Determination of sediment quality in Yaglidere stream (Giresun)

Sediments in aquatic systems are often contaminated with a variety of pollutants stemming from sources including industrial and agricultural discharges, municipal wastewater treatment plants and storm water. These effects underscore the need to develop sediment quality objectives that protect aquatic ecosystems and human health. The sediment samples were collected from 5 sampling sites and analyzed to identify the concentrations of some metals (As, Se, Ag, Cd, Na, K) and pH, conductivity, water content, organic matter in the Yağlıdere Stream. Finally, geo-accumulation index values calculated using estimates of background trace element concentrations suggested anthropogenic influences in most of the samples. Consequently, it was observed that K, Na, As and Se dominantly accumulated in the study area. These metals may have negative impact in the research area and create an environmental risk.