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The works of literature evaluating the eco-environmental risks posed by metals in agricultural areas in developing countries remains limited. This study sought to evaluate the environmental and ecological risks posed by metals in the intensively cultivated areas of the Amik Plain as well as to determine the origins of the metals. For this purpose, 137 soil samples were taken from agricultural production areas of the Amik Plain, and 11 metals (Al, Fe, Ni, Pb, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Zn, Cd and As) were examined in the samples. As Ni had the highest average enrichment factor (EF) value (8.04) when compared with the other metals, the soils were found to be significantly enriched with Ni. The Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis showed that the Zn concentration was controlled by lithogenic sources, while the Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr and Cu concentrations were controlled by both anthropogenic and lithogenic sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on spatial distribution and potential sources of heavy metals in agricultural lands is very important for human health and food safety. In this study, pollution degree of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni) in Yüksekova Plain, located on the border in the southeastern part of Turkey, was evaluated by geoaccumulation index (Igeo), modified contamination factor (mCdeg), and Nemerow pollution index (PINemerow) combined with spatial autocorrelation using deep learning algorithms. A total of 304 soil samples were collected from two different depths (0–20 and 20–40 cm) in the study area, which covered 17.5 thousand ha land. Covariates were determined for spatial distribution models of Pb, Cd, and Ni by factor analysis (FA). Spatial distribution models for surface soils were developed using pedovariables (silt, sand, clay lime, organic matter, electrical conductivity, pH, Ca, and Na) determined by the FA and Igeo and mCdeg values by artificial neural network (ANN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) models. The estimation success of models for different depths was assessed by root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percent error (MAPE), and Taylor diagrams. The RMSE and MAPE values showed a strong correlation between heavy metal contents and the covariates. The RMSE values of ANN-Ni0-20, ANN-Ni20-40, ANN-Pb0-20, ANN-Cd0-20, and ANN-Cd20-40 models (0.01240, 0.07257, 0.0039, 0.00045, 0.00044, and 0.04607, respectively) confirmed the success of the models. Likewise, the MAPE values between 0.2 and 8.5% indicated that all models were very good predictors. In addition, the Taylor diagrams showed that the estimation performance of ANFIS and ANN models are compatible. The IgeoNi and IgeoPb values in both models at both depths indicated that strongly to extremely polluted (4–5) areas are quite high in the study area, while the IgeoCd values revealed that unpolluted areas are widespread. The mCdeg index value showed a moderate to high contamination at the first depth, while very high contamination at the second depth in most of the study area. Spatial distribution of PINemerow revealed that moderate pollution (2–3) is common in both soil depths of the study area. The PINemerow of subsurface layer was between 0.91 and 1 (warning limit class) in a small part of the study area. The results showed that vertical mobility of heavy metals is closely related to pedovariables. In addition, the ANN and ANFIS models are capable of exhibiting the heterogeneity in the spatial distribution pattern of high variation in the data. Thus, the locations with extreme contamination have been accurately determined. The pollution indices calculated considering the commonly used international reference values revealed that heavy metal pollution in some part of the study area reached the detrimental levels for human health and food safety. The results suggested that the pollution indices were more successful than simple heavy metal concentrations in interpreting the pollution risk levels. High-resolution spatial information reported in this study can help policy makers and authorities to reduce heavy metal emissions of pollutants or, if possible, to eliminate the pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals pose significant threats to human health, particularly children. This study aimed to assess heavy metal pollution in children's playgrounds using surface dust as an indicator and to ascertain the associated exposure levels and health risks. A total of one hundred twenty dust samples were collected from the surface of playground toys in areas surrounding the cement factory in Bursa, Türkiye, on precipitation-free days. The heavy metal content of the samples was analyzed using ICP-MS. The average total concentration of heavy metals ranged from 2401 to 6832 mg/kg across the sampling sites, with the highest values observed at PG4, PG3, PG2, and PG1, respectively. The most commonly detected heavy metals in the samples included Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As, and Ni. Statistical analysis revealed significant positive correlations (p < 0.01) among Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Pb, As, and Ni, with Cu and Pb also showing correlation (p < 0.05). PCA analysis identified three principal components explaining 79.905% of the total variance. