Recent sediments as a trap for the trace metals in an estuarine and coastal marine environment, Turkey.

Balci A.

FRESENIUS ENVIRONMENTAL BULLETIN, vol.8, pp.65-71, 1999 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 8
  • Publication Date: 1999
  • Journal Name: FRESENIUS ENVIRONMENTAL BULLETIN
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.65-71
  • Keywords: trace metals, sediment contamination, Aegean Sea, Izmir Bay (Turkey), IZMIR BAY
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: No

Abstract

The sediments of the lower reachs of the Melez and Arap rivers and its estuary in Izmir Bay were highly polluted by trace metals released by the adjacent industries. The contamination was highest in sediment deposition area of the harbour and decreased to western Bay. Metals trapped in sediments of the lower reach of Melez and Arap rivers can reach the marine environment through bottom transport of sediment particles and also as a result of disposal at sea of dredge spoils from harbour area. On the basis of the findings of the study, it was recommended to stop the long time practice of dumping dredge spoils from the Harbour into the relatively clean outer Bay. The goal of the study is to assess the environmental state of the region, as far as heavy metal pollution is concerned, and to answer to questions related to the impact of domestic and industrial waste disposal through a central sewage outfall system, which will be completed soon.