Evaluation of heavy metals along the mediterranean coastal waters of the Nile delta region, Egypt
2006
Okbah, M.A. (National Inst. of Oceanography and Fisheries, Alexandria (Egypt)) | Fahmy, M.A. (National Inst. of Oceanography and Fisheries, Alexandria (Egypt))
This work focuses on four marine sites in the Mediterranean Sea around the Nile Delta, Egypt. Surface water samples were collected seasonally during 2003. The concentrations of some heavy metals in dissolved form (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb) are evaluated. The levels of heavy metals in the coastal waters were 11.92-30.45mugl-1 for Fe; 5.79-17.36 mugl-1 for Zn; 0.30-0.83 mugl-1 for Cu; 0.51-2.90mugl-1 for Ni and 0.53-10.31mugl- 1 for Pb. These are compared, with sites in the estuaries and outlets of the Nile Delta. Fe (19.72-60.33mugl-1); Mn (12.63-35.60mugl-1; Zn (2.67-22.00); Cu (0.56-1.67mugl-1); Ni (1.43-3.73mugl-1); Pb (1.72-59.7mugl-1). The results showed a remarkable decrease in the concentrations of different heavy metals with increased salinity. Comparing the present data with the minimal risk concentration reported by WQC, the distribution of heavy metals was significantly lower in coastal seawater of the Mediterranean Sea off Egypt. The study indicated also that the average contents of Ni and Pb are slightly high in the area of water exchange than those reported by WQC.
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