Analysis and assessment of trace elements pollution in sediments of Lake Uluabat, Turkey

During the period 2008-2009, eight sampling stations were carried out on Lake Uluabat to assess trace element distribution in the lake sediments and to identify major sources of the sediment pollution. Ten elements, including Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Arsenic (As), Boron (B) were determined in the sampled lake sediments. The lowest and highest variation intervals (5.0377-27664.197 mg kg(-1)) were found for Cd and Fe, respectively. Concentrations of Cr (131.627 mg kg(-1)), Ni (220.032 mg kg(-1)) and Cd (5.0377 mg kg(-1)) in sediment samples were higher than in the other regions. Moreover, suspended solids, conductivity, pH, temperature and the organic matter % were found to affect the concentrations of sediment. On the basis of the findings of the study, it was concluded that higher concentrations of trace elements in dry seasons increased with the increase in suspended matter, pH, percentage organic content, and conductivity.