Measurement of Heavy Metal Concentrations of Marine Sediments in Yalova Section of Marmara Sea By LIBS Method And Evaluation of Pollution By Principal Component Analysis

Abstract

The wastes formed as a result of increasing settlements, industrial establishments, agricultural activities and shipping activities on the shores of the Marmara Sea cause the pollution of the Sea of Marmara. Although the pollution in seawater is diluted in a short time by waves and water currents, heavy metals and other pollutants that precipitate chemically and physically create permanent pollution in the sediments. Heavy metal concentrations in Yalova and its surroundings were analyzed by LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) method in order to control the pollution in this region. In the analyzes made, the percent availability of heavy metals in the sediments was evaluated. With Principal Component Analysis (PCA), heavy metal contamination levels caused by domestic and industrial wastes in the sediments were analyzed and the results were interpreted. The high levels of Ca, Na, Mg elements in the region depend on the presence of carbonate rocks in the region. The presence of Fe, Al and some trace elements is due to the prevalence of volcanic and magmatic rocks in the region. The fact that the elements with high economic value such as Al, Ag and Ti are especially high in Core 1-6 is due to the granitic rocks outcropping in the eastern part of the study area where the samples were taken in, and it is an indication of the existence of important mineral mineralizations in the region. This situation shows that heavy metal pollution in the marine environment consists of both anthropogenic and natural sources.