Assessment of heavy metals by sediment quality guideline in surficial sediments of Abu Qir Bay southeastern mediterranean sea, Egypt

Abstract

Abu Qir Bay is one of the Mediterranean coastal bays in Egypt. Its importance derives from its geographical location. It is considered the estuary for several huge drains, containing residues of agricultural and industrial in addition to its importance as a fishing center in Alexandria. The present study deals with the assessment of the quality of sediments using sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), developed by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States, to estimate possible adverse biological effects of sedimentary contaminants in Abu Qir Bay. The dataset comprised results from Abu Qir Bay sediment samples. Samples were analyzed for grain size, TOC and metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Fe). The NOAA guidelines indicate that Cd and Pb are the most likely contaminants to cause adverse biological effects in Abu Qir Bay.