The effect of climate change on the mobility of copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) metals in coastal sediment samples in drought-affected lakes (Boğaziçi lake)

Authors

  • Vladimir N. Kapitsa МГЭИ им.А.Д.Сахарова БГУ , International Sakharov Environmental Institute, Belarusian State University
  • Mustafa Toraman Environmental Problems Research and Application Center, Mugla Sitki Kocman University
  • Mustafa Döndü Environmental Problems Research and Application Center, Mugla Sitki Kocman University
  • Feyyaz Keskin Environmental Problems Research and Application Center, Mugla Sitki Kocman University
  • Ahmet Demirak Environmental Problems Research and Application Center, Mugla Sitki Kocman University

Keywords:

Boğaziçi lake, sediment, BCR sequential extraction, metal mobilization, climate change impacts, heavy metals (Cu, Pb)

Abstract

This study investigates the mobilization of copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) in sediment samples collected from Boğaziçi (Tuzla) Lake, at 562-hectare wetland in southwestern Turkey. Additionally, the research explores how environmental variables associated with climate change specifically temperature, salinity, and pH influence the mobility of these metals within the sediment. Sediment samples were partitioned into four fractions using the Bureau Communautaire de Reference (BCR) sequential extraction method, with metal concentrations analysed via ICP-OES. The results indicate that Cu and Pb are primarily present in oxidizable and residual forms. While Pb in the mobile fractions is readily released into the aqueous environment, Cu demonstrates a broader range of mobility; unlike Pb, copper held in oxidizable and residual fractions can also be released into the water under changeable environmental conditions. The study further determined that Pb exhibits complex behaviour influenced by both pH and salinity, whereas Cu mobilization is highly temperature-sensitive but relatively independent of pH. Ultimately, these findings suggest that the environmental shifts driven by climate change may have a further impact on the mobilization of copper than lead in the sediments of Boğaziçi Lake.

Author Biographies

  • Vladimir N. Kapitsa, МГЭИ им.А.Д.Сахарова БГУ, International Sakharov Environmental Institute, Belarusian State University

    PhD (biology), docent; associate professor of the department of environmental safety and resource conservation

  • Mustafa Toraman, Environmental Problems Research and Application Center, Mugla Sitki Kocman University

    graduate student, master of science (chemistry)

  • Mustafa Döndü, Environmental Problems Research and Application Center, Mugla Sitki Kocman University

    doctor of science (chemistry); researcher at environmental problems research and application center laboratory

  • Feyyaz Keskin, Environmental Problems Research and Application Center, Mugla Sitki Kocman University

    doctor of science (chemistry); researcher at environmental problems research and application center laboratory

  • Ahmet Demirak, Environmental Problems Research and Application Center, Mugla Sitki Kocman University

    doctor of science (chemistry), full professor; director of the environmental problems research and application center

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Published

2026-11-11

Issue

No. 3 (2026): ЖУРНАЛ БЕЛОРУССКОГО ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО УНИВЕРСИТЕТА ЭКОЛОГИЯ

Section

Applied ecology (medical ecology, industrial ecology, agrarian ecology, forestry ecology, water management ecology, etc.)

How to Cite

[1]
Kapitsa, V.N. et al. 2026. The effect of climate change on the mobility of copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) metals in coastal sediment samples in drought-affected lakes (Boğaziçi lake). Journal of the Belarusian State University. Ecology. 3 (Nov. 2026).