Abstract:

Aim of study: This study focuses on the changes of heavy metal pollution in soil and sediment. Study area: The study area covers Murgul district of Artvin located over the Eastern Black Sea region, Turkey. Material and methods: Sampling areas were determined at distances in the direction of surface flow along the stream route where waste water was discharged by assuming the Copper Plant as the central point. A total of 54 soil and 10 sediment samples were taken from sampling points. Main results: The results of analysis of soil and sediment samples indicated that the mean values of Copper, Lead and Zinc were remarkably higher than the threshold values and the soil pH decreased as it moved away from the center point. The contaminated sediments, deposited over the years in the river bank sediments may act as secondary source of pollution to the covering water column in the river. Research highlights: Heavy metals from the soil during the rehabilitation activities to be applied in the mining sites, it is suggested to investigate the phytoremediation techniques, which are very successful and effective methods both economically and ecologically, and to use appropriate plant species in the rehabilitation areas.

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