Assessing the contamination and ecological risk of sediments around the mariculture area in northern Algeria using a multivariate approach

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study focused on the contamination by Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Fe in the surface sediments of marine fish farms in Algeria to assess their spatial distribution, sources, and potential ecological risk. Results of geo-accumulation index and enrichment factors showed that the sediments at most sites were uncontaminated to moderately contaminated with Pb and Zn associated with anthropogenic input based on PCA result. All the stations have adverse effects index values below 1; the concentration of metals in the sample is not high enough to cause adverse effects on biota. The mean effects range medium quotient indicated that sediments in fish farming areas have a low probability (9%–21%) of being toxic. Our results indicated that the Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd from mariculture were unlikely to adversely affect the local aquatic environment. Outside the fish farm, the marine ecosystem recovers its ecological balance.