Thesis (MSc) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Environmental Sciences

This study aims to investigate the level of heavy metal contamination in soils and groundwater at Minareliköy in the TRNC. To achieve the research aim, 3 groundwater samples were collected during winter from three different sources available to the inhabitants of Minareliköy with sources from the Geçitköy Dam, North Cyprus underground well and South Cyprus respectively. Similarly, soil samples were also collected from six triangulated locations in the municipality. Acid digestion was used to prepare the groundwater samples for heavy metal analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The level of Zinc, Copper, Lead and Chromium contamination were determined in the study. Also, pH and electrical conductivity of the groundwater samples were determined. Alongside pH and electrical conductivity, moisture content analysis was carried out for the soil samples. The results were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 23.0 with descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation. Result of the study showed Lead and Zinc level to be within World Health Organization (WHO) standards in all water samples. However, Copper (2.1 ± 0.02) and Chromium (0.24± 0.03) showed elevated level above WHO standard in the groundwater sourced from within North Cyprus with the other water showing acceptable levels of this heavy metal. The study showed the unacceptable quality of groundwater of North Cyprus within Minareliköy. The study suggests a predisposition of Minareliköy inhabitants to cancer as a result of use of the heavy metal contaminated groundwater used for irrigation purposes in the region. Thus, a need for persistent water quality monitoring initiative in the municipality and across the TRNC is required to systematically monitor and analyse the changes and patterns in heavy metal contamination within the region.