Trace metal and radionuclide pollution in marine sediments of the Aegean Sea (Izmir Bay and Didim)

Abstract

To determine radioactivity and trace metal levels, surface sediments were collected from two important areas (İzmir Bay and Didim) in the Aegean Sea region of Turkey, and were analyzed for concentrations of 210 Po, 210 Pb and trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn). The average 210 Po and 210 Pb massic activities in sediments varied in the range of 24 ± 5 to 126 ± 6 Bq kg -1 dry wt. and 18 ± 3 to 59 ± 4 Bq kg -1 dry wt., respectively. Izmir Bay exhibited the highest polonium activities in sediments, likely due to specific sedimentation processes and other sediment characteristics. The trace metal results showed that the Izmir Bay is facing trace metal pollution. The metal concentrations in sediment samples are low compared to those from the other neighboring marine environments. © 2012 The Author(s).