This study evaluated the concentrations, sources, and health risks of trace metals and metalloids in the effluents of 15 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) located along the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, ecologically and economically vital regions of Türkiye. Effluent samples were collected in winter and autumn, and metal concentrations were analyzed using ICP-MS to assess seasonal variations and potential risks. Results showed notable seasonal and regional differences, with aluminium (Al) and nickel (Ni) as the most abundant metals. The highest total metal concentration was recorded in autumn at station S2 (326.09 mg/L). Non-carcinogenic risks were negligible (HI< 1) across all stations, but low carcinogenic risks (10-6< CRi ≤ 10-4) for chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) were detected at some locations. Source apportionment using Principal Component Analysis revealed mixed geogenic and anthropogenic origins, primarily from industrial activities and urban runoff. While effluents generally complied with national standards, several metals exceeded international limits, highlighting risks to ecosystems and human health. These findings underscore the urgent need for stricter discharge regulations, improved treatment technologies, and continuous monitoring to mitigate the environmental and health impacts of WWTP discharges.

中文翻译：

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前沿 |土耳其沿海城市污水处理厂污水中的微量元素浓度和人类健康风险评估


本研究评估了位于土耳其生态和经济重要地区黑海和马尔马拉海的 15 家污水处理厂 （WWTP） 废水中微量金属和准金属的浓度、来源和健康风险。在冬季和秋季收集污水样本，并使用 ICP-MS 分析金属浓度以评估季节性变化和潜在风险。结果显示，季节性和区域存在显著差异，其中铝 （Al） 和镍 （Ni） 是含量最丰富的金属。秋季 S2 站总金属浓度最高 （326.09 mg/L）。所有站点的非致癌风险可以忽略不计 （HI< 1），但在一些地点检测到铬 （Cr） 和镍 （Ni） 的低致癌风险 （10-6< CRi ≤ 10-4）。使用主成分分析的源分配揭示了地质和人为混合起源，主要来自工业活动和城市径流。虽然污水通常符合国家标准，但几种金属超过了国际限值，凸显了对生态系统和人类健康的风险。这些发现凸显了迫切需要更严格的排放法规、改进的处理技术和持续监测，以减轻 WWTP 排放对环境和健康的影响。