Assessment of metal accumulations and ecological risks in sediments around tuna farming in the eastern Aegean Sea

Tuna farming has been conducted since 2002 at the sampling site located in the Eastern Aegean Sea. The long-term continuation of this activity in the region has raised concerns regarding its impact on the marine environment, particularly sediment quality. The present study investigated the accumulation of metals, total organic carbon (TOC), phosphorus, and sulfur in sediments influenced by tuna farming and changes in sediment quality using various pollution indices. The highest sulfur concentration (0.19 %) was recorded at the cage stations, indicating significant organic enrichment. The analysis revealed that the average metal concentrations followed the decreasing order of Mn > Cr > Ni > As > Co > Mo > Hg > Cd. It was observed that the concentrations of molybdate, manganese, cadmium, and mercury in the area surrounding the cages were approximately 10 % higher than those in the reference stations. The evaluation of metal analyses in the sediments indicated that farming activities increased Cd, Mn, Hg, and Mo levels at the cage stations. However, none of these metals (except As) exceeded the shale value reference levels. Although cadmium exhibited the highest concentration at the cage station according to the EF and Cf indices, the sediment was classified as having low contamination based on the Cf index. Given the relatively high background concentrations of cadmium and arsenic in the sediment and enrichment from farming-related wastes (such as bait fish and chemicals used in ship maintenance), the fish farming area can be characterized as moderately ecologically risky. While the metal levels in the sediment at the tuna farming site in the Gerence region have yet to reach critical thresholds, continuous monitoring of metals such as arsenic and cadmium in the sediment is essential to ensure the sustainability of farming activities.