Pollution evaluation of heavy metals in sediments from the Çakit Stream, Ulukişla (Niğde), Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the sediments in Çakıt Stream and headwaters, which originate Bolkar Mountains and flow through Central Tauride belt to Mediterranean Sea. Samples were characterized by multivariate statistical analysis to determine the enrichment characteristics of heavy metals as well as their potential risks of pollution. Results showed that the average concentrations of some heavy metals comply with the concentration ranges recommended by the National Standard of Turkey, while the maximum concentrations of Pb, Zn, Ag, Sb and As exceeded these standards. Results from multivariate statistical analysis indicated that Cu, Ni, Cr, and Co originated from natural geological background, while Pb, Zn, Ag, As and Cd in the sediments created from anthropogenic in origin. On the other hand, enrichment factor analysis and the geo-accumulation index evaluation showed that Pb, Zn, As and Pb were existing in the sediments of the river at low or restricted serious pollution, while Cr, Ni, Cu and Co occurred at low pollution levels. © SGEM2016.