Marine environments are increasingly affected by anthropogenic pollution, including the release of toxic heavy metals that accumulate in sediments and pose significant risks to marine ecosystems. This study compares heavy metal concentrations in coastal sediments from the Mediterranean Sea (Lebanon) and the Red Sea (Jordan), revealing distinct geographical and environmental patterns. Sediment samples were collected along the Lebanese coastline and the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. Ten heavy metals were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) revealed Aluminum and Chromium as key elements driving sediment classification, likely associated with industrial and port-related activities. The Gulf of Aqaba showed higher manganese levels, indicating local sources like port operations, while the Lebanese coast had higher aluminum concentrations, especially at Jounieh and Akkar. Both coasts had low cadmium and zinc levels, suggesting moderate urban runoff. Chromium contamination was higher in the Gulf of Aqaba, particularly at Visitors Center and Tala Bay, likely from shipping and ports. Lead levels were low at both coasts, with minor contamination linked to legacy leaded gasoline and port activities. Arsenic and copper enrichment in sediments at both coasts pointed to agricultural runoff and port operations. Contamination factor analysis supports the outcomes of PCA and HCA by confirming the high contamination at Lebanese sites, while the Gulf of Aqaba had low levels, possibly due to less industrialization and better water dispersion. These findings highlight the Mediterranean's greater environmental vulnerability compared to the Gulf of Aqaba and the need for tailored monitoring and management strategies for each region.Click Here
Marine environments are increasingly affected by anthropogenic pollution, including the release of toxic heavy metals that accumulate in sediments and pose significant risks to marine ecosystems. This study compares heavy metal concentrations in coastal sediments from the Mediterranean Sea (Lebanon) and the Red Sea (Jordan), revealing distinct geographical and environmental patterns. Sediment samples were collected along the Lebanese coastline and the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba. Ten heavy metals were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) revealed Aluminum and Chromium as key elements driving sediment classification, likely associated with industrial and port-related activities. The Gulf of Aqaba showed higher manganese levels, indicating local sources like port operations, while the Lebanese coast had higher aluminum concentrations, especially at Jounieh and Akkar. Both coasts had low cadmium and zinc levels, suggesting moderate urban runoff. Chromium contamination was higher in the Gulf of Aqaba, particularly at Visitors Center and Tala Bay, likely from shipping and ports. Lead levels were low at both coasts, with minor contamination linked to legacy leaded gasoline and port activities. Arsenic and copper enrichment in sediments at both coasts pointed to agricultural runoff and port operations. Contamination factor analysis supports the outcomes of PCA and HCA by confirming the high contamination at Lebanese sites, while the Gulf of Aqaba had low levels, possibly due to less industrialization and better water dispersion. These findings highlight the Mediterranean's greater environmental vulnerability compared to the Gulf of Aqaba and the need for tailored monitoring and management strategies for each region.
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