We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessment of Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals and Their Ecological Risk in Sea Lettuce (Ulva spp.) along the Coast Alexandria, Egypt: Implications for Sustainable Management
Summary
Researchers investigated heavy metal contamination in sea lettuce (Ulva species) and surrounding sediments and waters at seven eutrophicated locations along the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria, Egypt. The study found moderate to high contamination levels for most elements, with the El-Tabia and Abu Qir locations showing the highest concentrations due to proximity to industrial drains and harbors. Bioaccumulation analysis revealed that the studied seaweed species are effective accumulators of heavy metals, which has implications for both ecological monitoring and sustainable coastal management.
The pollution of aquatic ecosystems is an issue facing many countries all over the world and may result in issues such as eutrophication in coastal zones. Managing this eutrophication is a real challenge. The current study focuses on the investigation and identification of aquatic environmental characteristics, including the sediments, waters, and seaweed, of seven eutrophicated locations along the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria (Egypt). Different ecological risk assessment and bioaccumulation factors were calculated in order to identify the probable pollution source and the degree of the problem, in addition to the accumulation of heavy metals in the seaweed. The characteristics of the seaweed, sediments, and waters were chemically analyzed and heavy metals were measured. The genetically and biochemically identified seaweed species were Ulva compressa, Ulva fasciata, Ulva lactuca and Ulva linzea. The sediments of the El-Tabia location contained the highest concentrations of Cd, Co, Ni, and Pb, because this location receives these elements from the El-Amia drain. The Abu Qir location was found to contain the highest concentrations of the same heavy metals in the studied water samples because it was located much closer to the Abu Qir harbor. Ecological risk assessment indices indicated moderate to high contamination for most of the studied elements and locations. The results of the bioaccumulation factor analysis indicated that the studied seaweed species are accumulators of trace elements. These seaweed species should be further investigated concerning ecotoxicology if they are to be used in the human diet and for other benefits. This study opens many windows of research to be investigated in the future regarding the sustainable management of polluted coastal zones.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Evaluation of Urbanization Influences on Beach Sediment Contamination with Heavy Metals Along the Littoral Zone of Alexandria City, Egypt
Researchers assessed heavy metal contamination in beach sediments along Alexandria City, Egypt, finding concentrations of cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, lead, and zinc that were 2 to 26 times above natural background levels. The study identified urbanization, tourism, harbors, and industrial activities as primary anthropogenic sources, with zinc levels high enough to pose adverse risks to marine life.
Edibility of cultivated green seaweed Ulva intestinalis from Monkhali Beach, Cox’s Bazar coast of Bangladesh: bio-toxicity and heavy metal contents
Researchers tested whether a green seaweed (Ulva intestinalis) farmed in Bangladesh was safe to eat by exposing several test organisms to its extracts and measuring its heavy metal content, finding no significant toxicity and heavy metal levels well below dangerous thresholds. The results suggest this seaweed could be a viable functional food or health supplement for consumers in Bangladesh.
Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals by Suaeda salsa in the Tidal Flat of the Liaohe Estuary
This study measured how a salt marsh plant species accumulates heavy metals in the Liaohe Estuary, finding it can extract metals from contaminated tidal flat soils, making it useful for ecological restoration of polluted coastal areas.
Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Pollution Indices in Avicennia marina of Nabq Mangrove Forest, the Red Sea, Egypt
Not relevant to microplastics — this study assesses heavy metal concentrations (including copper, zinc, and lead) in the tissues of mangrove trees in an Egyptian Red Sea nature reserve to evaluate contamination from urbanization and industry.
Assessment of heavy metal distribution, contamination, and ecological risk in mangrove sediments of the Nabq Protectorate, Gulf of Aqaba
This study analyzed the distribution of six heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Mn) in mangrove sediments at Nabq Protectorate in the Gulf of Aqaba, finding that concentrations were generally below contamination thresholds compared to crustal averages. Iron showed the highest concentrations, while the area was assessed as largely uncontaminated relative to reference standards.