Chemical speciation and ecological risk assessment of arsenic in marine sediments from Izmir Bay (Eastern Aegean Sea)

GÖNÜL L. T.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH, vol.22, no.24, pp.19951-19960, 2015 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 22 Issue: 24
  • Publication Date: 2015
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s11356-015-5197-9
  • Journal Name: ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.19951-19960
  • Keywords: Arsenic, Arsenic speciation, Marine sediment, Risk assessment, Izmir Bay (Eastern Aegean Sea), SURFACE SEDIMENTS, HEAVY-METALS, ADSORPTION, WATER, ORGANISMS, CHEMISTRY, POLLUTION, RELEASE, WETLAND, SOILS
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Total arsenic, arsenic(III) and (V), Fe, and Mn were measured in 17 surface sediment samples from Izmir Bay. The concentrations and ecological risk of As were characterized in the sediment affected by urban and agricultural activities. Total As ranged from 8.87 to 28.3 mu g g(-1) dry weight (96.5-99.9 % as inorganic As). Distribution of total As and total As/Fe followed a different trend in sediments at all sampling sites. Arsenite (As(III)) was the most dominant form followed by As(V), while organic arsenic represented a minor constituent (0.03 to 3.49 %). The highest concentration of total As was observed at Gediz River estuary and exceeded lower threshold value (threshold effects level (TEL)). Due to the biological reduction of As(V) and abundance of Fe (oxyhydr)oxides in the sediments, most inorganic As in the Izmir Bay was present as As(III). Besides, the levels of As were >TEL and