Sediment-water interactions with eelgrass (Zostera spp.) from Sinop shores of the Black Sea

This study is to provide information on levels of the elements in leaves and roots-rhizomes of Zostera marina and Zostera noltei, their surrounding sea water and sediments collected from Akliman and Turkeli coastal areas of Sinop city in the Black Sea four times between September 2015 and July 2016. The concentrations of Al, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg and Pb in digested samples were measured by Agilent Technologies, 7700X ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer). The results showed that the concentrations of metals were found in the order Hg 2). The general capacities of element translocation were found as acropetal for Al, Mn, Ni, Cd and Hg in eelgrass. The present findings interpreted for the first time in the Turkish Black Sea waters. Both species of Zostera in high concentrations of these elements may be due to untreated wastes that are discharging from different sources such as harbor activities, agricultural and domestic wastes in coastal areas. In order to assess the impact of contaminants and take necessary actions, the region needs to be monitored regularly.