Mediterranean Coast Of Egypt Research Articles

Ecotoxicity of bromate and human health risks resulting from wastewater treatment units' effluents associated with some key physicochemical parameters in two hotspots connected to the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea

This study is the first of its kind in terms of focusing on the seasonal monitoring of bromine species (bromide− and bromate) and some of the main physicochemical parameters in the surface water of stations inside and in front of the El Noubareya and El-Umum drains that flow directly or indirectly to the Egyptian Mediterranean coast at A (El Noubareya Drain) and B (El-Mex Bay) sites. Among the bromine species, bromate (BrO3−) is a disinfection byproduct considered by many international agencies to have a potential carcinogenic effect in humans and is also known to be ecologically toxic to aquatic organisms. Drain water samples collected from the studied sites A and B had a bromide/chlorinity ratio (3.85E-03 - 6.25E-03 and 3.27E-03 - 6.97E-03, respectively) significantly higher than the typical value for open seawater (3.50E-03), showing significant dilution with wastewater at drain stations in the investigated sites. The source and origin of bromine species and the major ions studied associated with the wastewater units were identified and tracked by calculating the ion/chlorinity ratio and multivariate analysis. The total hazard quotient (THQ) for bromate intake and dermal exposure in children, females, and males demonstrates negligible harm to human health. The toxic unit (TU) and the sum of toxic units (STU) values of the three trophic levels in the surface water for the two sites under investigation yielded approximately comparable values for risk quotient (RQ) and mixture risk characterization ratios (RCRmix(MEC/PNEC)), indicating that invertebrates are more sensitive to bromate dangers than fish and algae. The study highlights the importance of conducting large-scale laboratory tests on the effluents resulting from wastewater treatment units, including bromide levels, to prevent the formation of dangerous side compounds such as bromate, which may have negative effects on populations and may lead to the toxicity of trophic levels in ecosystems.

Morphological and molecular characterization of the green algae Ulva in the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt

The green algal genus Ulva Linnaeus is a model organism for studying morphogenesis, development, and life cycles. Ulva is referred to as cryptic species; with limited external diagnostic features, yet genetically different. There have been limited molecular data available for seaweeds in the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt. This work aimed to delineate Ulva spp. by combining morphological examination and molecular-species-delimitation approaches including Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP, based on distance) and generalized mixed Yule-coalescent (GMYC, based on coalescence) using three genes; ITS, tufA, and rbcL. Species delimitation approaches have identified different partitions based on each gene, either by assigning similar species into a single partition using ASAP or by over splitting/lumping species using GMYC. Sequence-based identity comparisons of the investigated specimens with Ulva sequences available at NCBI revealed similarities with six Ulva species based on ITS, four species using tufA, and five species using rbcL. Additionally, five samples remained unidentified at the species level, suggesting a potential new species, which requires further comprehensive analysis. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the investigated species were placed at varying distances from different Ulva type specimens, as well as similar and dissimilar reference sequences. This variance can be attributed primarily to the absence of adequate type specimen sequences and/or the presence of misidentified entries within the NCBI database. Nucleotide diversity parameters revealed the highest sequence diversity of tufA, compared to ITS and rbcL. Combining morphological-and genetic analyses in Ulva spp. delimitation revealed the presence of U. fasciata, U. flexuosa,U. intestinalis, U. lactuca, U. linza, U. rigida, and Ulva sp. The current study enhances our comprehension of Ulva species diversity and underscores the significance of integrating molecular and morphological approaches for species delineation. This integration plays a pivotal role in addressing species complexes and precisely defining species boundaries.

