuel system, there were dark deposits at the nozzle tip and stem. According to an EDX analysis at the nozzle tips, the detected elements point to engine oil ash in the combustion chamber and show coking products (C and O). The other elements (Na, S, Ca, P, Cl, and K) point to used WCO.     

Primary Productivity in the Golden Horn

The shores of the Golden Horn—once most important seaport of the region—represented throughout history a romantic and recreational venue. This tributary to the Bosphorus, however, became seriously polluted with the extensive industrialization and rapid population growth in Istanbul over the past century. Two main tributaries, the Alibeykoy and the Kagithane, dumped both liquid and solid waste from residential areas and industry (small and large-scale) into the Golden Horn. As a result of this pollution, the landward three to four kilometers of the estuary became swamped with sediment. The dominance of anaerobic activity resulted in a highly unpleasant smell, and the shallow depth as one progressed up the bay restricted navigation. In early 1997 The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality began a dredging operation and gradually diverted all domestic and industrial wastewater discharge from the Golden Horn. Since then there have been remarkable improvements in water quality. This paper presents the state of eutrophication through the water body of the Golden Horn; parameters such as DO, TKN, NH₃-N, NO₃-N, the total phosphorus (TP) and dissolved phosphorus (PO₄-P), phytoplankton and chlorophyll-a have been were analyzed in samples of water taken from various points in the Golden Horn. The presence of DO and the phytoplankton, both indicators of primary productivity in an aquatic body, has been evaluated in relation to former conditions.     

Some properties of new nesting areas of sea turtles in north-eastern Mediterranean situated on the extension of the Samandag Beach, Turkey

One of the most endangered species in tropical seas, Chelonia mydas (green turtles) prefer undisturbed sand beaches to lay their eggs. While Caretta caretta lays their eggs all over the Mediterranean beaches of Turkey, C. mydas nesting locations are limited with north-eastern site (Alata, Kazanli, Akyatan and Samandag) of the country and some beaches in Cyprus. Until 2003, no nesting place of both species between Akyatan and Samandag was recorded. From north to south, the beaches examined in 2003 summer are Arsuz, Konacik, Kale, Tr-H-3, Tr-H-2, and Tr-H-1 in addition to well-known and studied nesting beaches of sea turtle species in Hatay Province: Cevlik, Seyhhizir and Meydan. Since the Hatay Provincial Coast between Cevlik and Arsuz is hilly and no stabilized road is available, these small beaches were not known to have both C. mydas and C. caretta nests. Some physical and chemical sand properties, the number of nests belong to both species and selected nest specifications were investigated in this study. Kale Beach was found to be the most important nesting place in this less populated area. Based on results, Kale, Tr-H-3 and Tr-H-1 beaches were recorded to have high hatchling success.