Acta Scientifica Malaysia (ASM)

The Meric-Ergene Basin, located on the north-western part of Turkey, begins with the Istanbul provincial border in the east and covers the border area with Bulgaria and Greece borders in the west. The industry developed at a rapid race, especially in the last fifty years, despite the importance of agriculture in the basin. In the study, 15 types of Polychlorinated Biphenils (PCBs) were determined in 4 regions of in an intense industrialized area, industrial+residential area, an agricultural area and a background area in total of 12 points, in 2014-2015, representing 4 seasons, in soil, lichen, pine needles and bulk samples, in the basin.

In the study, spatial and seasonal changes in PCBs concentrations were set forth and “Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk” were conducted. According to the results, increasing PCB values were observed in industrial areas and in soil samples. Generally heavier PCB species more abundant in the sampling area. PCB concentrations reached the highest values for all matrixes in the 2014 Spring and 2015 winter. According to the results of ILCR study, “Cancer Increase Rate” due to the PCB concentration was found to be over 10-4 and cancer risk assessment studies are needed in the area.