Long-term monitoring of water quality and phytoplankton community structure of Lake Manzala, Mediterranean Coast of Egypt

Coastal wetlands play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, providing valuable ecosystem services, and contributing to the resilience of coastal ecosystems, making the preservation and restoration of these wetlands essential for sustainable development in coastal regions. This study focuses on Lake Manzala, a coastal wetland located on the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt, highlighting the significance of conserving and managing this unique environment. The objective of this research was to evaluate the water quality and phytoplankton structure of Lake Manzala and establish an updated long-term ecological database for the region, specifically evaluating the effectiveness of development plans that were carried out in 2017. Surface water samples were collected seasonally at eleven sites between 2010 to 2022. The findings revealed that prior to the development plans, the phytoplankton abundance in Lake Manzala exhibited high levels of eutrophication, characterized by increased abundance and species richness. The dominant phytoplankton classes in Lake Manzala were Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, and Cyanophyceae. Prior to development plans, they accounted for 46.5% and 45.0% respectively. Post-development, Bacillariophyceae increased to 62.8%, while Chlorophyceae decreased to 25.1%. Dinophyceae increased from 1.3% to 9.04%, while Cyanophyceae decreased from 6.1% to 1.6%. Based on the Trophic State Index for chlorophyll a, Lake Manzala underwent a shift from predominantly hypertrophic to eutrophic conditions. The study explored the relationship between biological factors and environmental conditions using principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and the modified water quality index (WQI). The results indicated positive signs of improvement in Lake Manzala during the post-development phase, as it transitioned from a poor to a moderate state. This research emphasizes the need for integrated land and water management approaches. By informing policy direction and development, this research underscores the importance of preserving and restoring ecosystems for the long-term well-being of both local communities and the global environment.

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

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.

Precious and Base Metal Minerals in Black Sands of the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast: Mineralogical and Geochemical Attributes

This paper investigates the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics, as well as the possible sources, of gold, silver, platinum group elements (PGE), copper, and lead found in the beach sands along Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. Using scanning electron microscopy and electron probe micro-analysis, this study determines the morphology and micro-chemistry of separated grains to assess their economic potential and how various minerals respond to different transport distances. The analysis reveals that gold grains are of high purity (94.11 to 98.55 wt.%; average 96 wt.% Au) and are alloyed with Ag (1.28–2.32 wt.%) and Cu (0.16–3.15 wt.%). Two types of gold grains were identified, indicating differences in transport distances. Variations in morphology, surface features, inclusion types, rims, and chemistry of the native metals, including gold grains, suggest differences in composition, weathering degree, transport distance, deposit types, and host rocks. The average Ag concentration in gold grains (1.86 wt.%) suggests a link to mesothermal or supergene deposits. Most silver, copper, and lead grains are spherical, with some variations in shape. Silver grains have 71.66–95.34 wt.% Ag (avg. 82.67 wt.%). Copper grains have 92.54–98.42 wt.% Cu (avg. 94.22 wt.%). Lead grains contain 74.22–84.45 wt.% Pb (avg. 79.26 wt.%). The identified platinum group minerals (PGM) belong to the Pt–Fe alloys and sperrylite, both of which are PPGE-bearing minerals. These metals likely originate from the weathering of upstream Nile tributaries surrounded by igneous and metamorphic rocks from Ethiopian and Central African regions, with a minor contribution from the Egyptian Eastern Desert Mountains.

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) distribution, origins, and risk evaluation in the Egyptian Mediterranean coast sediments.

A study was conducted on 31 surface sediments located in different sectors of the Egyptian Mediterranean coast. The sediments were analyzed for their pollution levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The sediments were collected from various depths in harbors, coastal lakes, bays, and lagoons, covering the southeastern Mediterranean of the Nile Delta region. The study aimed at determining the distribution, origin, and potential ecological impact of OCP and PCB pollutants. The researchers used the SRM method of GC-MS/MS to measure the concentration of 18 PCBs and 16 OCPs residues. The study found that the total concentration of OCPs in the samples ranged from 3.091 to 20.512 ng/g, with a mean of 8.749 ±3.677 ng/g. The total concentration of PCB residues ranged from 2.926 to 20.77 ng/g, with a mean of 5.68 ±3.282 ng/g. The concentration of DDTs exceeded the effect range low (ERL) (1.00) and threshold effect level (TEL) (1.19) in several stations, but it was still below the effect range median (ERM) (7.00) and the probable effect level (PEL) (4.77). This indicates a low ecological risk. The principal component analysis (PCA) was also conducted to determine the sources of all pollutants in the sediment. The PCA showed significant correlations between the concentrations of Gama-HCH and Beta-HCH (0.741), suggesting similar sources. PRACTITIONER POINTS: OCPs and PCBs residues were analyzed in the sediment of the southeastern Mediterranean. The concentration, existence, and causes of OCPs and PCBs were investigated. OCPs and PCBs ecological risk and ecotoxicological calculation were investigated in detail. Cluster analysis, PCA, and correlation coefficient were also investigated.

