Metal contamination in the bottom sediments of the gulf of Iskenderun

The objective of this study was to determine the influences of a variety of anthropogenic activities on the metal levels of bottom sediments in the Gulf of Iskenderun. For this purpose, surface (top 5cm of sea floor) sediment samples were obtained from a total of 73 stations and subjected to grain s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of environmental studies 1998-06, Vol.55 (1-2), p.101-119
Main Authors: Ergin, Mustafa, Kazan, Bilal, Eryilmaz, Fülya-Yücesoy, Eryilmaz, Mustafa
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Applied ecology
Biological and medical sciences
Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
geological sources
Gulf of Iskenderun
heavy metals
Marine and brackish environment
Pollution
sediments
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Summary:The objective of this study was to determine the influences of a variety of anthropogenic activities on the metal levels of bottom sediments in the Gulf of Iskenderun. For this purpose, surface (top 5cm of sea floor) sediment samples were obtained from a total of 73 stations and subjected to grain size, heavy metal, carbonate and microscopic analysis. Principal component analysis was introduced to discriminate groups of stations according to sedimentary parameters obtained. The relatively high concentrations (on carbonate-free basis) of Fe(7-23.2%), Mn(1000-3240 ppm), Co(100-333 ppm), Cr (400- 919 ppm), Pb(50-97 ppm) and Zn (125 and 176 ppm) measured in the western (outer) and eastern(inner) parts of this Gulf are found in areas receiving large amounts of waste materials (i.e. slag) from iron-steel complexes, domestic seawage, as well as discharges from the fertilizers, petroleum refining and pipeline terminals around the gulf. Comparison of these results with the average composition of crustal and regional rocks and other metal-contaminated regions suggest a significant contamination in some parts of this gulf by metals. However, as shown by principal component analysis, ultrabasic and biogenic carbonate factors mostly mask these anthropogenic influences. The Gulf of Iskenderun was chosen for this study because it has been increasingly contaminated by various pollutants during the last decade.
ISSN:0020-7233
1029-0400
DOI:10.1080/00207239808711170