Statistical Evaluation of Some Micro Elements (Li, Mn, Ni and Ba) Accumulated in Sediments of Turkish Straits Watersheds

Abstract

Çanakkale and İstanbul Straits are known as the Turkish Straits and they are two of the most significant international marine habitats located in the north-western Türkiye. There are many fluvial and lacustrine components in the watersheds of both these straits. As many aquatic habitats, they are expose to a significant pollution stress. This study was carried out to evaluate the lithium, manganese, nickel and barium accumulations in sediments of Çanakkale and İstanbul Straits Basins components from a statistical perspective. Eleven fluvial and four lacustrine ecosystems were defined in the watersheds and sediment samples were collected in dry and wet seasons of 2022 – 2023. Pearson Correlation Index (PCI), Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) were applied to data to categorize the investigated habitats and define the sources of investigated micro elements. According to the results of applied PCI, statistically significant positive correlations were determined among the investigated parameters. According to the results of applied PCA, two factors named as "Agricultural – Domestic factor (F1)" and "Industrial factor (F2)" explained 83% of the total variance. According to the results of applied CA, two clusters, named as "Relatively less contaminated zone (C1)" and "Relatively more contaminated zone (C2)", were formed.