Geochemistry and Pb isotopic proof for sources of heavy metal(loid)s in Late Cretaceous sandstones from Eastern Pontides (NE Turkey)

Abstract

Upper Cretaceous sedimentary rocks are widely exposed around Trabzon, Giresun and Gümüşhane in the eastern Pontides. The sedimentary rocks are mainly composed of sandstones and marls, and the thicknesses of these rocks range from 170 m to 400 m. This paper focused on Late Cretaceous sandstones of Trabzon, Giresun and Gümüşhane regions to identify the concentrations, sources, deposition environment and conditions of certain heavy metal(loid)s (Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni, As, Co, Mo and V). Enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), Pollution index (Pi), Pollution load index (Pln), Pb isotope and multivariate statistical analysis were performed to elucidate the pollution levels and sources. The mean concentrations of Zn,