Radioactivity and Heavy Metal Accumulation in Surface Sediment from the West Aegean Coast

Abstract

ABSTRACT Sediment quality can be assessed by analyzing radionuclides and heavy metals from pollution sources. These substances also provide insight into sediment structure and marine pollution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of radiation and heavy metal accumulation in İzmir Bay by taking into account both lithologic and anthropogenic factors. Sediment samples were collected from İzmir Bay on a seasonal basis. Gamma-ray spectrometry techniques were used to determine radionuclides in the sediment using a NaI (Tl) scintillation gamma spectrometer. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) was employed to measure heavy metal concentrations in the samples. Mean concentrations of 232Th (43.6 Bq/kg), 226Ra (35.3 Bq/kg), 40K (699.2 Bq/kg), and heavy metals Fe (13408.3 ppm), Al (16891.6 ppm), Mn (517.3 ppm), Zn (59.8 ppm), Cr (96 ppm), Ni (31.6 ppm), and Pb (31.8 ppm) were determined in the surface sediment. The elevated levels of both radionuclides and heavy metals were attributed to industrial accumulation and sedimentation patterns in the bay. The study highlights the importance of considering both geological structures and environmental risks in assessing sediment quality.