Analysis of Toxic Metal-Induced Ecological Risk in Kepez Stream, Çanakkale, Türkiye

Ecological risk in the mouth of Kepez Stream has recently increased notably due to waste from the Kepez settlement, agricultural activity in the Kepez delta, maritime traffic in the Çanakkale Strait, and summer houses in the coastal area. This study analyzed the ecological risk of 10 sediment samples along the bed in the mouth of Kepez Stream to shed light on anthropogenically induced pollution. The pollution proxies such as chlorophyll degradation products, heavy metal concentrations and organic carbon of the sediment samples were determined. Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo) and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PER) were calculated from the results obtained. Spearman's correlation analysis and factor analysis were also performed. The obtained data show that there is moderate enrichment of Zn, As and Co, a significant level of Pb, and very high level of Cr in the sediments of Kepez Stream. Ni enrichment was determined to be excessive and poses a high potential ecological risk. Cleaning and rehabilitation need to be carried out urgently in the mouth of Kepez Stream. It should be determined whether metals are being transmitted to aquatic organisms, and measures should be taken to reduce the sources of pollution.