Metal pollution assessment in the surface sediments of a river system in Türkiye: Integrating toxicological risk assessment and source identification.

This study investigates potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the surface sediments of the Abdal River system, a critical water source for Samsun province, Türkiye, due to the presence of the Çakmak Dam. PTE concentrations, measured in mg/kg, show significant variability: Hg (0.03) < Cd (0.26) < As (10.98) < Pb (13.88) < Cu (48.61) < Ni (62.45) < Zn (70.97) < Cr (96.28) < Mn (1015) < Fe (38357). Seasonal variations were observed, in particular increased concentrations of As, Cd and Pb in summer (p < 0.05). Contamination and ecological risk indices (mHQ, EF, Igeo, CF, PLI, Eri, mCd, NPI, PERI, MPI, and TRI) indicate moderate to low levels of contamination, suggesting potential ecological effects. Health risk assessments suggest minimal risks to human health from sediment PTEs. Statistical analyses (PCC, PCA and HCA) improve the understanding of the sediment environment and contamination sources, while the coefficient of variation assists in source identification.

The first reported values of microplastics in prostate.

BACKGROUND: Microplastics are ubiquitous, widespread environmental pollutants with unavoidable human exposure. Herein, it was aimed to investigate the presence of microplastics in prostate tissue. METHODS: Prostate tissues from 12 patients who underwent Trans Urethral Resection of the Prostate (TUR-P) were analyzed to investigate the presence of microplastics. Initially, the prostate tissues were analyzed for microplastic particles using a light microscope after extraction. Subsequently, the chemical composition of the particles found in the prostate tissues was characterized using Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Microplastic particles of various types were detected in 6 out of 12 patients. All detected plastic particles in this study were microplastics, with sizes below 26 µm in size. These microplastics exhibited different shapes as pellets, spheres or fibers. Overall, among the 12 analyzed prostate tissue samples, four different types of plastic were identified in six samples. The most common type of microplastic detected was Polyamide (Nylon 6), found in samples from three patients. Other detected types, Polypropylene, Polyacrylic Acid and Poly (dimethylsiloxane) were each determined in samples from one patient. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate the presence of microplastics in prostate tissue, serving as an exploratory investigation, which can trigger further research to validate the results in a larger patient cohort.

A holistic approach to the assessment of heavy metal levels and associated risks in the coastal sediment of Giresun, southeast Black Sea.

A seasonal study was conducted to assess the levels, sources, and potential ecological risks of heavy metals (HM) in coastal sediments along the Giresun Coast, located on the southeast coast of the Black Sea. The mean concentrations of HMs as mg/kg were ranked as Fe (27646.37) > Al (27348.55) > Mn (571.87) > Zn (94.16) > Cr (60.64) > Cu (45.66) > Pb (41.37) > Ni (27.29) > Co (14.47) > As (7.36) > Cd (0.20), respectively. At all stations through the year, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni were in "the minimum enrichment" class as evaluated by the enrichment factor (EF). As assessed by the contamination factor (CF), all HM levels except Pb, Fe and Cu were "low" or "moderately polluted" at all stations and seasons. With the exception of Cd levels, all HMs in all seasons and stations pointed out "low ecological risk" according to the ecological risk index (Eri). According to the sediment quality guidelines, Ni, Cu and Pb were observed to pose a high ecological risk to habitat. The combined risk assessment indices pointed out low to moderate ecological risk. The study concluded that the region is subject to minimum anthropogenic disturbances in the aquatic environment.

A holistic approach to the eco-geochemical risk assessment of trace elements in the estuarine sediments of the Southeastern Black Sea.

