Heavy metal pollution in Inebolu and Bartin Ports, Black Sea, Turkey

Abstract

The study was conducted in Inebolu and Bartin ports located in Black Sea region of Turkey between August 2013 and July 2014. Sea water, sediment, and <em>Mytilus galloprovincialis</em> samples were collected from both ports and the amounts of 11 heavy metals (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in each sample were determined. When the results for sediment samples were compared with the limit values of US EPA, it was found that the port of Bartin was very polluted in terms of Ni, and moderately polluted in terms of Cr and Cu, while the port of Inebolu was very polluted in terms of Cu and moderately polluted in terms of Cr and Ni. Pollution was found in sea water in both ports. When the data of <em>Mytilus galloprovincialis </em>was compared with the meat quality standards of European Commission (EU), it was determined that As, Cd, Cu, and Zn values were high in Inebolu post and As, Cd, and Zn values were high in Bartin port. It was observed that the load diversity, ships, shipyard, submarine maintenance and repair facility, runoffs and rivers and port activities were responsible for the pollution.