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index values for heavy metals were found to be below the safe threshold (HQ < 1). Quantitative techniques such as the geoaccumulation index and enrichment factor are used to determine pollution levels at the sampling sites. Overall, the results indicate that cement factories significantly contribute to heavy metal pollution, with observed values varying based on proximity to the emission source., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Heavy metal pollution in the sediments of Çalışlar and Akçaova Streams may expose hazardous risk to environment and public health through food chain in Ordu province of southeastern Black Sea region of Turkey. The enrichment and distributions of the heavy metals in the sediments of these two streams demonstrated a decreasing trend in the mean heavy metal toxic levels in mg kg−1 as follows Fe (8135.27) > Mn (272.56) > Zn (25.68) > Cu (13.03) > Co (5.13) > Pb (3.74) > Ni (3.62) > Cr (3.52) > Cd (0.005) in Çalışlar Stream and Fe (9939.12) > Mn (286.97) > Zn (24.24) > Cu (19.31) > Ni (10.95) > Co (6.2) > Cr (4.90) > Pb (3.97) > Cd (0.09) > Ag (0.07) in Akçaova Stream, respectively. The sum of the toxic units of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu in both streams were significantly higher. The assessment of sediment pollution was carried out using multivariate statistical approaches and indices such as enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and potential ecological risk factor (Eri). The results of the cluster analysis in both streams showed that Co, Pb, and Cr were mainly associated with natural sources. EF values indicated that the average concentration of all metals from both streams were lower than potential effect levels with the exception of Cu, and Ag in Akçaova Stream. Relatively low levels of pollution indicators in Çalışlar Stream pointed out no environmental contamination and suggested that metal contamination sourced most likely from the naturally present minerals in the area. Akçaova Stream sediments were moderately contaminated with Cu (EF > 2), and significantly contaminated with Ag (EF = 5 − 20) according to the average EF values attributable to anthropogenic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to determine and evaluate the concentrations of As, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Pb, and the physicochemical properties of 48 agricultural soil samples, to identify potential ecological risks and their sources associated with heavy metals contamination in Usak, western Türkiye. Various methods were used to assess ecological risks, including geoaccumulation index (I geo ), enrichment factor (EF), degree of contamination (C deg ), potential ecological risk (RI), and pollution load index (PLI). The heavy metals concentrations ranged from 4 to 61 mg/kg for As, 8-48 mg/kg for Cu, 0.01-0.06 mg/kg for Hg, 30-813 mg/kg for Ni, and 4-30 mg/kg for Pb. The mean As and Ni concentrations were much greater than Earth's crustal average, the world's mean values, and mean values from many other emerging countries. Igeo and EF values for As, Ni, and Pb indicate various degrees of contamination. C deg values show that 96% of the study area is affected to some degree by contamination. For RI values, 38% indicate ecological risks ranging from moderate to considerable degrees. PLI values show that 75% of the agricultural soils are moderately polluted. Spatial distribution maps of C deg , RI, and PLI show that the northeastern and southwestern parts of the study area have been polluted to different levels by As, Ni, and Pb. Industrial activities and excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides were identified as major sources of heavy metals contamination in the agricultural soils of Uşak., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

The present study to find seasonal (September 2010-June 2011) heavy metal (Cd, Pb, Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, Cu, Fe, As) contamination and the origins thereof in surface sediments of Gökçekaya Dam Lake, as constructed on Sakarya River, the third-longest river in Turkey and the largest river of the Northwestern Anatolia. Upon analyses for the purpose thereof, heavy metal contamination in annual average concentrations in the lake sediment varied, respectively, as Fe > Zn > Cr > Ni > Cu > Pb > Co > As > Cd. Statistical assessments performed in order to see whether the average values of the heavy metal contamination as measured at stations placed in the lake changed by seasonal periods. There found statistically significant differences especially in Cd, Zn, and Pb between seasonal periods. In accordance with the Sediment Quality Index, Gökçekaya Dam Lake sediment was classified as 'highly polluted' in terms of the amount of anthropogenic contaminants of As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index values ( I ) were calculated in order to geochemically interpret the source of contamination due to heavy metal concentration in the lake sediment and the level of pollution. The As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni Pb, and Zn values demonstrated that the sediment was rich for anthropogenic contaminants. The lake was found especially rich for arsenic (14.97-34.70 mg/kg) and lead (68.75-98.65 mg/kg) in accordance with annual average values. In general the lake was geochemically characterized as 'moderately contaminated' in terms of As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil samples collected from Demirören Alteration area, Gümüshane NE Turkey were analyzed for heavy metals by using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry and the contamination level of heavy metals was assessed on the basis of Geoaccumulation Index, Enrichment Factor, Pollution Index and Integrated Pollution Index. The results indicated that, in comparison with background value of upper crust, soil samples in Demirören alteration area have elevated levels