An inevitable episode: Salination of Gonyeli pond (dam)

The results of recent studies at Gonyeli pond, located close to the capital of Cyprus, indicate that salination is a serious threat. The pond is among the oldest artificial lakes built in Cyprus. Its water capacity is one mil lion cubic meters and it is basically used for irrigation purposes. A limno logical study of the pond was initiated in December 1995, and monthly sampl ing from 1 meter depth continued till June 1997. Among others, salinity (pa rts per thousand, ppt) and total dissolved solids (TDS) were measured regul arly. During this period, salinity and TDS of the pond increased very marke dly, ie. salinity increased from 2 ppt to approximately 4.5 ppt and TDS fro m 2g/L to 12 gn. Extrapolation of the data indicates that in case the salin ity increase remains at the same rate, it will reach 15 ppt in 40 months an d 38 ppt (Mediterranean average salinity) in 180-192 months.