Habitat Range of Four Atriplex Species Growing in the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt

Habitat Range of Four Atriplex Species Growing in the Mediterranean Coast of Egypt

Monitoring the Health State of Some Species from the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast North of Alexandria Caught by Trawling Net

Monitoring the Health State of Some Species from the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast North of Alexandria Caught by Trawling Net

A comprehensive study on changes in coastal hydrodynamics associated with cyclonic activity

A Mediterranean cyclone is a weather phenomenon capable of producing extremely severe conditions, including heavy rainfall and strong winds. Between March 24 and 26, 2023, a cyclone passed along the western Egyptian Mediterranean coast, spanning three days. This paper aims to investigate the cyclone's impact on wave characteristics, focusing particularly on simulating changes in the energy transported from wind to waves during its passage, which constitutes the core objective of this study. The research methodology involved collecting meteorological and hydrodynamic data over five days from March 23 to 27, 2023, utilizing databases of the Bologna Limited Area Model (BOLAM) and the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO). This data, combined with field data for model calibration and validation, was analyzed using the Simulating the WAves Nearshore (SWAN) model packaged within the Delft 3D hydrodynamical model, integrated with other data manipulation tools. (SWAN) demonstrated the ability to simulate energy transport during extreme weather events along the coastal area with high resolution, up to 500 m. The results indicate a significant increase in significant wave height, reaching up to 2.5 m, and disturbances in wind direction, with velocities exceeding 10 m per second. These conditions pose risks to the infrastructure in some cities along the study area and have severe impacts on coastal communities. A notable finding from the simulations is the excess energy transport, which reached up to 12,000 watts per meter over the sea surface during the cyclone. Furthermore, calibration and validation results affirm the (SWAN) model's capability to accurately study wave characteristics.

Simulation of the future warming over the Egyptian Mediterranean coast

Simulation of the future warming over the Egyptian Mediterranean coast

Exploring Best Practices in Machine Learning Approaches for near-shore bathymetry modeling: Insights from the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast

Exploring Best Practices in Machine Learning Approaches for near-shore bathymetry modeling: Insights from the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast

A comparative study of surfactant distribution and fate (western and eastern) Egyptian Mediterranean coasts focusing on its environmental toxicity

One of the most difficult-to-manage new contaminants constantly released into the environment is linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS), an anionic surfactant. Significant volumes of LAS are received by the Mediterranean coast of Egypt. The current study is a comprehensive assessment of the environmental fate of the LAS 1505 km off the Mediterranean coast of Egypt in the fall of 2023 in order to track its geographic spread and eventual demise in the water column. Critical analysis of LAS revealed that it is vertically distributed in various ways according to sources, uses, production amounts, and salinity levels. The vertical variation of LAS can be explained by its amphiphilic structure. A significant increase in surfactant concentration (>300 μg/L) was recorded in 66% and 43% of the total samples, ranging from 301.128 to 455.36 and from 304.556 to 486.135 for the western and eastern sides along the Egyptian Mediterranean coast, respectively. Evaluation of the average acute and chronic risk quotient (RQ) along the investigated locations revealed that fish were the most susceptible to LAS in both long and short exposure periods. The presented results also indicated significant LAS toxicity to three trophic levels (RQ values > 1). LAS toxicity to marine organisms was greater in the western than in eastern coastal regions according to acute and chronic mixture risk characterization ratios (RCRmix). The three trophic levels in the study area had the following order of acute relative contribution (RC) to LAS toxicity: fish > invertebrates > algae. The ANOVA test results showed that in both the western and eastern regions, LAS varied significantly (p < 0.05) with salinity (1.04E-60 and 5.44E-42) and depth (6.02E-65 and 1.59E-47), respectively. In addition, a significant difference was observed using the ANOVA test between the eastern and western regions of the Egyptian Mediterranean coast.

