Distribution and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Core Sediments of Burullus Lake, Egypt

A. El-Amier, Yasser; A. El-Alfy, Muhammad; H. Darwish, Dina; I. Basiony, Afifi; I. Mohamedien, Lamiaa; M. El-Moselhy, Khalid

doi:10.21608/ejabf.2021.156793

Distribution and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Core Sediments of Burullus Lake, Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

10.21608/ejabf.2021.156793

Abstract

Burullus Lake is one of the most important coastal deltaic lakes in Egypt. Therefore, this study is focused on the distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals in the lake's core sediments. Seven core sediment samples were taken from seven sites in Burullus Lake. The heavy metals (Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb, Co, and Cd) content in each core sediment sample were analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The mean values of heavy metals in core sediment samples ranged between (4.55 - 7.47), (33.21 - 90.08), (27.42 - 96.40), (81.56 - 389.47), (46.71 - 123.98), (33.48 - 77.08), and (1020.89 - 1326.86) for Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, and Mn, respectively. Different sediment indices were calculated to obtain the sediment quality measures and obtain its ecological risk. The mean values of heavy metals followed the decreasing pattern; Mn > Zn > Ni > Cu > Pb > Co > Cd. For enrichment elimination, Mn was used as a reference metal. Enrichment of metals in core samples indicated that Cd was the most abundant, while Cu showed the slightest appearance. The total risk index value was categorized as very high (RI > 380) that may pose risk to aquatic life. Comparison of metal concentrations with sediment quality guidelines is considered. The mean effect range median quotient (mERMq) showed a 21% probability of being toxic at East Burullus surface sediments and a 49% probability of being toxic at other sites. The mean possible effect concentration quotient (mPEC-Q) of metal ions in the sediments of the lake increase with the increasing of depth may be attributed to the accumulation within time. The high percentage of samples increases the sediment quality guidelines SQGs this may cause a hazard to the aquatic organisms in the lake.

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