Heavy Metal (Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn) Distribution in Sediments from the Coast of Trabzon in the Black Sea

Abstract

Dispersion of Ni, Cu, Pb and Zn elements were examined in the coastline of Trabzon, which is the most populated and industrialized part of the Eastern Black Sea region. During the study, the surface of bottom sediment layer (0-5 cm) was taken from 64 stations for sediment analysis. Heavy metal concentration in the western part of Trabzon was lower than in the eastern part and Ni (88,7 ppm) had a maximum concentration value in the western shore. It was also observed that the elements of Ni (57,10±14,54) and Cu (62,33±16,28) had a higher concentration mean in the west, while Zn (101,69±42,21) and Pb (28,45±14,58) values were lower in the east. When the SEF process is utilized for western and eastern parts , because the SEF values are higher than 1 for Zn (west:3.14- east:3,92) , Cu (west:5.62- east:4,71), Pb (west:4.70-east:5.22), Ni (west:2.39-east:1.1) elements, it can be concluded that the sediment layer in Trabzon is rich in these metals. The examination of sediment enrichment factor (SEF) and Pollution Load Index (PLI) reveal the presence of Zn, Cu, Pb and Ni metals which is indicative of heavy metal pollution in the sampling area.