Ecotoxicological, ecological, and human health risks of total carbohydrates and some inorganic pollutants on the Nile Delta region along the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast

Abstract

This is one of few studies dealing with the potential impact of total carbohydrates (TCHO), and some inorganic pollutants (F, B, As, V, Se) on human health. Additionally, the latter pollutants toxicological and ecological effects on the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast, especially, the Nile Delta region, were investigated. Both F (0.18 ± 0.09 mg/g) and As (2.47 ± 5.39 μg/g) were of lower concentrations compared to previous reports. Values of all ecological and ecotoxicity indices, particularly, the risk quotient (RQ), showed that arsenic had the most adverse biological effects on three trophic levels (algae, invertebrates, and fish). Children and adults non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI) values were <1, revealing that sediments in the studied area would pose no risk to humans. However, arsenic carcinogenic risk (CR) values exceeded the maximum permissible limits, implying risk to children and adults. These findings could anticipate toxic impacts of polluted effluents on the Nile Delta region.