Investigation of heavy metal content in the suspended particulate matter and sediments of inner Gokova Bay and creeks

The Bay of Gokova in Southeastern Aegean Sea (Turkey) is important by the potential of agricultural, municipal, and tourism activities. In addition, there is no industrial plant within the area in the Aegean Sea. Kad?n Creek (Azmak) and Ak?ap?nar Creek (Azmak) flowing into the inner Gokova Bay are one of the important factors in determining the character of the inner Gokova Bay. In this study, nine stations were selected in the inner Gokova Bay, Kad?n Creek, and Akcap?nar Creek. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn were measured in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediments. The samples of sediments and SPM were collected in between February 2008 and September 2008. The aim of the study is searching the change of concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn in suspended particulate matter and sediments in the inner Gokova bay, Kad?n Creek, and Ak?ap?nar Creek. It has been identified that the metal concentrations in the creeks are higher than the metal concentrations in the marine environment. It has also been observed that the concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cu in summer season have been higher than in the winter season, but the concentrations of Fe and Zn have not shown a significant difference between in summer and winter seasons. The obtained results show that the some heavy metals are caused by the agricultural, municipal, and tourism activities operating in the coastal areas and terrestrial environment, and they are transported from the creeks to the Gokova Bay by suspended particulate matter.     

Some soil properties on coal mine spoils reclaimed with black locust (Robinia pceudoacacia L.) and umbrella pine (Pinus pinea L.) in Agacli-Istanbul

This study performed on randomly selected seven sample plots in leguminous black locust (Robinia pceudoacacia L.) plantations and five sample plots in umbrella pine (Pinus pinea L.) plantations on coal mine soil/spoils. Soil samples were taken from eight different soil depths (0–1, 1–3, 3–5, 5–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40, and 40–50 cm) into the soil profile. On soil samples, bulk density, fine soil fraction (Ø < 2 mm), sand, silt and clay rates, soil acidity (pH), organic carbon (C_org), and total nitrogen (N_t) contents were investigated. Also, some forest floor properties (unit mass, organic matter, and total nitrogen) were determined, and results were compared statistically between umbrella pine and black locust. As a result, 17 years after plantations, total forest floor accumulation determined as 6,107 kg ha^???1 under black locust compared to 13,700 kg ha^???1 under umbrella pine. The more rapid transformation of leguminous black locust forest floor creates organic carbon that migrates further into the mineral profile, and rapid accumulation of C and N in the soil profile was registered. Slower transformation processes of forest floor under umbrella pine result in lower soil N ratio and greater quantity of forest floor. Higher soil pH under leguminous black locust was determined significantly than umbrella pine. In conclusion, the composition of symbiotic nitrogen fixation of black locust appears to be a possible factor favoring carbon and nitrogen accumulation and, consequently, soil development. Clearly, both tree species have favorable impacts on initial soil formation. The umbrella pine generates the more forest floor layer; in contrast, black locust forest floor incorporates into the soil more rapidly and significantly increases soil nitrogen in upper soil layers.     

Unsustainable urban development for Zonguldak metropolitan area (NW Turkey)

Since Turkey is located on a region that is prone to the risks of natural disasters like earthquake, flooding, and avalanche; a majority of the residential areas are facing these risks at various levels. Before determination of these risks, taking action in order to decrease the vulnerability levels of the residential areas will help keep the damage at the minimum level in case of a disaster. Urban planning decisions which are made in accordance with vulnerability studies aiming to determine natural disaster risks will not only help prevent loss of life but also help decrease negative social and economic effects of disasters. The Zonguldak city has been chosen as a case study area since Zonguldak metropolitan area has endured almost all kinds of threats that a city can face. In this study disaster-producing factors in the area are primarily considered which can be named as topography, destruction of forest lands, geological and karstic structure, mining activities, and misuse of the land, and later risk assessment is conducted with geographic information system (GIS). It has been assessed that more than half of the buildings within the study area were constructed in areas not suitable for housing. It is concluded that there is a need for urgent urban development plan for the city.     

Estimation of COVID-19 patient numbers using artificial neural networks based on air pollutant concentration levels

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The dilemma between health concerns and the economy is apparent in the context of strategic decision making during the pandemic. In particular,...