OCEANOLOGICAL AND HYDROBIOLOGICAL STUDIES, cilt.53, sa.3, ss.321-337, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
This study aims to (a) determine the concentration
and distribution of elements in the surface sediments
of the Erikli Lagoon, which are under natural and
anthropogenic pressure, (b) determine possible effects
on the environment using ecological indices, and (c)
reveal possible sources. Multiple elements, total organic
carbon and chlorophyll degradation products were
analyzed in sediment samples. Enrichment factor (EF),
contamination factor (CF), and geoaccumulation index (Igeo)
were calculated to determine the sources of the elements.
Modified hazard quotient (mHQ), ecological contamination
index (ECI), contamination severity index (CSI) and
potential ecological risk index (PERI) were calculated to
determine ecological risks. It was found that Mn, Hg, As,
Fe and Cd entering the lake are of anthropogenic origin.
These elements pose a low to moderate ecological threat
to the lake. Agricultural and domestic discharges and
atmospheric deposition are the main sources of these
elements. A moderate ecological risk with an average value
of 194.89 was determined in the lagoon based on PERI and
contamination levels of metals. The elements that pose this
risk are Hg and Cd, due to their high toxicity. According to
ECI and CSI, the ecological risk is low, with average values
of 0.99 and 0.30, respectively.