The estuarine sediments were sampled seasonally along the southeast coast of the Black Sea, to assess the concentrations, sources, distributions, and possible ecological risks of trace elements (TEs). The mean concentrations of TEs (mg/kg) were ranked as Fe (56,659.83) > Al (39,758.00) > Mn (1168.53) > Zn (155.03) > Cr (120.75) > Pb (93.71) > Cu (82.66) > Ni (44.93) > Co (17.98) > As (13.66) > Cd (0.99) > Hg (0.18), respectively. The stations S4 and S6 showed "very high contamination" for Pb, "significantly enrichment" for Pb and Cd, "high ecological risk" for Cd, and "heavily polluted" for Pb and Cd according to the results of CF, EF, Eri, Igeo, respectively. The rest of the stations were in the low or moderate contamination through the all seasons as assessed by different eco-geochemical risk assessment indices. The integrated risk evaluation indices indicated no contamination in stations S3 and S5.

Spatiotemporal PAH levels in surface water of the Southeastern Black Sea; baseline study from the Giresun shores.

Samples of surface water were collected seasonally along the 121 km long Giresun coastline to comparatively evaluate the source, distribution, and ecological risk of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The total PAHs levels, varied between 47.42 and 576.69 ng L-1 with the mean of 161.5 ng L-1, were consistent with seawater studies worldwide. Diagnosis rates evinced that PAHs in seawater along the Giresun coastline are primarily sourced from biomass, coal and petroleum combustion and petroleum at lesser extent. The three-ring PAHs (40.2 %) was proportionally high, followed by 2-ring PAHs (26.5 %). The toxicity equivalent quotient (TEQ) and risk quotients (RQ) were employed to assess ecological risk posed by PAHs in Giresun coastal seawater. As a result, the ecological risk in all seasons was at moderate to high risk level, except for autumn, which shows low to moderate risk according to TEQ. RQ values of ∑PAHs displayed low to moderate ecological risk.

Spatial-temporal distribution and pollution indices of heavy metals in the Turnasuyu Stream sediment, Turkey.

The potential contamination levels and human health risk of heavy metals in sediment of the Turnasuyu Stream in Ordu, Turkey, were evaluated comprehensively by taking seasonal samples from three different locations. The order of the mean heavy metals (HMs) concentrations (mg/kg) were as follows: Fe > Al > Mn > Pb > Zn > Cu > Co > Cr > Ni > Cd > As. All HM levels, except Cd and Pb, were in the minimum enrichment range as assessed by the sediment enrichment factor (EF). Similar low contamination levels for all HM, except Pb and Cd, were also observed when the contamination factor (CF) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) were taken into account. The low risk of the study area has also been confirmed by the ecological risk index (Eri) values. The probable human health risk assessment has been performed, and the lifetime cancer risk (LCR) values for adults were found as negligible with values below 10-6. In addition, the hazard index (HI) and total hazard index (THI) results were both higher in children than in adults. The Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) revealed the highest correlation between Cd and Pb (0.85). When the ecological indexes and statistical results are evaluated together, it is thought that the presence of HMs in the sediment may be due to lithological reasons as well as anthropogenic activities such as quarrying, municipal, agricultural, and domestic discharges in the region. Mitigation measures should be taken in accordance with the standards within the river basin to prevent the potential risks of pollution.

Spatiotemporal PAH levels in the coastal sediment of Samsun, a Metropolis between Turkey's two largest deltas.

Surface sediments were sampled seasonally along the Samsun coastline to assess the source, distribution, and ecological risk of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The total PAHs levels, varied between 71.64 and 1186.87 ng g-1 with the mean of 295.79 ng g-1, were consistent with sediment studies worldwide. Diagnosis rates revealed that PAHs in sediments along the Samsun coastline are primarily sourced from biomass, coal and petroleum combustion and petroleum at lesser extent. The three-ring PAHs (34.9 %) were proportionally high, followed by 4-ring PAHs (25 %). Sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), administered to evaluate biological effects of individual PAH, indicated adverse biological effects (≥TEL and < PEL) seasonally in some stations. With respect to the risk quotient, the risk arisen by PAHs in the coastal sediments of Samsun found to be moderate to high ecological risk.

