Ecological degradation and non-carcinogenic health risks of potential toxic elements: a GIS-based spatial analysis for Doganci Dam (Turkey)

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the ecological degradation and non-carcinogenic health risks at Doğancı Dam, Bursa, Turkey. Potentially toxic element (PTE) concentrations (ppm) were as follows: Fe (55.030)>Al (27.220)>Mn (1053)>Cr (181)>Ni (180)>Zn (95)>Cu (62)>As (17)>Pb (11)>Cd (0.20)>Hg (0.108). As, Pb, Cd, and Hg were enriched anthropogenically, while other PTEs were of natural origin. The contamination severity index (CSI) indicated a moderate PTE contamination in the dam, mostly due to lithogenic efects. According to the modifed hazard quotient (mHQ), ecological risk was identifed at the level of extreme severity for Ni of lithological origin, of high severity for Cr of considerable severity for As of anthropogenic origin, and of moderate severity for Cu. According to the ecological contamination index (ECI), the dam had an ecological risk of a slight-to-moderate contamination. Health risk index showed no non-carcinogenic health risks in the dam. Mining, highways, and agricultural activities were identifed as the primary anthropogenic drivers to be monitored. The ongoing anthropogenic activities in the Nilüfer Stream basin and natural factors afect the ecological degradation and non-carcinogenic health risk level of the dam.