Assessment of toxic metal contamination in coastal sediments of major fishing ports in the Southeastern Black Sea, Türkiye: Spatial distribution, risk evaluation, and source identification

ÖZŞEKER K., DÜRRANİ Ö., ATASARAL Ş., SEYHAN K.

Regional Studies in Marine Science, vol.81, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 81
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.rsma.2024.103957
  • Journal Name: Regional Studies in Marine Science
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS
  • Keywords: Black Sea, Coastal Sediment, Fishing Port, Pollution, Pollution Indices, Toxic Metal
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study evaluates toxic metal pollution in the sediments of three major fishing ports (Hopa, Fındıklı, and Yoroz) along the southeastern Black Sea coast of Türkiye. The concentrations of key metals, including Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Cr, and As, were analyzed. Results revealed significant contamination, with Hopa Port showing the highest levels of Cu (149.3 µg/g), Pb (94.7 µg/g), and As (23.2 µg/g), exceeding pollution thresholds. The Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Sediment Enrichment Factor (SEF), and Ecological Risk Index (RI) confirmed moderate to high ecological risks, particularly in Hopa. These findings emphasize the urgent need for continuous monitoring and effective pollution control measures to safeguard the marine ecosystems and mitigate risks to the socioeconomic stability of the region.