Heavy Metal Concentrations of Groundwater in the East of Ergene Basin, Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the concentrations of the heavy metals (copper, iron, zinc, chromium, cadmium and lead) and determine their relationship between pH and EC in the east of Ergene Basin, Turkey. For this purpose 18 groundwater samples were collected in May 2013. Results show that mean concentrations of Cu, Fe, Zn, Cr, Cd and Pb were, 0.005, 0.012, 0.083, 0.016, 0.000 and 0.0006 mg L-1 respectively, with the decreasing sequence of Zn > Cr > Fe > Cu > Pb > Cd. No significant correlations were found among metals. Only moderate positive correlation was determined between Pb and pH (r = 0.451; p < 0.05). All metal pollutants studied in the groundwater were below international and national guidelines except Cr.