Organic and heavy metal pollution in shipbreaking yards

Sediment samples were collected from five stations in Aliağa Shipbreaking Yard which is located in the coastal area of the Aegean Sea. To determine the pollution levels in marine environment resulting from the shipbreaking activities, organic pollutant and metal levels were investigated in the collected samples. Organic pollutants of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were analysed and found between the concentrations of 585–25000, 17–847 and 11–118µg/kg in dry weight, respectively. In addition, eight metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were determined in the sediment samples. The metal concentrations were found relatively higher compared to the values measured in the reference sampling station. The pollutant levels were compared with the concentrations in the sediment quality guidelines to assess the probable effects on marine ecosystems. •Highly toxic levels of compounds were emitted by the shipbreaking activities.•Copper, lead and zinc were the dominant heavy metals in the samples.•Strict management and legislation are required for pollution control.