Metal pollution in surface sediments of Abu-Qir Bay and Eastern Harbour of Alexandria, Egypt

Concentrations of major constituents (Na, K, Ca, Mg, CO3-2, SiO3-2) and some metals (Fe, Al, Mn, Sn, Zn, V, Cu, Pb, As, Cd and Se) in surface sediments from Abu-Qir Bay and the Eastern Harbour of Alexandria were investigated. Assessment of pollution was performed using several pollution indices. The adverse effects on aquatic organisms were determined by classifying the sediments according to sediment quality guidelines. Enrichment factors (EFs) revealed anthropogenic sources for Sn and Cd in Abu-Qir Bay; while in the Eastern Harbour Sn and Cd possessed high EF values (>30). High contamination factor (CF) for Sn and Cu (>6) was obtained. Concentrations of Sn and Se in sediments of most studied sites can regularly and occasionally affect sediment-dwelling organisms. Low concentrations of Se strongly affect the variance in surface sediment composition in both studied areas. Pollution load index (PLI) indicated that most stations in both areas are polluted.