Impact of land development along the western Mediterranean coast of Egypt regarding surfactant sources, interfering elements and ecotoxicity

The effect of recent land development of the western side of the Egyptian Mediterranean coast on the fates, behaviors, interactions, and ecotoxicology of surfactant (LAS), F, Br, B, Ca, Mg, and P was studied. Samples of seawater and sediments were collected from 15 stations at different depths representing, 5 perpendicular sectors. Elevated levels of LAS were identified in seawater columns in the El-Hamam (467.3 ± 220.8 μg/L) and El-Dabaa (480.0 ± 314.1 μg/L) stations. LAS homologue in sediment was in the range of 0.013–0.024, 0.042–0.184, 0.086–0.402, and 0.025–0.058 μg/g for C10, C11, C12, and C13, respectively. Studied parameters showed mixture risk characterization ratios RCRmix > 1 for algae, invertebrates, and fish in seawater and sediments, except for P, which showed low risk (RCRmix ≤ 1) in sediment. Acute relative contribution (RC) of LAS reflected that fish were the most sensitive species (RCFish = 48.5), followed by algae (RCAlgae = 44.4) and invertebrates (RCInvert = 7.1).

Ecological risk assessment of metal pollution in the surface sediments of delta region, Egypt

The surface sediments from eleven sectors perpendicular to the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea coast, along the delta region, have been assessed. These sectors cover areas of Eastern Harbour, Abu Qir Bay, Rosetta, Abo Khashaba, Burullus, Baltim, Damietta, and Manzala. The assessment process is based on determining the eight metals’ (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, Co, Pb, and Cd) content, followed by applying different pollution and ecological risk indices such as enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation factor (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), Pollution Load Index (PLI), degree of contamination (Cdeg.), Nemerow Integrated Pollution Index (NIPI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI). The results indicate the average concentrations of metals (μg/g) were Fe (18,000), Mn (213), Zn (120), Ni (26), Co (13), Cu (12), Pb (10), and Cd (2). The single-pollution indices reveal that most metals were depleted to metal levels, the sediments were moderately polluted with Cd and unpolluted with other metals, and the CF values confirmed that the sediments were highly polluted with Cd and low contaminated with the rest of the metals. According to the integrated pollution indices, the Eastern Harbour, Damietta, Manzalah, and Bardawil (eastern Inlet) are the most polluted sectors relative to the rest, subjected to various point sources of pollution. Drainage management system is recommended to enhance water conservation and improve fish stocks.

Multi-decadal coastal change detection using remote sensing: the Mediterranean coast of Egypt between El-Dabaa and Ras El-Hekma

A key source of information for many decision support systems is identifying land use and land cover (LULC) based on remote sensing data. Land conservation, sustainable development, and water resource management all benefit from the knowledge obtained from detecting changes in land use and land cover. The present study aims to investigate the multi-decadal coastal change detection for Ras El-Hekma and El-Dabaa area along the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, a multi-sectoral development area. Besides, the superiority of the area is highly dependent on its proximity to three development projects: the tourism and urban growth pole at Ras El-Hekma, the beachfront Alamain New Mega City, and the Nuclear Power Plant at El Dabaa. This study utilized multi-spectral Landsat satellite images covering 1990, 2010, and 2020 to perceive the post-classification change detection analysis of the land use and land cover changes (LULCC) over 30 years. The results of the supervised classification from 1990 to 2020 showed a 47.33 km2 (4.13%) expansion of the agricultural land area, whereas the bare soil land area shrunk to 73.13 km2 (6.24%). On the other hand, the built-up activities in the area launched in 2010 and escalated to 20.51 km2(1.77%) in 2020. The change in land use reveals the shift in the economic growth pattern in the last decade toward tourism and urban development. Meanwhile, it indicates that no conflict has yet arisen regarding the land use between the expanded socioeconomic main sectors (i.e., agriculture, and tourism). Therefore, the best practices of land use management and active participation of the stakeholders and the local community should be enhanced to achieve sustainability and avoid future conflicts. An area-specific plan including resource conservation measures and the provision of livelihood alternatives should be formulated within the National Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) plan with the participation of the main stakeholders and beneficiaries. The findings of the present work may be considered useful for sustainable management and supportive to the decision-making process for the sustainable development of this area.

