Vertical and horizontal distribution, source identification, ecological and toxic risk assessment of heavy metals in sediments of Lake Aygır, Kars, Turkey

Abstract

Surface and core sediment samples were collected from Lake Aygır, Turkey, to determine heavy metal distribution, probable sources and potential ecological and toxic risks for the lake. Heavy metals, total sulfur, total phosphate, total organic carbon, chlorophyll degradation products, and CaCO3 content were established. The enrichment factor, PLI, potential ecological risk index, and toxic risk index were calculated. Zn was determined to have the highest accumulation in surface sediment, followed by Cr, Pb, and Cd, respectively. Cd was the only element that exceeded the critical value of 40 and posed a moderate potential ecological risk. According to TRI, no ecotoxic risk was found. It is thought that local fossil fuel consumption is responsible for the accumulation of heavy metals since there is a lack of urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural activities around the lake.