Determination of seasonal metal concentrations in seawater of the Iskenderun Bay in the eastern Mediterranean, Turkey

Abstract

In this study, seasonal variations of some heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Zn, Cd, Cu, Co, Ni, Al, Mn, Pb, and Cr) were determined. A total of 108 seawater samples were taken in three different stations with depths of about (0-5 m, 5-10 m, and 10-15 m) in Iskenderun Bay from June 2012 to September 2013. It was determined that the highest concentration of Pb was found (0.2697±0.0309 ml/l) at the 1st station in summer, while the lowest concentration was Cr (0.0167±0.0057 ml/l) was found in spring at the 2nd station. The annual average heavy metal concentrations in the seawater of Iskenderun Bay was determined as Pb>Cu>Al>Zn>Cd>Co>Ni>Fe>Mn>Cr. Heavy metal concentrations in seawater should be monitored in terms of water quality and the sustainability of the healthy ecosystem in terms of fisheries management.