Organic Contaminants in Sediments from the Black Sea Coast of Turkey

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and Pesticides are important group of priority pollutants included in the EU directives (2013/39/EU; 200/60/EC) and Regional Seas Conventions (Barcelona ve Bucharest). Spatial distribution of total Petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), PAHs, PCBs and Pesticides were investigated in surface sediments from the Black Sea shelf area of Turkey and assessed for their potential risks under the ongoing National Integrated Monitoring Project (2014-2016) implemented by TUBITAK-MRC and supported by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. 12 sediment stations were monitored in 2014 laying in 20-60 m depths range and having soft bottom typology. Highest concentrations of TPH and PAHs were recorded at the station impacted by the coal mining at Zonguldak province (TPH: 110.8540 mg/kg dw and total PAHs: 4918 gg/kg dw). Concentrations of some of the individual PAH compounds such as Acenapthelene, Florene, Phenanthrene, Anthrecene, Benzo (a) anthrecene, Benzo (ghi) Perylene appeared to be relatively higher by ERL (effect range low) standards at the same station. PCBs such as; PCB28, PCB52, PCB101, PCBl18, PCB138, PCB153 and PCB 180 (ICES 7) were recorded with lower contents (below ERL standards). Pesticides including DDT and derivatives, a-BHC, b-BHC, d-BHC and Aldrin were detected in all stations. Concentrations above the ERL values were recorded in the stations close to discharges but not especially high in comparison to levels reported from throughout the world. The present data provides a baseline to develop targets for good environmental status and assess the effectiveness of environmental management activities against eventually future anthropogenic organic pollution.