Analysis of heavy metal contamination in surface sediments of Iskenderun Bay, Turkey

Abstract The ecological risk resulting from the accumulation of some heavy metals in sediments Iskenderun Bay was assessed using following measures: enrichment and contamination factor, pollution load index ( PLI ), potential RI ). concentrations studied were order: Fe > Ni Mn Cr Zn Cu As Pb Cd Hg. had highest EF values. This situation is most likely due to presence iron, pesticide, fertilizer plants region. According United States Environmental Protection Agency, Ni, As, Mn, may have harmful effects on faunal communities sediments. , Site 4 more contaminated toxic than other seven study sites, with “moderate” risk. Pearson’s correlation coefficient determined by multivariate methods – cluster principal component analysis. can be inferred values, effect moderate.