Spatial geochemical structure of soft sediment on shallow littoral of the Gulf of Antalya, the eastern Mediterranean Sea

The concentrations of heavy metals in soft sediments of the Manavgat and Lara regions in Antalya, Türkiye were investigated to assess contamination levels and their potential sources, followed by multivariate statistical analysis and generation of spatial distribution maps. Results showed low contamination levels for As, Zn, and Cu, moderate contamination for Pb, Ni, and Mn, and very high accumulation for Co and Cr. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and contamination factor (CF) analyses revealed moderate enrichment for Mn and low enrichment for As, indicating no human-induced contamination in Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, and As, while Ni, Co, and Cr originated mainly from agriculture. The maximum modified degree of contamination (mCd) value was at an extreme high level, with an average mCd of 4.12 indicating high contamination. Maximum pollution load index (PLI) value was 3.13, indicating high-grade pollution and an average value of 1.7 indicating moderate pollution. [Display omitted] •Contamination moderate for Pb, cc Cr•Enrichment moderate for Mn, low for As, Ni, Co and Cr based on geoaccumulation index•Maximum modified degree of contamination significantly high with an average mCd of 4.12•Maximum pollution load index value 3.13 (high pollution) with 1.7 (moderate pollution) on average•Phosphorus deficiency derived from Al2O3, clay minerals, FeOOH and TOC, limiting plant growth