Title: Cluster analysis approach to identify metal sources in bottom sediments of Sultan Marsh canals, Turkey

Authors: M. Gurhan Yalcin

Addresses: Department of Geology Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Nigde University, 51200, Nigde, Turkey

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine heavy metal contents of the bottom sediments in Sultan Marsh water canals and drainage canals and possible sources of those heavy metals. The dendogram based on cluster analyses of the elements revealed two distinct groups of metals. There was a strong, positive correlation between some elements and their possible sources. Fe, Mn, Al, Ti, Cu, Zn and Cd concentrations in the canals were found to be high. It was attributed to the Fe mine in the south of the study area and the Fe smelting plants in the west of the study area. The heavy metals shown to reach high levels in the canals were thought to have toxic effects. The sediments of Sultan Marsh were affected by anthropogenic factors. That is, they were polluted by mines and industrial plants, and the ecological balance of Sultan Marsh is threatened.

Keywords: heavy metals; Sultan Marsh; cluster analysis; water pollution; canals; sediment; contamination; Kayseri; Turkey; toxic effects; ecological balance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJENVH.2009.022908

International Journal of Environment and Health, 2009 Vol.3 No.1, pp.106 - 125

Received: 03 Apr 2008
Accepted: 22 Jul 2008
Published online: 02 Feb 2009 *

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