Spatial distribution patterns and temporal trends of heavy-metal concentrations in a petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated site: Karaduvar coastal aquifer (Mersin, SE Turkey)

The aim of this study was to investigate spatiotemporal variations in groundwater heavy-metal concentrations at the Karaduvar agricultural-industrial district (Mersin, SE Turkey), where parts of the underlying coastal aquifer has been polluted by petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) from diverse sources. The water chemistry data for the present study is comprised of 275 samples collected during 2006–2010 from 55 water-supply wells. The samples were analyzed in situ for physical parameters (EC, DO, pH, and temperature) and in the laboratory for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn using the ICP-MS method. Box–whisker plots and principal components analysis (PCA) method were employed to determine the seasonal changes occurring in heavy-metal concentrations and to identify source apportionment of pollution parameters in groundwater. During the monitoring period, in many wells, heavy-metal concentrations (except for Cd) exceeded the limit values set by Turkish Water Pollution Control Directive (No: 25687). Results from the PCA suggest that elevated Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and As concentrations may be linked to oxidation–reduction of geogenic Mn/Fe oxyhydroxides in PHC-contaminated parts. The high concentrations of Cu, Mo and probably Cd in background areas result from the agricultural and petrochemical activities conducted in the recent past. At the site, high Pb and Zn concentrations are probably related to agricultural activities in PHC-contaminated areas, whereas Cr can be solely attributed to lithogenic sources. At the Karaduvar site, heavy-metal pollution in groundwater is found to be much more persistent than PHC contamination.