An integrated approach for sediment characterization of Dead Sea, Israel: Implications to marine environment.

Abstract

The Dead Sea (DS) sediment samples from two different sites on the west coast were analyzed. The objective is to document sediment characterization in order to study the interrelation existing among ingredients. The analyses show that Fe, Mg and Zn are the most significant trace elements found in the Sediment. Anthropogenic activities such as Industries, untreated sewage, agricultural wastes are some of the pollution sources that are considered to be lethal to the marine ecosystem. The DS is slowly disappearing at an alarming rate of 1m/year. Hence a constant and precise mitigation, monitoring and management is mandatory. The present work is part of such goal in order to understand the health of the DS ecosystem. A cumulative and consistent effort of the Governments, stakeholders, tourists and the public will help in order to preserve and protect the health of the rare DS marine ecosystem for future generations.