Geochemical and sedimentology of core sediments and the influence of human activities: Qusier, Safaga and Hurghada Harbors, Red Sea Coast, Egypt | الرسوبيات و الجيوكيمياء لعينات اسطوانية وتأثير الانشطة الادمية: موانى الغردقة، سفاجا ووالقصير ، البحر الاحمر ، مصر

This journal is published by the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Alexandria, Egypt

The grain size distribution and arameters, major and trace elements, carbonate, total phosphorus, organic carbon and total organic matter has been assessed for core sediments collected in the intertidal area of Qusier, Safaga and Hurghada harbors in July 2002. Mud is the dominant fraction in almost all samples of Qusier core and some samples of Safaga and Hurghada cores. The reason for the high mud content of all Qusier core samples and some samples of Safaga and Hurghada cores is due to the terrigenous flux of wadies, phosphate deposits, landfill and dredging in these areas. Metals concentrations in the core sediments vary between sites within a wide range for Cu, Zn, Pb, V, Ni and Cd. Concentration of metals in the sediments at the top of cores is the highest. The highest concentration of P, V in Quseir, Pb, Zn in Safaga, Cd, Co,Ni in Hurghada may be attributed to anthropogenic inputs from the urrounding areas and harbors. Contamination with fine-grained terrigenous material and organic matter are recorded in Quseir and Safaga core samples. The increase in observed contaminants in these areas is probably due to phosphate deposits, sewage sludge discharge to the sea and lead in gasoline of motor boats. Concentrations of trace metals and physical properties measured in core samples will help in identifying anthropogenic impacts and better assessment the needs for remedial measures by detecting any changes, from the existing level expected with future operation activities.

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