Chemical speciation and ecological risk assessment of arsenic in marine sediments from Izmir Bay (Eastern Aegean Sea).

Abstract

Total arsenic, arsenic(III) and (V), Fe, and Mn were measured in 17 surface sediment samples from Izmir Bay. The concentrations and ecological risk of As were characterized in the sediment affected by urban and agricultural activities. Total As ranged from 8.87 to 28.3 μg g(-1) dry weight (96.5-99.9 % as inorganic As). Distribution of total As and total As/Fe followed a different trend in sediments at all sampling sites. Arsenite (As(III)) was the most dominant form followed by As(V), while organic arsenic represented a minor constituent (0.03 to 3.49 %). The highest concentration of total As was observed at Gediz River estuary and exceeded lower threshold value (threshold effects level (TEL)). Due to the biological reduction of As(V) and abundance of Fe (oxyhydr)oxides in the sediments, most inorganic As in the Izmir Bay was present as As(III). Besides, the levels of As were >TEL and <PEL at all stations, suggesting that As may not currently impose ecologically dangerous impacts in the sedimentary environment of Izmir Bay. At all sampling sites in the Izmir Bay, nevertheless, natural sources of As need to be considered to explain the distribution patterns. This work highlights the need for arsenic speciation analysis to accurately assess potential toxicity of marine resources and provides a crucial baseline to assess the impact of future development within this region.