Journal: |
Marine Pollution Bulletin
elsevier
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Volume: |
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Abstract: |
The Gulf of Suez faces challenges related to contamination, primarily due to industrial, tourism, and shipping
activities along its shores. This study aims to record the distribution, concentration, and potential environmental
and health risk impacts of heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) in 30 surface sediment samples collected from Ras Sidr
coastline, Gulf of Suez. Various contamination and health indices were employed for this study. The average
concentrations of HMs (
μ
g/g) were ranked as follows: Fe (3472), Mn (103.3), V (10.41), As (7.94), Cr (6.00), Zn
(5.31), Ni (2.94). The spatial distribution of HMs indicated an increase in Mn, Zn, As, and V levels toward the
southern part of the study area, potentially linked to the proximity of manganese quarries and their metal as
sociation at Abu Zenima. Contamination indices revealed moderately severe enrichment with As, minor
enrichment with Mn, and no enrichment for the remaining HMs. Multivariate analysis suggested a natural origin
for Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, and V, while As were likely anthropogenic. Values of hazard index (HI) for HMs in both
adults and children followed the descending order of As > Fe > Cr > V > Mn > Ni > Zn. However, all HI values
were below 1.0, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic risk for individuals along the Ras Sidr coastline. 19
samples exhibited lifetime cancer risk (LCR) values exceeding 1 × 10
4
for As in children, suggesting potential
carcinogenic risks. LCR values for As in adults and Cr in adults and children ranged from 1 × 10
5
× 10
6
to less than 1
, indicating acceptable or tolerable levels of carcinogenic risk and no significant threats to health.
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