Potentially toxic element pollution records in the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) along the Çanakkale Strait, Türkiye

Authors : İrem Melis Yılmaz, Ahmet Evren Erginal, Abdullah Akbaş, Hale Seçilmiş Canbay

Pages : 81-87

Doi:10.17211/tcd.1756703

View : 153 | Download : 307

Publication Date : 2025-12-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In this study, the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, which can accumulate potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in its tissues, was used as a bioindicator. The main objective of the study was to determine the records of PTEs such as Cr, Pb, Cd, Ni, Co, Fe, Cu, Hg, As, Mn, and Zn in mussel samples collected from five stations along the eastern shores of the Çanakkale Strait. PTEs in the samples were examined using Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), and common and different sources of the pollutants were addressed using correlation and principal component analysis (PCA). The obtained data indicate the presence of As well above the limit values at all sampling stations. Correlation and PCA analyses indicate strong positive correlations between some PTEs, such as Cr-Ni and Fe-Cu, indicating that PTEs originate from common anthropogenic sources. Cd is negatively correlated with As and Zn, pointing to a different source. According to ICP-OES analyses, the PTEs at the stations studied are ranked according to average values as follows: Al>Fe>As>Mn>Cu>Zn>Cr>Ni>Pb>Cd>Hg. The PTEs that pose the most risk are As, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, and Zn. Ferry transport, chemicals used in agricultural activities, and municipal waste are likely to be the main contributors to the PTE load.
Keywords : Marine Pollution, Mytilus galloprovincialis, Heavy metal, Çanakkale Strait, Çanakkale

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