Seasonal distribution and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments from the Giresun coast of southeastern Black Sea.

Seasonal sediment samples were collected along the Giresun coastline of southeastern Black Sea and analyzed to detect the levels of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The PAH levels, ranging from 28.47 to 444.36 ng g-1 with the mean of 102.57 ng g-1 remained lower than those detected in most of the other sediment studies conducted worldwide. The percentage of three-ring PAHs (38.9%) was rather high, followed by that of 5-ring PAHs (21.8%). Detection rates revealed that PAHs in surface sediments along the Giresun coastline are mainly associated with coal combustion and local emissions. The evaluation with sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) showed that the level of PAHs was comparable to that at which the risk of adverse biological effects cannot be ruled out (≥TEL and

Comprehensive assessment of water quality and associated health risk by using physicochemical quality indices and multivariate analysis in Terme River, Turkey.

The ecosystem and water quality of Terme River, an essential drinking and irrigation water source in the region, are at risk due to anthropogenic pressures. Therefore, the present study aim to present a comprehensive overview of the water quality state and pollution sources of the river. Some physicochemical water quality parameters were analyzed by standard methods along the surface water of river spatiotemporally. The concentrations of major elements and heavy metals (Na, Mg, K, Ca, Al, Cr, Fe, Co, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb, As) were measured in water samples. Relationships between physicochemical data were assessed by using multivariate statistical analysis (MSA) methods. The order of the mean values of cations were as follow: Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ > NH4+ (32.66, 26.82, 13.29, 6.45, 0.305; mg/L), and order of anions: SO42- > NO3- >F- > NO2- (7.88, 3.988, 1.01, 0.0316; mg/L). Increases in ion concentrations in the downstream zone have been monitored in the summer and autumn months. Average water quality index (WQI) 22, heavy metal pollution index (HPI) 15.61, heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) 0.78, and nutrient pollution index (NPI) 0.404 values indicated that the general water quality of Terme River was fine. All hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values in this study were calculated below the risk threshold (<1). HI-total values (2.48E-01) in children were higher than in adults (2.14E-01). This suggests that children's health is at higher risk than adults. Principal component analysis (PCA) data formed four principal components (PCs) explaining 85.22% of the total variance. These PCs revealed that the significant changes in water quality occurred from point and diffuse sources, including rock types of the basin, soil erosion, domestic wastewater discharges, and agricultural flow of inorganic fertilizers.

Comparison of metal levels in different tissues of seven ray species from Antalya Bay, Mediterranean Sea.

The aim of this study was to investigate the metal concentrations in muscle, liver, gill and intestine of seven ray species from Antalya Bay. Because the study is the first for rays in Antalya Bay, this study provides valuable preliminary information about metal contents in different tissues of the examined ray species from the bay and indirectly indicates the environmental contamination of the Antalya Bay.

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in various tissues of six ray species from Iskenderun Bay, northeastern Mediterranean Sea.

This study was performed to investigate the heavy metal concentrations in muscle, liver, gill and intestine of six ray species from Iskenderun Bay. The present study is the first for rays in Iskenderun Bay, providing valuable preliminary information about heavy metal contents in different tissues of the examined ray species from the bay, and indirectly, indicating the environmental contamination of Iskenderun Bay. Heavy metal levels in intestines were generally higher than those in other tissues for all species. Metal levels in ray muscle tissue were below the international maximum allowable levels for fish and fishery products, as well as Turkish national guidelines, with the exception of the highest value for Cd in Dasyatis pastinaca.

Comparison of metals in tissues of fish from Paradeniz Lagoon in the coastal area of northern east Mediterranean.

