Heavy metal accumulation and potential ecological risk assessment in sediments from the southwestern Konya district (Turkey)

It is aimed to determine the heavy metal concentrations and sources accumulated in the sediments of the creeks in the region as a result of geological factors and to be a reference study before the mining exploration and operation activities to be carried out in and around the study area located in the southwestern Konya district of Turkey. Chemical analyses were carried out on 24 rock samples representing the geological characteristics of the region and 8 stream sediment samples taken from important creeks. Chemical analysis results were evaluated using basic statistical methods and pollution indices. As, Pb, Zn, and Mn concentrations were determined as “unpolluted to moderately polluted” according to the geoaccumulation index. According to the contamination factor, the accumulations for As, Pb, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Al concentrations were determined as a “moderate factor.” It is determined as “low risk” according to the potential ecological risk index. Heavy metals in the region were ranked from the lowest risk to the highest as Ni <Cr <Zn <Mn <Hg <Cu <Pb <Cd <As. The accumulation of heavy metal around the creek deposits is related to the geological processes and climatic events. It is understood that heavy metal deposits in the region are formed due to geological factors, and geological factors have an important role in heavy metal accumulation in the sediments of the creeks.