The impact of the marine sewage outfalls on the sediment quality: The Black Sea and the Marmara case

Marine sewage outfalls are the cheapest method of disposal for municipalities with restricted funds, despite their negative effects on marine ecosystems. This study was conducted on the marine sewage outfalls of the Turkish cities Rize (Black Sea) and Yalova (Sea of Marmara). Heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were investigated in the sediments for determine pollution degree. Two of Yalova stations were classified as having high contamination levels (1034.436 and 1476.483 ng/g, respectively) and all the other stations suffered moderate pollution in terms of ∑₁₆PAHs. ∑DTTs in sediments above probable effect levels (PELs), were observed both stations Yalova and Rize. The highest metal concentrations in the sediments from the eight stations ranged from 4.97 to 29.65 mg/kg for Ni; 7.57–44.14 mg/kg for Cr; 9.84–42.76 mg/kg for Cu; and 48.08–103.77 mg/kg for Zn. In sum, examination of pollutant sources provides clear evidence of an anthropogenic effect on the discharge environments.