HEAVY METAL ACCUMULATION IN SOILS AROUND A SALT LAKE IN TURKEY

The heavy metal (Pb, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn and Cd) accumulation around soils of Salt Lake in Turkey were evaluated, accounting for major sources including atmospheric deposition, sewage systems, livestock manures, fertilizers, traffic and industrial by-product wastes. The heavy metal concentrations were determined by using Varian model Inductively Coupled Plasma and statistically evaluated with SPSS 11.5 statistical program. The heavy metal concentrations were investigated monthly except winter months. The lowest and the highest accumulation levels were observed in April and in August, respectively. The soils were also evaluated according to zonation around the lake and the relations between the four selected stations. There is a correlation between the heavy metals and their sources. There should be some precautions taken against the heavy metal pollution around Salt Lake because of the ecological, agricultural and economical importance of the area