Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, cilt.64, sa.1, ss.45-57, 2007 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
The effects of anthropogenic activities on the accumulation of heavy metals and other compounds in
sediments, mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and water of the mid-Black Sea coast of Turkey were
examined in this study. The aim was to work ecological risk assessment of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cr,
Cd, Pb and Ni) at surface sediment and mussel samples. Sediment and mussel samples were subjected
to a total digestion technique (HNO3 – HCl – HF conc.) and analysed for selected heavy metals by
AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry). The general environmental properties of water,
sediment and mussel samples were also measured (i.e. BOD5, organic matter %, mussel dimensions).
Sediments were evaluated based on Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQG) and also with ERL/ERM
and TEL/PEL values of EPA guidelines. The degree of contamination (Cd) was estimated for each
station. The degree of heavy metal contamination of mussel samples was higher in Samsun city
harbour. The values of sum of toxic units (Σ TU) for each of the sampling sites based on concentrations
of Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Ni were also calculated. The whole results at sediment, mussel and
water samples showed that the mid-Black Sea coast of Turkey is facing beyond any question heavy
metal pollution. To be more specific, high concentrations of Cd and Pb determined at both marine and
freshwater samples may indicate a fresh and continuous contamination from domestic and industrial
discharges.
Keywords: Degree of contamination; Ecological risk assessment; Heavy metals; Mussels; Sediment
quality guidelines; Surface sediments