Spatial distribution and pollution assessment of heavy metals in surface and bottom water along the eastern part of the Egyptian Mediterranean coast

Abstract

Seawater contamination with heavy metals (HMs) as a result of anthropogenic activities is a global challenge due to its negative impacts on marine environments and coastal communities. This study investigates the distribution of HMs (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cd, Ni and Co) and assesses the quality of surface and bottom seawater. Samples were collected in winter 2020 and summer 2021 from eleven sectors along the eastern Egyptian Mediterranean Sea coast. The water quality was evaluated using Water Quality Index (WQI), Metal Index (MI), heavy metal pollution index (HMI) and Metal Pollution index (MPI). The results indicated that, Eastern Harbour, Abu-Qir and Port Said sectors were polluted with HMs. Based on Two-Way ANOVA test there was seasonal variation for dissolved HMs (Zn, Ni, Cd and Mn in bottom layer and Cu in surface layer), while, (Cd, Co, Cu, Zn and Mn (in bottom layer)) revealed spatial differences among sectors.

Keywords: Egypt; Heavy metals; Mediterranean Sea; Pollution indices; Seawater.