Abstract:
The aim of this study was to determine if
high concentrations of any heavy metals exist in the
sediment of Seyhan Dam reservoir to be considered
toxic to the aquatic environment. Surface sediment
samples from five stations in the Seyhan dam were
collected quarterly from 2004 to 2005 and examined
for metal content (Cr, Zn Cu, Mn, Cd, Fe, Ca, K, and
Na), organic matter, and grain size. Correlation
analyses showed that metal content of Seyhan dam
sediment was affected by organic matter and grain size.
The results have been compared with values given in
the literature. The evaluation of the metal pollution
status of the dam was carried out by using the
enrichment factor and the geoaccumulation index. A
comparison with sediment quality guideline values has
also been made. Based on the enrichment factor, dam
sediments were treated as a moderately severe enrichment
with Cd and minor enrichment with Cr and Mn.
The results of geoaccumulation index reveal that
sediments of Seyhan Dam were strongly polluted in
stations 1, 2, 4, and 5, and were moderately polluted in
station 3 with Cd. Moreover, Cd and Cr concentrations
in the sediments were above TECs except ERL for Cd.
