An Evaluation of Vanadium Enrichment in the Eastern Shelf Sediments of the Turkish Black Sea

Abstract

This paper presents an
 evaluation of the spatial distribution of vanadium level, its enrichment and
 possible sources in the bottom sediment along the shelf of the Turkish Black
 Sea. In April 2006, vanadium concentrations were measured along the measurement
 profiles (20, 50 and 100 m) using ICP-MS. The vanadium levels ranged from 40 to
 315 µg g-1, usually within the range of typical and background
 values (Cf<1), except the one
 offshore the Yeşilırmak River (315.2 µg g-1), revealing significant
 riverine inputs and geographical conditions (Cf>3). The concentrations decrease gradually with water depth,
 implying the dominance of anthropogenic sources such as industrial wastes,
 agricultural effluents, sewage discharge, and port activities. The vanadium
 levels had not significant correlations with the physicochemical parameters
 (sediment texture, water content, TOC) and TPH level in the sediment. At the
 eastern basin, a serious vanadium enrichment (Cf>6-9) was observed in
 October 2010, implying some important regional and seasonal contributions;
 which may be natural or anthropogenic. Biogeochemical processes,
 eutrophication, wave-based erosion, abnormal current circulations, bottom
 morphology and influence of other substances in the environment may be other
 regulating factors to this enrichment. Continuous monitoring and further
 studies are required for a detailed description of vanadium mobility and for
 assessment of the main controlling processes associated with vanadium
 enrichment in the eastern Black Sea basin.