Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Environmental Forensics, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
The sediment samples collected from 22 stations along the Kocabaş Stream (NW Türkiye) were analyzed to determine the concentrations of 10 potentially toxic elements (Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn), their possible sources, contamination status, and associated environmental, ecological, and human-health risks. The potentially toxic elements concentrations (unit in mg kg−1) were listed as follows: Fe (33 022) > Al (24 748) > Mn (8 693) > Zn (2 099) > Co (630) > Cu (346) > Ni (188) > Pb (166) > Cr (20) > Cd (0.11). Enrichment factor (EF) analysis revealed that Mn had the highest mean EF value. According to the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), Cd and Co were classified as “uncontaminated,” whereas Mn showed “moderate to heavy contamination.” Contamination factor (CF) results indicated very high contamination for Co, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn. According to the pollution load index (PLI), Mn showed high contamination. Ecological risk analysis showed moderate potential ecological risk for Cu and Pb. Correlation and factor analysis revealed that Al, Cu, Fe, Pb, Cr and Ni originated from natural and anthropogenic sources, and Co originated from anthropogenic sources. Although non-carcinogenic risks were negligible (HQ < 1), carcinogenic risk values for Cr and Pb exceeded the acceptable range, indicating potential human-health concerns. Overall, the findings suggest that the use of Kocabaş Stream for irrigation should be carefully monitored due to potential long-term health considerations.