Assessment of heavy metal distribution, contamination, and ecological risk in mangrove sediments of the Nabq Protectorate, Gulf of Aqaba

Younis Et Al., Alaa M.

doi:10.21608/ejabf.2023.324590

Assessment of heavy metal distribution, contamination, and ecological risk in mangrove sediments of the Nabq Protectorate, Gulf of Aqaba

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Alaa M. Younis et al.

10.21608/ejabf.2023.324590

Abstract

This study investigates the distribution and characteristics of heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Mn) in the mangrove sediments of the Nabq Protectorate in the Gulf of Aqaba. The concentrations of these metals were analyzed at various sampling sites, and their values were compared to reference standards to assess the level of contamination. The results indicate that the studied sites are generally uncontaminated when compared to crustal averages and upper-crust values. Iron (Fe) exhibited the highest concentration, followed by Mn, Pb, Zinc, Cu, and Cd. The sediments in the research area were found to have relatively low concentrations of heavy metals, except for Cd, at one specific location, suggesting ongoing pollution from human activities. Strong positive correlations were observed between Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe, while Pb showed a weak positive correlation. Cd had a negative correlation with the other metals, indicating a distinct source. The results of the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) suggest mild pollution intensity and low ecological risk in most of the study area. However, continuous monitoring is recommended to ensure the preservation of the ecosystem. The average percentage contributions to potential acute toxicity revealed that Cd had the highest contribution, followed by Pb, Zn, and Cu. Overall, the study concludes that the ecological risk posed by heavy metals in the research area is relatively low based on the ∑TU criterion.

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