Analyses of Heavy Metals in Sea Sediments from the Izmir Karaburun Region

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine heavy metal pollution in the Izmir Karaburun region of Turkey by analyzing the marine sediments within the Izmir Karaburun peninsula. Sediment samples were taken using a drilling method from six different regions on the peninsula and analyzed using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The percentage of the elements in the samples that matched the standard elements described in the device were determined. The results showed that potassium (K) with a 97% matching percentage and iron (Fe) with a 94% matching percentage was intensive in six different regions. In the first, fourth, and sixth regions, silver (Ag), which is a frequent heavy metal, was found at a high incidence of 50% as regards that in other regions. The results of these analyses were parallel to each other in six different regions in the Izmir Karaburun peninsula, and amount of possibly toxic heavy metals were found. When the LIBS conclusions were compared with the conclusion found in the literature, the existence of some elements, such as mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As), which are known to be toxic elements and a danger to human health, were found in only trace amount; as a consequence, we supposed that there is no heavy metal pollution that could pose a hazard to human health and marine ecosystems within that region.