Metal pollution assessment in the surface sediments of a river system in Türkiye: Integrating toxicological risk assessment and source identification

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin Vol. 203; p. 116514
• Main Authors: Ustaoğlu, Fikret, Yüksel, Bayram, Tepe, Yalçın, Aydın, Handan, Topaldemir, Halim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-06-2024
• Subjects: Ecological risk assessment; Environmental Monitoring; Geologic Sediments - chemistry; Human health risk evaluation; Metals - analysis; Metals, Heavy - analysis; Pollution source tracing; Risk Assessment; Rivers - chemistry; Toxicological assessment; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Human health risk evaluation; Pollution source tracing; Toxicological assessment; Ecological risk assessment
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116514

This study investigates potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the surface sediments of the Abdal River system, a critical water source for Samsun province, Türkiye, due to the presence of the Çakmak Dam. PTE concentrations, measured in mg/kg, show significant variability: Hg (0.03) < Cd (0.26) < As (10.98) < Pb (13.88) < Cu (48.61) < Ni (62.45) < Zn (70.97) < Cr (96.28) < Mn (1015) < Fe (38357). Seasonal variations were observed, in particular increased concentrations of As, Cd and Pb in summer (p < 0.05). Contamination and ecological risk indices (mHQ, EF, Igeo, CF, PLI, Eri, mCd, NPI, PERI, MPI, and TRI) indicate moderate to low levels of contamination, suggesting potential ecological effects. Health risk assessments suggest minimal risks to human health from sediment PTEs. Statistical analyses (PCC, PCA and HCA) improve the understanding of the sediment environment and contamination sources, while the coefficient of variation assists in source identification.
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•Sediment quality and health risk assessments guide effective assessment of pollution.•Varied metal pollution in Abdal River System prompts comprehensive management strategies.•Moderate to low contamination levels observed; minimal health risks detected.•Statistical analysis identifies diverse pollution sources for informed decisions.•Coefficient of variation enhances source identification, aiding ecosystem preservation.