Investigation of Environmental Lead Contamination Caused by Thermo-Electric Power Plants

Abstract

Chemical and radioactive gases are released to the environment from Turkey's largest thermal power plant located in Afsin-Elbistan region. Such gases remain suspended in the air, form a layer on the soil surface, seep into groundwater, may be carried to human body through foods and inhalation, and may accumulate in bones and teeth. In this study, accumulations of toxic elements emitted from the thermoelectric power plant in dental, soil, water and plant samples were analyzed. It was statistically determined that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the values obtained in consequence of the variance analysis made with intent to evaluate the samples taken from the vicinity of the power plant examined within the scope of the research, and from the city of Yalova examined for control purposes.