Heavy Metal Concentrations in Surficial and Core Sediments from Izmir Bay: An Assessment of Contamination and Comparison Against Sediment Quality Benchmarks

Atalar M., Kucuksezgin F., DUMAN M., GÖNÜL L. T.

BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY, vol.91, no.1, pp.69-75, 2013 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 91 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2013
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s00128-013-1008-5
  • Journal Name: BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.69-75
  • Keywords: Metals, Surface sediment, Core sediment, Enrichment factor, Contamination factor, Sediment quality benchmark, Izmir Bay (Eastern Aegean), SHELF SEDIMENTS, POLLUTION, LAGOON, GEOCHEMISTRY, TURKEY, IMPACT, SEA
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The levels of heavy metals were determined in surface and core sediments from the Izmir Bay in 2009. The highest concentrations of As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were found in the inner bay due to industrial activities. In contrast, maximum levels of Mn, Co, Fe and Al were observed in the outer bay, due to geochemical structure. Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, As, Cr and Co levels in the upper layer of core sediments were higher than the mean background values of bottom sediments. The enrichment of Cr, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cu and As in the bay seems to be driven by anthropogenic sources. It was found that the sediments in Izmir Inner Bay were generally polluted heavily with Cu, As, Ni, Cr, Pb and moderately with Zn according to the numerical Sediment quality guidelines of the USEPA.