Evaluation of contamination by selected elements in a Turkish port

Enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index analyses revealed significant anthropogenic pollution by Al, As, Cu, La, Mo, Pb, Se, and Zn in the surface sediments of cores from Ambarli Port Area, whereas Ba, Fe, Ni, Sr in all sediments could be considered to be derived from pollution-free sources. Pb²¹⁰ dating shows deposition in the upper 2 cm between 1979 and 2009, indicating anthropogenic contamination of Al, As, Cu, La, Mo, Pb, Se, and Zn in sediments. As, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the upper parts may occasionally have reached toxic biological levels. The toxicity order for benthic organisms was Ni>Cr>As>Zn>Cu>Pb.