Present study was performed to examined the metal concentrations in muscle, liver, gonad and gill of gilthead seabream, European seabass, Leaping mullet and Flathead grey mullet from Paradeniz Lagoon, Mediterranean coastal area. The metal concentrations found in muscle tissue varied for Fe: 2.3-51.4, Zn: 6.63-14.8, Cu: 0.38-1.10, Mn: 0.38-1.06, Cr: 0.34-1.13, Ni: 0.58-.074, Pb: 0.32-1.02, Cd: 0.20-0.67 and Co: 0.30-0.61 mg/kg wet weight. Iron showed the highest levels in all tissues, and generally followed by zinc. On the other hand, cadmium, cobalt and lead showed lower levels than other metals. Statistically significant differences were observed in the mean metal values obtained from investigated fish species and their tissues. The levels of metals in the examined fish were well below the regulatory values of various govermental agencies.

Comparison of metal concentrations in tissues of blue crab, Callinectes sapidus from Mediterranean Lagoons.

This study was performed to investigate the metal concentrations in muscle and gill of blue crab, Callinectes sapidus from Dörtyol Lake, Akyatan Lagoon, Paradeniz Lagoon and Çamlik Lagoon from the northeastern coastal area of Mediterranean Sea. So, the levels of cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, aluminum and zinc in tissues of specimens from the lagoons were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. The metal concentrations found in muscle tissue varied for Cd: 0.03-0.08, Cr: 0.05-0.13, Cu: 5.38-11.7, Fe: 21.1-38.2, Mn: 0.15-2.98, Ni: 0.24-0.45, Zn: 13.9-20.1 and Al: 1.2-13.7 mg/kg wet weight. Iron showed the highest levels in both tissues, and generally followed by zinc except gills. On the other hand, cadmium showed the lowest levels from all sites. Followed cadmium; chromium had the second lowest levels. The differences between mean metal concentrations from different sampling sites were statistically significant. Regional changes in metal concentration were observed in the tissues of the crabs, but these variations may not influence consumption advisories.

Metals in tissues of fish from Yelkoma Lagoon, northeastern Mediterranean.

This study was performed to investigate the metal concentrations in muscle, liver, gonad, and gill of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L., 1758), European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax L., 1758), and keeled mullet (Liza carinata Valenciennes, 1836) from Yelkoma Lagoon, northeastern Mediterranean region. So, the levels of cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc in tissues of specimens from the lagoon were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer. Concentrations of metals in muscles of the examined species ranged from 0.10 to 0.47 mg kg(-1) for cadmium, 0.10 to 0.43 mg kg(-1) for cobalt, 0.17 to 0.72 mg kg(-1) for chromium, 0.62 to 1.03 mg kg(-1) for copper, 28.9 to 52.3 mg kg(-1) for iron, 0.75 to 0.96 mg kg(-1) for manganese, 0.11 to 0.57 mg kg(-1) for nickel, 0.19 to 0.47 mg kg(-1) for lead, and 6.01 to 13.9 mg kg(-1) for zinc, respectively. Additionally, metal concentrations in muscles of fish were assessed for human uses according to provisional tolerable weekly intake and provisional tolerable daily intake.

Heavy metal contaminants in tissues of the garfish, Belone belone L., 1761, and the bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix L., 1766, from Turkey waters.

Levels of contaminants in fish are of particular interest because of the potential risk to humans who consume them. Fish samples were collected through the coastal waters of Turkey and the contents of cadmium, cobalt, chrome, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc and lead in the liver and muscle tissues were determined. Among the metals analyzed, copper, zinc and iron were the most abundant in the different tissues while cadmium and lead were the least abundant both in Belone belone and Pomatomus saltatrix. Metal concentrations in muscles of fish species were found 0.01-0.38 mg kg(-1) for cadmium, 0.01-0.53 mg kg(-1) for cobalt, 0.05-1.87 mg kg(-1) for chromium, 0.21-5.89 mg kg(-1) for copper, 9.99-43.3 mg kg(-1) for iron, 0.14-1.33 mg kg(-1) for manganese, 0.06-4.70 mg kg(-1) for nickel, 0.09-0.81 mg kg(-1) for lead, 3.85-15.9 mg kg(-1) for zinc, respectively. Regional changes in metal concentration were observed in the tissues of both species, but these variations may not influence consumption advisories.

