Ecological risk assessment using trace elements from surface sediments of Izmit Bay (Northeastern Marmara Sea) Turkey.
The aim of this study was to study ecological risk assessment of trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in Izmit Bay surface sediments in the <63 microm fraction. Sediment samples were collected from 8 sites along the north coastline of the bay. Samples were subjected to a total digestion technique and analyzed for major (organic carbon) and minor (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) elements. Sediments heavily contaminated are evaluated by the Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQG) of US EPA. The degree of contamination (Cd) is estimated as very high at each site. Two sets of SQGs, effect range-low/effect range median values and TEL/probable effect level (PEL) values were used in our study. Sediments from the each site are judged toxic when two or more of the PEL values exceed EPA guidelines. Our results are in agreement with previously reported sediment toxicity test results.
Pekey
Hakan
H
Department of Environmental Protection, University of Kocaeli, P.O. Box 318, 41275 Izmit, Kocaeli, Turkey. hpekey@lycos.com
Karakaş
Duran
D
Ayberk
Savaş
S
Tolun
Leyla
L
Bakoğlu
Mithat
M
D002244:Carbon / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000032:analysis*; D008522:Mediterranean Sea; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014421:Turkey
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D002244:Carbon