of metal concentrations as a whole. High Geoaccumulation Indexes and Enrichment Factors for molybdenum, lead, selenium, bismuth, cadmium and copper in alteration area indicated that there is a considerable amount of especially molybdenum, lead and copper pollution, which mainly originate from alteration in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial distribution and ecological risk levels of toxic metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, As, Sr, V, and La) in sediments from the southern Black Sea coastal (Türkiye) were evaluated. The sediment samples were taken in April and May 2019 from thirty-one stations, from depths ranged between 16 and 65 m. The average metal concentrations (in dry weight) varied from 59.4 ± 4.8 to 102.5 ± 12.3 for Cu, 39.3 ± 4,1 to 46.1 ± 2.9 for Pb, 104.5 ± 4.7 to 126 ± 6.9 for Zn, 21.2 ± 1.8 to 24.9 ± 1.4 for Ni, 9.8 ± 0.4 to 16.6 ± 1.5 for As, 16.7 ± 0.5 to 18.2 ± 0.9 for Co, 68.2 ± 11.4 to 123.3 ± 13.5 for Sr, 82.7 ± 13.1 to 97.3 ± 4.3 for V, and 16.2 ± 1.8 to 23.6 ± 1.8 μg g−1 for La. Geoaccumulation index (I GEO), Sediment enrichment factor (SEF), and pollution load index (PLI) indicated that Cu and Pb are above the pollution limits. Thus, continuous pollution monitoring programs should be established. Moreover, measures should be implemented more effectively to prevent pollution. • Pb and Cu concentrations are at alarming levels. • South-eastern Black Sea had higher As, Cu, La, and Sr levels. • Ni and Pb concentrations were similar between the regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The concentrations of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in both surface water and sediment samples from the upper Tigris River were determined to evaluate the level of contamination. All metal concentrations in water samples, except Cu, were lower than the maximum permitted concentration for the protection of aquatic life. TN, TP and metal concentrations in sediment samples from the first three sites situated downstream of Ergani Copper Mine Plant were much higher than those at other sites. There was a significant decrease in the concentrations of heavy metals in sediment from the last site downstream of the Dicle Dam. Sediment pollution assessment was undertaken using enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (I geo ). The sediments of sites downstream of the copper mine plant showed significant enrichment with Cd, Co, Cu, Pb and Zn, indicating metallic discharges from the Ergani Copper Mine Plant. The I geo values revealed that Cu (5.09), Co (4.26) and Zn (3.18) were significantly accumulated in the study area. Based on the comparison with sediment quality guidelines, the concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn at sites downstream of the copper mine plant are likely to result in harmful effects on sediment-dwelling organisms. Cluster analysis suggests that As, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn are derived from anthropogenic sources, particularly metallic discharges of the copper mine plant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A detailed study was conducted to determine the current status of the heavy metals Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in Eskisehir, Turkey. The 15 different locations ( n = 270) studied were specifically selected to identify the effects of soil pollution on the tramway, which has been in service since December 2004 for public transportation in Eskisehir. The samples were taken from three different lines: tramway-only lines, traffic-only lines, and both traffic and tramway lines. The pollution level was estimated based on the geoaccumulation index ( I), the enrichment factor (EF), the pollution index, and the integrated pollution index (IPI). The values for the IPI were in the following order: Pb > Zn > Cu > Fe > Mn > Ni > Cr > Cd, but mercury was not detected at any sample point. These indexes for metals in the soils under consideration correlated with either low or median levels of pollution. In addition, descriptive statistics were provided for the heavy metals under consideration, and box-plots were constructed and interpreted for all measured indices. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2720-2725. © 2010 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface sediments from 17 stations in the Istanbul Strait and Marmara Sea were collected and analysed for major and trace elements by wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (WDXRF). Metal concentrations in surface sediments varied from 1.3 to 7.2 % for Al, 4.8 to 18 mg kg- 1 for As, 119 to 599 mg kg- 1 for Ba, below detection limit (bdl) to 6.6 mg kg- 1 for Cd, 18 to 222 mg kg- 1 for Cr, 7.6 to 180 mg kg- 1 for Cu, 1.0 to 5.5 % for Fe (10 000 to 55 000 mg kg- 1), 171 to 718 mg kg- 1for Mn, 3.3 to 64 mg kg- 1 for Ni, 4.5 to 461 mg kg- 1 for Pb, 1.3 to 68 mg kg- 1 for Sn, 19 to 170 mg kg- 1 for V and 16 to 859 mg kg- 1 for Zn. Three tools have been applied in order to evaluate metal pollution in the sediments; Sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), enrichment factors (EFs) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo). SQGs values indicate that Pb and Ni are the most likely contaminants to cause adverse biological effects. On the other hand, both metal enrichment factors and geoaccumulation index show that As, Zn, Pb and Cd contaminations exist in the entire study area and contamination of other metals is also present in some sites depending on the sources. Factor analysis (FA) receptor modelling technique was applied to investigate the sources affecting surface sediment samples at the Istanbul Strait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]