Comparison of TPH Contamination in Coastal Surface of North Aegean and Marmara Seas: Prince Islands and Gokceada

Abstract

In this study. throughout 2017, TPH values were determined in surface water samples taken seasonally from 15 different stations around Gokceada and monthly from the 4 resided islands (from one spot for each) of Princes' Islands. The water samples were extracted with dichloromethane and the extract was passed through the cleaning apparatus and absorbances were measured using the spectrophotometer. Concentrations were calculated using the standard curve. TPH levels ranged from 0.24 mu g L-1 to 8.94 mu g L-1 in Gokceada. The highest TPH levels was determined at. Kalekoy station located near to the port during the summer when the access to the island became more frequent.. The values in the Prince Islands ranged between 0.8 mu g L-1 and 8 mu g L-1. The highest value was also found in the summer period at Buyukada station where the highest population and most frequent transportation occurred in the island. With these findings. provided data were compared in two regions. It was found that, although the Princes' Islands sustained high values as a result of intensive polluting activities, Gokceada had a potential for high pollution due to its location (close to the exit of Turkish Straits System) and increasing preferability.