Heavy metal concentrations in surface sediments from two regions (Saros and Gokova Gulfs) of the Eastern Aegean Sea

The main goal of this study is to determine the present heavy metal pollution state in the two gulfs of the Aegean Sea; Saros and Gokova Gulfs. The surface sediments were collected from 11 and eight locations in the Saros and Gokova during May 2001, respectively. The results showed that the sediments of Saros and Gokova gulfs were polluted with Pb, Cr, Zn, Mn, and Ni and Pb, Cr, Ni, and Mn, respectively. For various metals the contamination factor (CF) has been calculated to assess the degree of pollution in sediments. The sediments were noted to be not contaminated with Hg, Cd, and Cu in all areas. Moderate contaminations were observed for Pb, Cr, and Zn in Saros Gulf. The CF was moderate and very high for Ni in the Saros and the Gokova Gulf, respectively.