Pollution Potential of Heavy Metals in The Current Sea Sediments Between Bandirma (Balikesir) and Lapseki (Çanakkale) in the Marmara Sea

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the concentration of heavy metals on Holocene sediments in the Southwest Marmara Sea. Accordingly, ten core samples were collected in the investigate area. Heavy metal analyzes were performed using ICP-OS device. In the samples, 28 heavy metal (Fe, Zn, Al, Mn, As, B, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Sb, Na, Mg, K, Ca, P, Pb, Hg, Cd, Mo, Pb, Pt, Sn, Se, Hg) concentrations were determined. Comparing the results of the analysis are with World Average Shale Values, max values for Ni, Mn, Cr, Zn and Co were above the World average values. Maximum and minimum Pb, Cu and Fe values are below the mean shale values. The Co concentration was determined above the mean values for both values. Also, the concentrations of heavy metals in the samples taken from the Kor-9 site were at the lowest values compared to other locations. It was seen that there are no settlements, industrial establishments or maritime structures like such as a port in this locality. In places where values are high, wastewaters were originated from settlements, harbor and industrial wastes. These findings indicate that the most important cause of heavy metal contamination is anthropogenic causes.