Insights on trace metal enrichments in tourists beaches of Santa Elena Province, Ecuador

Abstract

Metal concentrations in beaches of major coastal cities is directly identified based on the enrichment pattern of bioavailable metals in sediments. The main objective of the study is to know the present level of metal enrichments in beach sediments of Santa Elena Province in Ecuador. Sediment beach quality was assessed in five tourist beach zones (n = 52) by analyzing the bioavailable trace metal concentration. Distribution pattern of trace metals indicates Cd, Co, Pb is on higher side exceeding the UCC. Geochemical indices calculations (Geoaccumulation index, Enrichment factor, Degree of contamination) and ecological risk indices (Hazard quotient, potential risk index, pollution load index) indicates that Cd has the high degree of enrichment level (Cd ≥ 32) followed by Co, Pb and As posing adverse ecological risk (RI > 600). Sediment quality assessment results reveals that the sediments were very unsafe in nature with a probability level of 11–21% being toxic. Statistical correlation suggests that carbonates vs Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Cd (r2 = 0.51–0.98) were the main controlling factor for the metal behavior in sediments. Overall results reveals that the toxic elements were derived locally accompanied by anthropogenic influences enriching the geochemical elements affecting the beach quality in the Santa Elena coast region and for future coastal management programs.