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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Clean Sampling and Analysis of River and Estuarine Waters for Trace Metal Studies
Published on: July 1, 2016
Metal pollution assessment in the surface sediments of a river system in Türkiye: Integrating toxicological risk
Fikret Ustaoğlu1, Bayram Yüksel2, Yalçın Tepe1
1Giresun University, Department of Biology, Gure Campus, 28200 Giresun, Türkiye.
Abstract:
This study investigates potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the surface sediments of the Abdal River system, a critical water source for Samsun province, Türkiye, due to the presence of the Çakmak Dam. PTE concentrations, measured in mg/kg, show significant variability: Hg (0.03) < Cd (0.26) < As (10.98) < Pb (13.88) < Cu (48.61) < Ni (62.45) < Zn (70.97) < Cr (96.28) < Mn (1015) < Fe (38357). Seasonal variations were observed, in particular increased concentrations of As, Cd and Pb in summer (p < 0.05). Contamination and ecological risk indices (mHQ, EF, Igeo, CF, PLI, Eri, mCd, NPI, PERI, MPI, and TRI) indicate moderate to low levels of contamination, suggesting potential ecological effects. Health risk assessments suggest minimal risks to human health from sediment PTEs. Statistical analyses (PCC, PCA and HCA) improve the understanding of the sediment environment and contamination sources, while the coefficient of variation assists in source identification.
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