Research Information System
International Journal of Environment and Geoinformatics (IJEGEO), vol.4, no.2, pp.128-138, 2017 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
This paper presents an evaluation of the spatial distribution of vanadium level, its enrichment and possible sources in the bottom sediment along the shelf of the Turkish Black Sea. In April 2006, vanadium concentrations were measured along the measurement profiles (20, 50 and 100 m) using ICP-MS. The vanadium levels ranged from 40 to 315 μg g-1, usually within the range of typical and background values
(Cf<1), except the one offshore the Yeşilırmak River (315.2 μg g-1), revealing significant riverine inputs and geographical conditions (Cf>3). The concentrations decrease gradually with water depth, implying the dominance of anthropogenic sources such as industrial wastes, agricultural effluents, sewage discharge, and port activities. The vanadium levels had not significant correlations with the physicochemical parameters
(sediment texture, water content, TOC) and TPH level in the sediment. At the eastern basin, a serious vanadium enrichment (Cf>6-9) was observed in November 2010, implying some important regional and seasonal contributions; which may be natural or anthropogenic. Biogeochemical processes, eutrophication, wave-based erosion, abnormal current circulations, bottom morphology and influence of other substances in the environment may be other regulating factors to this enrichment. Continuous monitoring and further studies are required for a detailed description of vanadium mobility and for assessment of the main controlling processes associated with vanadium enrichment in the eastern Black Sea basin.