Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and neutron activation analysis of surficial sediments of the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea around Istanbul

Surficial sediment samples, collected from 27 sampling sites of the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea nearby Istanbul area in 1996 and 1999 years, were analyzed quantitatively for some heavy metals and some other elements by using radioisotope excited energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The U and Th concentrations of the samples were determined by instrumental neutron activation (INAA). The results were compared with those from other contaminated and uncontaminated sedimentary materials. It is found that some elemental concentrations of the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea sediments are comparable with those in most other sea sediments in the vicinity of densely populated regions.