Metal concentrations in eight fish species from Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.

The concentrations of cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc were determined by ICP-AES in muscles and livers of eight fish species sampled from the Aegean and Mediterranean seas of Turkey. Iron showed the highest levels, followed by Zinc in examined tissues of all fish species. Metal concentrations in edible parts of fish species were 0.03-0.37 mg kg(-1) for cadmium, 0.02-0.42 mg kg(-1) for cobalt, 0.15-1.78 mg kg(-1) for chromium, 0.17-1.11 mg kg(-1) for copper, 11.0-33.4 mg kg(-1) for iron, 0.02-0.89 mg kg(-1) for manganese, 0.22-4.03 mg kg(-1) for nickel, 0.22-0.64 mg kg(-1) for lead, and 2.88-10.9 mg kg(-1) for zinc, respectively. All metal concentrations in livers were higher than those in muscles. In some stations, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, and lead concentrations in both muscles and livers of the examined species were higher than permissible safety levels for human uses.

Metal levels in tissues of the European anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus L., 1758, and picarel, Spicara smaris L., 1758, from Black, Marmara and Aegean seas.

Levels of metals in commercially important two species, Engraulis encrasicolus L., 1758 and Spicara smaris L, 1758 from Black, Marmara and Aegean seas, Turkey was evaluated. The concentration ranges of cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc in the samples were 0.01-0.07, 0.01-0.08, 0.09-0.51, 0.21-8.58, 11.9-169, 0.14-2.82, 0.06-1.51, 0.12-0.87, 7.12-45.6 mg kg(-1 )for muscles, and 0.06-0.69, 0.06-0.53, 0.28-2.97, 0.99-30.7, 55.2-316, 0.72-9.67, 0.47-11.6, 0.26-3.38, 12.5-145 mg kg(-1 )for livers, respectively. The present study show that although different metals were present in the samples at different levels but within the maximum residual levels prescribed by the TKB and FAO the specimens from these areas, in general, are safe for human consumption.

Determination of metal contaminations in sea foods from Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean seas: Twelve fish species.

The concentrations of cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc were determined by ICP-AES in muscles and livers of 12 fish species sampled from the Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean seas of Turkey. Iron showed the highest levels in examined tissues of all fish species. Following Fe, Zn generally showed the second highest levels. Metal concentrations in edible parts of fish species were 0.02-0.37mgkg(-1) for cadmium, 0.04-0.41mgkg(-1) for cobalt, 0.04-1.75mgkg(-1) for chromium, 0.32-6.48 mgkg(-1) for copper, 7.46-40.1mgkg(-1) for iron, 0.10-0.99 mgkg(-1) for manganese, 0.02-3.97mgkg(-1) for nickel, 0.33-0.86mgkg(-1) for lead, 4.49-11.2mgkg(-1) for zinc, respectively. All metal concentrations in livers were higher than those in muscles. In some stations, cadmium and chromium concentrations in both muscles and livers, and lead levels in livers of the examined species were higher than permissible safety levels for human uses.

Assessment of heavy metals in two commercial fish species of four Turkish seas.

There is an increasingly need to assess the contaminant levels in fish as indicators of the health and well-being of both the fish and their consumers, including humans. Fish samples were collected through the coastal waters of Turkey and the contents of cadmium, copper, chrome, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc and lead in the liver and muscle tissues were determined by ICP-AES. The highest levels of each metal were found in the liver and this was followed by the muscle in both species. Among the metals analyzed, Cu, Zn and Fe were the most abundant in the different tissues while Cd and Pb were the least abundant both in Mullus barbatus (red mullet) and Merlangius merlangus (whiting). Regional changes in metal (Cd, Cu, Pb, Fe and Zn) concentration were observed in the tissues of both species, but these variations may not influence consumption advisories.