RETRACTED: Assessing the Ecological Risk of Heavy Metals in River Surface Sediments: A Pollution Index Approach

Abstract

Due to climate change and pollution, potable water sources are declining, and potential water sources, especially those near major settlements, are becoming crucial. Monitoring of pollution levels and identifying sources are vital for sustainable water management. Sediment quality in water resources, indicating pollutants and their origins like heavy metals, is essential for environmental and human health. This study analyzed heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn and Sc) in coastal sediment samples from the Goksu and Canakdere rivers, potential water sources for Istanbul and ecological risk parameters such as geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (PERI) were utilized to determine sediment quality. Sediment samples were taken from 6 different points along each river in two periods representing the dry and wet seasons, resulting in a total of 24 samples. Metal analyses were performed using the Laser Ablation ICP-MS. Also, statistical analyses such as the Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Principal Component Analysis were employed to attempt to determine the origin of pollutants. According to the results of Igeo, EF, PLI, and PERI, it can be concluded that pollution is more pronounced, especially in areas with agricultural activities. In the wet season, pollutants carried by surface runoff were found to accumulate in the sediment, leading to significant pollution levels at some points. Additionally, according to the Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Principal Component Analyses, it can be inferred that Cd, Pb, and Zn likely originate from similar sources.