Contamination Status and Potential Risk of Metals in Marine Sediments of Shalateen Coast, the Red Sea

Abstract

ABSTRACT Metal contamination of the aquatic environment is a serious concern, insofar as public health and environmental protection are considered. Owing to their persistent and toxic characteristics, spatial analyses of metal concentrations in sediment with comparisons with natural backgrounds are essential. This study aimed to determine the metal concentrations of Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn and to appraise their probable ecological risk in sediments from the Shalateen coastal area. A total of 18 sediment samples were taken from different locations from the Shalateen coastal area. All sediment samples were kept in plastic bags at −20°C until analysis. The samples were digested using a wet oxidation method. The digested samples were determined for Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Physicochemical characteristics (calcium carbonate content, grain size, organic matter, and pH) were conducted using standard procedures. Diverse procedures, guidelines, and indices have been employed and manipulated to assess risk. The results revealed that the mean value of metal contents in the study area followed the order Zn > Cr > Ni > Cu > Pb > Co > Cd. Most of the studied metals in the sediment did not exceed limits that are regarded harmful for aquatic life. Both pollution load and potential ecological risk index methods displayed that the integrated ecological risk of the investigated metals was quite low. A clear correlation linking the concentrations of metals and anthropogenic sources was not observed. This work designates that even with continuing development of the Shalateen coastal area, the metal contamination status remains relatively low.