- Avrupa Bilim ve Teknoloji Dergisi
- Sayı: 53
- A Research on Sources of Heavy Metal and Organic Matter Pollution of Recent Sediments in Northwester...
A Research on Sources of Heavy Metal and Organic Matter Pollution of Recent Sediments in Northwestern Marmara Sea and Precautions to be Taken
Authors : Abdullah Yinanç
Pages : 12-24
View : 65 | Download : 98
Publication Date : 2024-02-15
Article Type : Research
Abstract :Tekirdağ and Istanbul cities are residential areas that are situated in the northwestern shores of Marmara Sea. Both cities constitute an important part of Türkiye in terms of population density, agriculture, industry, and marine transportation. Because of the mentioned activities, polluting materials reach the Marmara Sea in the area either directly or indirectly through rivers, thus polluting the Marmara Sea. This study investigates the sources of heavy metal and organic matter pollution in northwestern Marmara aquatic sediments and which precautions should be taken. Sediment samples were taken through “gravity core” technique in the study, and element analysis and organic matter value of these samples were obtained. Arsenic (As) was found to be high generally in all locations in the study. Zinc (Zn) is very high in locations 1-7, 14, and 20. Upon examining the geographic map of the area, these locations which are high in pollution are either next to the residential areas or are discharge areas of polluted rivers. It is interesting that other elements are also higher than normal in these locations. The fact thar As and Zn are found more in aquatic environments sheds light on the irresponsible and excessive agricultural spraying and fertilizer use. In addition, the impact of industrial activities is also visible for this pollution. Location number 12 where Cobalt (Co) levels are very high is around Fevzipaşa residential area, and it can be seen that a river flows into the sea at this point. It can be seen in these analyses that one of the main reasons of pollution in aquatic sediments are the rivers discharging to the sea from the land. It can be seen in the study areas that the organic carbon percentage (%TOC) has high levels particularly in the discharge points of rivers into the sea. The fact that the TOC level is high shows that pollution is an inland plant-based pollution. Nitrogen levels, however, are relatively low (%N: 0.03-0.09) in locations where TOC levels are high. It is thought that eutrophication might be low in areas where nitrogen (N) levels are below 20 g/kg. high carbon concentrations in the sediments, however, show that biological break down of carbon matters is slow. In order to prevent the pollutions found here, contents of the fertilizers and sprays used in agricultural activities should be analysed. Furthermore, analyses should be made on agricultural lands before the fertilization and spraying. Industrial waste should be discharged to the sea after it is refined in advanced treatment facilities, and ships should be prevented from discharging their waste in the sea in maritime shipping.Keywords : Toprak, Kirlilik, TOK, OK, IK, Marmara Denizi