This study examined
the vertical distribution of heavy metals in the core sediments of Lake Erikli,
Turkey and their potential ecological risks. Two core samples 48 and 34 cm in
length were taken with a Kajak gravity core sampler. The samples were divided
into 2 cm sub-samples in the laboratory and analyzed using ICP-MS. The
enrichment factor (EF), potential ecological risk factor (PERI) and pollution
load index (PLI) were calculated to evaluate the environmental quality of the sediment.
According to the results, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Cr come from natural sources in
both cores and there is no anthropogenic contribution to the distribution of
these elements, while some anthropogenic effects were detected for As, Cd and
Hg. According to the calculated risk index (CRI) for each metal, the potential
risk of Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, As and Cr is low. Two metals posing a threat to the
ecosystem were identified; Cd and Hg. PLI values significantly increased from
the bottom of the slice to the surface in accordance with the EF and PERI
values. Continuation of the pumping of domestic waste into Lake Erikli will
accelerate the process of deterioration.
Primary Language | English |
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Subjects | Engineering |
Journal Section | Research Articles |
Authors | |
Publication Date | December 2, 2018 |
Published in Issue | Year 2018 Volume: 5 Issue: 3 |
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.