Evaluation of Pollution Status and Risk Assessment Along the Al-Shuaibah Coastline, the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia | ||
| Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries | ||
| Article 54, Volume 27, Issue 6, November and December 2023, Pages 923-945 PDF (1.43 M) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/ejabf.2023.332417 | ||
| Author | ||
| Alaa M. Younis et al. | ||
| Abstract | ||
| This study aimed to assess the pollution status and conduct a risk assessment on the Shuaibah coast of the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. The results indicated generally favorable water quality conditions characterized by acceptable pH levels for aquatic organisms and low turbidity values. However, slight reductions in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels and moderate organic pollution were observed. Metal concentrations in the water samples were generally low. The study encompassed an evaluation of the physicochemical parameters and metal concentrations in sediments. The analysis of the sediments indicated minimal pollution levels, characterized by low levels of organic matter and phosphorus. While. the metal concentrations in the sediments largely conformed to background levels, and slightly increased concentrations of specific metals were identified. These findings suggest the presence of localized contamination sources, notably including silver (0.7mg/ L in site 1 and 0.3mg/ L in site 2). Additionally, this study compared contamination factors, contributions of different elements, degrees of contamination, modified degrees of contamination, enrichment factors, pollution index, modified pollution index, potential ecological risk index (PERI), and Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) values in the study area. The results indicated varying contamination factors ranging from considerable contamination to very high contamination. Similarly, degrees of contamination varied between low and moderate levels. The PERI values indicated a low ecological risk associated with the presence of metals in both stations. The Igeo values suggested an unpolluted for the majority of investigated metals. Overall, this study provided valuable insights into the water quality and sediment characteristics of the study area, emphasizing the importance of continuous monitoring and effective management practices to ensure the preservation of aquatic ecosystems. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Aquatic environment; Seavy metals; Risk assessment; Sea water; Sediment; Metal pollution index; Red Sea | ||
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