Pollution analysis of metals in the sediments of lagoon lakes in Türkiye: Toxicological risk assessment and source insights

This study addresses gaps in understanding the distribution, sources, and health risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the sediments of lagoon lakes Akgöl and Simenit in Türkiye. Sediment samples from 16 locations were analyzed for Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Cr, Ni, As, Pb, Cd, and Hg. Findings indicate higher concentrations of Fe and Mn in Simenit Lake and elevated levels of Cr and Ni in both lakes. The Enrichment Factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF), and Pollution Load Index (PLI) were used to evaluate contamination levels in sediments, while sediment quality guidelines and the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) assessed ecotoxicological risks. Results reveal moderate to high pollution in Simenit Lake, particularly for Cr and Ni, with Cd posing a significant ecological risk. Health risk assessments showed non-carcinogenic risks (Hazard Index, HI > 1) for children, especially in Simenit Lake (HI = 1.10). Carcinogenic risks from Cr and Ni were within acceptable limits; however, Simenit Lake exhibited higher Total Cancer Risk (TCR) values for Cr (5.40E-05) and Ni (1.37E-04), indicating a low but notable risk. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) identified industrial discharge and agricultural runoff as primary contamination sources. These findings highlight the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate health and ecological risks in these vulnerable aquatic systems.