Potentially toxic elements content and risk assessment of beach sands: The case of NW Türkiye (Çanakkale)

The present study constitutes an assessment of the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in beach sands from Çanakkale (NW Türkiye). In addition, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted to ascertain the health risks posed to both children and adults who use these beaches. Furthermore, the potential sources, contamination levels, and ecological risks of the PTEs were identified. The PTEs concentrations (unit in mg kg−1) in beach sands concentrations were listed as follows: Fe (1567.66) >Mn (58.31) >Ni (6.06) = Zn (6.06) >Cu (1.34) >Co (0.87) >Pb (0.37) >Cd (0.09). While the concentrations of Cd, Co, and Mn in the beach sands were higher than those in sandstone, the concentrations of Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn were lower. However, the concentrations of all PTEs (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were found to be lower than those in the continental crust. The application of the enrichment factor revealed that the sands were contaminated with Cd (24.47), while the geoaccumulation index indicated the presence of Mn contamination (2.20). The contamination factor indicated moderate contamination with Cd. Furthermore, a moderate potential ecological risk was identified for Cd, while all PTEs posed a moderate ecological risk overall. Factor and correlation analyses revealed that some PTEs (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) are of geogenic origin. For both children and adults, the total hazard index (THI) values for all PTEs were below the risk threshold, indicating the absence of non-carcinogenic health risks. Moreover, the results of the cumulative carcinogenic risk assessment were found to be within acceptable limits. Consequently, no health concerns were identified for children and adults regarding the beach sands in Çanakkale.