ICP-MS based seasonal and spatiotemporal evaluation of potentially toxic and major elements in surface waters of Akdağ National Park, Türkiye

Understanding how potentially toxic and major elements (PTMEs) vary in freshwater systems is essential for evaluating environmental and public health risks. This study explored the seasonal and spatial variations of PTMEs in the surface waters of Akdağ National Park, Türkiye, using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).Water samples were collected from nine stations across four seasons and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Among the trace elements, Fe, Mn, and Al ranged from 120-460 µg/L, 15-310 µg/L, and 70-380 µg/L, respectively, while Pb and As remained low (1.2-8.4 µg/L and 2.3-6.1 µg/L), all within international safety limits. In contrast, Ca and Mg concentrations (18-72 mg/L and 3.5-12 mg/L) mainly reflected local geological conditions rather than contamination. Spatial interpolation (IDW) within a GIS framework indicated slightly higher PTME levels at certain locations compared with less affected sites. Overall, the results provide the first spatiotemporal baseline of PTMEs for this protected area, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring to support sustainable water resource management and ecosystem conservation.