Heavy metal accumulation in the surficial water and sediment of lake Sapanca and potential sediment toxicity

This study aims to preserve and ensure the sustainability of Sapanca Lake, which is considered one of the most important lakes in Turkiye and is also used as a potable water source. Heavy metal concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Mn, Fe, Co, Cr, Al, Cd and metalloid Arsenic (As) were analyzed using an ICP-MS device, in the lake surface water and sediment samples, which were taken from 11 different locations between autumn 2020 and spring 2022. In the water samples, no heavy metal concentration was determined and the amount of As found is ignorable. In the sediment samples, the least concentrated metal is Cd, while the most concentrated metals are Fe and Al. When the sediment quality was examined by sediment quality research methods, it was determined that the 2021 autumn period is relatively more contaminated than the other periods, and the highest contribution to total toxic accumulation in all seasons (48.5% for the 2020 autumn and 2021 spring season, 70.51% for the 2021 autumn and 57% for the 2022 spring season) is by Ni. According to the results obtained from the study, it is evaluated that the heavy metal concentration in the lake is below the limit values and is not at a threatening level in terms of ecosystem and public health.