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Heavy metal content was detected in the middle Black sea coast of Turkey, which is populated areas of the city. The mean of heavy metal concentrations were in the following order: Fe> Al> Mn> Zn> Cr> Pb> Cu> As> Ni> Cd in the I. station (SI), Fe> Al> Mn> Zn> Cu> As> Cr> Pb> Ni> Cd in the II. station (S2). Results of the contamination factor (CF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) showed that sediment samples were demonstrated low to moderate in the both stations. Pollution load index (PLI) values were below one (<1), indicating that the deposition quality was not impaired. The findings of the enrichment factor (EF) As and Pb were found under anthropogenic impact at both stations. According to the correlation, cluster analysis and PCA, As and Cu at the SI, Cd and Zn at the S2 may have common origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study demonstrates the acute toxicity of lanthanum oxide nanoparticles (La2O3 NP) on two sentinel aquatic species, fresh-water microalgae Chlorella sp. and the crustacean Daphnia magna. The morphology, size and charge of the nanoparticles were systematically studied. The algal growth inhibition assay confirmed absence of toxic effects of La2O3 NP on Chlorella sp., even at higher concentration (1000 mg L−1) after 72 h exposure. Similarly, no significant toxic effects were observed on D. magna at concentrations of 250 mg L−1 or less, and considerable toxic effects were noted in higher concentrations (effective concentration [EC50] 500 mg L−1; lethal dose [LD50] 1000 mg L−1). In addition, attachment of La2O3 NP on aquatic species was demonstrated using microscopy analysis. This study proved to be beneficial in understanding acute toxicity in order to provide environmental protection as part of risk assessment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]