Assessment of Heavy Metal Contribution and Associated Ecological Risk in the Coastal Zone Sediments of the Black Sea: Trabzon

In this study, the natural and anthropogenic heavy metal (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Co) pollution in coastal sediments near the city Trabzon which exhibits an increasing population and industrial activity in the Southeastern Black Sea Region, were investigated spatially and temporally. The sediment along the coast of Trabzon is influenced by three rivers, Degirmendere, Yanbolu, and Solakli, resulting in a spatial separation. The highest heavy metal sediment concentrations were measured in the section influenced by Solakli and the lowest at the sites affected by Yanbolu. Furthermore, a strong temporal trend was observed displaying the highest metal concentrations in autumn. With the purpose for determining the level of pollution, the methods of the factor of sediment enrichment factor, the index of pollution load, the index of geoaccumulation and sediment quality guideline were applied. Three research areas were heavily polluted by Cu, Pb, and Zn. These metals concentration in Solakli coastal region were found significant enrichment. Current concentration of these metals would be expected to frequently be associated with toxic effects on biota of coastal regions.