Ecological Assessment Of Drainage Water Input On The Water Quality Of A Coastal Estuary, Mediterranean Coast Of Egypt

Ecological Assessment Of Drainage Water Input On The Water Quality Of A Coastal Estuary, Mediterranean Coast Of Egypt

Phylogeny and ultrastructure of Elthusa raynaudii (Isopoda, Cymothoidae) firstly recorded from the invasive silver cheeked toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) (Gmelin 1789) in eastern Mediterranean Sea coast

With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, many changes have occurred in the Mediterranean Sea ecosystem so became a home to many invasive Lessepsian marine species that have migrated from the Red Sea. About 500 marine species including pufferfish have immigrated and rapidly established a population in the Mediterranean Sea causing significant impact on its ecosystem and fisheries sector. The parasitic fauna of these pufferfish has scarcely been studied in the Mediterranean Sea and also in their native habitat. During this surveillance study on the invasive pufferfish species from the Egyptian Mediterranean coast, the female cymothoid isopod Elthusa raynaudii was detected from the branchial cavity and also in the buccal cavity of 23.9% of the examined Lagocephalus sceleratus. The isolated isopod species was firstly identified and described through electron microscopy and molecular phylogeny based on the sequences of mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. Additionally, the description of eggs, embryonic stage, and manca of E. raynaudii was firstly provided. The pathological impact on the infested fish tissues was investigated and revealed curling and loss of secondary gill lamellae in addition to mucous exudates in between the gill filaments and granuloma formation in the gill arch. The study provided the first report of L. sceleratus as a new host for the isopod E. raynaudii collected from the Egyptian Mediterranean coast as a new locality record. The role of the Lessepsian invasive pufferfish in transmitting parasites to the native fish species was discussed.Graphical

Using ISSR markers to detect genetic variation for marine turtles populations in Egypt loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green turtles (Chelonia mydas)

In Egypt, along the Mediterranean coast, the loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and green (Chelonia mydas) come during nesting season to lay their eggs or for food with a rare occurrence for the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). In the Egyptian Red Sea there are five species that come to visit, the most common to observe are hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and green (Chelonia mydas). The goal of this study is to conduct some genetic and ecological analyses a) to generate new markers that include other segments of marine turtles’ genome, as a tool to investigate new areas of variation/polymorphism between, among, and within populations and individuals; b) determine genetic diversity between and within the Mediterranean and the Red Sea populations using (individuals from the same and different habitats using ISSR); and c) determine allele frequency. At the ecological level, this study aims to assess sea turtles' habitat and population distribution among different habitats in Egypt. Throughout the duration of this study, it was noted that there was a decrease in nesting areas attributable to the loss and fragmentation of habitats. Although there are some areas with no significant nesting prosperities it considered significant areas for foraging and highly important as migratory corridors, especially in the Mediterranean. The massive urbanization and unplanned touristic developments affect sea turtle habitat over the Egyptian Mediterranean coast. The Mediterranean coast showed demographic changes in the coastal regions. On the other hand, areas could still be valued with significant nesting areas for sea turtles, but an intense and regular monitoring programme should be established. The Red Sea needs a regular monitoring programme for better management conservation measures to be adopted. The polymorphism percentage resulting from ISSR marker was 45 and 36 for both loggerhead and green turtle populations in the Mediterranean, respectively; and 69 for the green turtle populations in the Red Sea.

Statistical downscaling of global climate projections along the Egyptian Mediterranean coast

Statistical downscaling of global climate projections along the Egyptian Mediterranean coast

DNA Barcoding and Phylogenetic Study as a Modern Taxonomical Tool for Identifying Commercial Catch along the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast, Alexandria

DNA Barcoding and Phylogenetic Study as a Modern Taxonomical Tool for Identifying Commercial Catch along the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast, Alexandria