- 1Middle East Technical University, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Geological Engineering Department, Türkiye (atilla.kilic@metu.edu.tr)
- 2Hacettepe University, Geological Engineering Department, Türkiye
- 3Ministry of Interior Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, Türkiye
Tuzköy, located in Nevşehir, Cappadocia, Turkey, is a focal point for research on erionite, a fibrous zeolite mineral linked to mesothelioma and classified as a Group 1 carcinogen. While its health impacts through airborne exposure are studied till now, distribution of the mineral in soil, air and the noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks of geogenic elemental contaminants in the region remain unexplored. This study is concerned with filling these gaps by combining mineralogical and geochemical analyses, and applying risk assessment methodologies.
This ongoing research in collaboration with AFAD, till now 120 soil samples, 41 dust samples, 11 building stone samples, 8 water samples were collected, in addition 8 air pollution monitoring gauges, strategically placed across Tuzköy. To complement these samplings, eight 50-meter-deep boreholes have been drilled to characterize subsurface geological units and develop a 3D model of the region’s stratigraphy. Initial SEM-EDS examinations of dust samples widely demonstrated the presence of erionite fibers. Yet, the mineralogical analyses are not completed.
The planned elemental analysis utilizing ICP-MS on soils are used for identifying any potential toxic elements, with assessments of their carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic impacts based on established models, such as Hazard Quotients (HQ) and Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). Findings from the planned geochemical analyses establish baselines for toxic element concentrations and spatial distribution while guiding risk mitigation strategies, including remediation and alternative construction practices in areas affected by erionite-bearing ignimbrites.
This framework represents a novel integration of mineralogy, geochemistry and health risk assessments in Tuzköy. It aims to inform future geomedical hazard mitigation efforts. The study’s results will provide critical insights for similar global regions affected by geogenic contaminants.
Keywords: Erionite, soil contamination, geochemical risk assessment, carcinogenic risk, noncarcinogenic risk.
How to cite: Kılıç, A., Toksoy Köksal, F., Çubukçu, H. E., Koca Akçay, G., Demir, A., İlgen, H. G., and Demir, S.: Potential toxicity of elements and erionite fibers in Tuzköy toward a comprehensive risk assessment framework, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-471, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-471, 2025.
