Heavy Metal Levels in Sediment of the Turkish Black Sea Coast [2]

Sediments are an important repository for various pollutants such as pesticides and heavy metals and also play a significant role as sensitive indicators for monitoring contaminants in aquatic systems. Heavy metals which are regarded as serious pollutants of aquatic ecosystems are a major environmental problem in the Black Sea. Contamination by heavy metals has not been extensively studied in the Black Sea coast of Turkey, even though these are subjected to intense discharges of pollutants. It is important, therefore, that sediment by heavy metals be assessed in order to facilitate better management and protection of these valuable coastal ecosystems. This is especially the case, since Turkish Black Sea coast represents a prominent area for fishing, industrial development and urban extension and tourism activities. In view of the economic importance of the Black Sea coastal region of Turkey, this review aims to analyses the distribution and concentrations of heavy metals in bottom sediment in the coastal sediment along the Black Sea. © 2019 by IGI Global. All rights reserved.