Evaluation of heavy metals pollution in recent sediments of Zoubia Wadi, W-Skikda (NE of Algeria)

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This study aims to evaluate the level of metallic pollution in the recent sediments of the Zoubia area (Ain Kechera) in north-east of Algeria. The method used for this assessment involves sediments sampling and the determination of heavy metal concentrations. The study estimated the level of metallic pollution in the sediments by calculating several pollution indexes, including the contamination factor (CF), the enrichment factor (FE), the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), the individual ecological risk index (), the potential ecological risk (RI) and statistical analysis of the data. The study monitored seven trace metals: cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). The results indicate an enrichment of Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu in all samples. However, Ni, Co, and Cr levels are below those of the continental crust (background). The geo-accumulation index values for Co, Ni, and Cr are negative in all samples. On the other hand, positive geo-accumulation index values were observed for Cd, Pb, Zn, and some Cu samples (B1, B2, B3, and B4) with individual ecological risks of less than 40 for Cd, (94.48–119.21) for Zn, and (80.23–135.4) for Cu, respectively. This indicates low risk for Cd and high risk for Zn and Cu. The results indicate that Pb poses a significant ecological risk (537.4–842.05) and may have adverse effects on human health. The most significant pollutants, in order of increasing risk, are Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cd.