Concentrations of some Heavy Metals in Water, Sediment and some Living Organisms from the Zamanti River in Turkey

Abstract

Water samples, sediments, aquatic plant (Nasturtium officinale) and fish species (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Cyprinus carpio) from the
Zamantı River of Turkey were analyzed quantitatively for the presence of chromium, manganese and cadmium using an Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometer. The samples were collected from three stations. Water quality parameters, such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and
electrical conductivity were measured. According to the findings; pH value varied between 8.15-8.6. The gradual order of metals in water,
sediment, Nasturtium officinale and fish species were given as follow; Mn>Cr>Cd in water, Mn>Cr>Cd in sediment, Mn>Cr>Cd in
Nasturtium officinale , Mn>Cr>Cd in fish species. In comparison to international standards, low Cd and Cr levels were identified in all of the
water, sediment, plant and fish samples. Mn levels were also low in the sediment, plant and fish samples. Only in the water samples were the
Mn levels higher in comparison to the EC (Europian Community, 1998) and EPA (Environment Protection Agency, 2002) standard.