Türkiye Jeoloji Bülteni

New Findings of Existence Anthropocene in Recent Sediments at Marmara and Black Sea Coast

Abstract: With each passing day, industrialization, the use of fossil fuels, uncontrolled agriculture and similarhuman activities are increasing. As a results of these activities, the nature is impacted by a number of changesand anthropogenic pollution. In this study, drilling core samples from the Izmit Bay (IZC-01) in the Sea ofMarmara, Surmene (SC-01) and Hopa (HC-01) coasts in the Black Sea have been investigated with lithological,sedimentological, paleontological and geochemical perspectives. The concentrations of heavy metals as Ba, As, Pb,Cd, Cr, Ni, Ti and Zn were considered from total of 45 samples which are covering 15 samples from each three cores.PLI (Pollution load index) values are calculated by using the results of As, Ba, Pb, Cr, Ni, and Zn elements, standout 3.255 for the Gulf of Izmit, 2,195 and 1,706 for Surmene and Hopa in respectively. PLI values indicate acceptedlevel of pollution above for the Gulf of Izmit and despite being dirty Sürmene and Hopa relatively less polluted. Inaddition, EF values indicate a significant enrichment of the As, Ni and Cr and moderate enrichment of Pb and Znelements at Izmit Gulf. In locations Hopa and Sürmene; As, Ba and Cr elements showing insufficient enrichment and Ni, Pb and Zn was observed a significant enrichment. Besides, pollution related gypsum crystallization isalso remarkable for Maramara core. The abundance and diversity of paleontological records in the cores are alsocompatible in line with the decreasing and increasing rate of pollution. Towards the deepest part of the all 3 cores, areduction in the concentrations of elements such as Pb, Zn, Cr and As is seen. Radiocarbon dates obtained from theshells of these reduction levels are mesured in Sürmene 420±55 (BP) and Hopa 500±50 (BP). In addition, results ofthe other previous studies based on sedimentation rate and these ages are compatible. These specified age rangeswere compared with opinions in the literature which are related to the beginning of Anthropocene and because ofthe overlaping, these clearly observed levels have been interpreted as the limit of the possible Anthropocene time.