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Baseline evaluation of sediment contamination in the shallow coastal areas of Saudi Arabian Red Sea
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Researchers conducted a broad contamination survey of coastal sediments along the Saudi Arabian Red Sea, measuring levels of PAHs, heavy metals, and plastics. The study found detectable contamination across all sites, providing important baseline data for a region where such environmental monitoring has been limited.
Despite the growing recognition of the importance of water and sediment quality there is still limited information on contamination levels in many regions globally including the Red Sea. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of three classes of contaminants (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - PAH; metals; plastics) in coastal sediments along the Saudi Arabian Red Sea mainly collected using grabs. Background concentrations are provided for metals in the region. Concentrations of metals and PAH were generally low in comparison to international guidelines. A clear relationship between the concentration of metals and anthropogenic sources was not always apparent and dust and vegetation may be relevant players in the region. Microplastic items (mainly polyethylene) were abundant (reaching up to 1gm and 160piecesm) and in general associated with areas of high human activity. This study provides critical information for future monitoring and the development of national policies within the Red Sea region.
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Microplastics in sediments and fish from the Red Sea coast at Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
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Microplastics were found in nearshore sediments at all sampled stations along the Jeddah coast of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea, and in about half of 140 sampled fish. The findings demonstrate that even the Red Sea — an important but less-studied ocean region — is experiencing widespread microplastic contamination.
Microplastic Analysis of the Marine Environment in Ras Tanura
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Researchers analyzed microplastics in the marine environment at Ras Tanura, a major industrial port in Saudi Arabia, characterizing particle types, polymer composition, and distribution patterns. Contamination was found across sediment and water samples, reflecting both local industrial and shipping sources.
Microplastic Contaminants in the Sediment of the East Coast of Saudi Arabia
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Researchers conducted the first measurement of microplastic contamination in sediments along four beaches on Saudi Arabia's east coast, finding 586 microplastic particles with fibers being the dominant shape (96%) and polyethylene terephthalate the most common polymer type, with abundance varying between tidal zones.
Microplastics in Saudi Arabia: Environmental occurrence, research gaps, and challenges in extreme conditions
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This review surveyed microplastic research in Saudi Arabia and found contamination across seawater, sediments, dust, food, and beverages, with polyethylene being the most commonly detected polymer. Evidence suggests that plastics have been accumulating in coastal sediments since the 1930s, and human exposure through household dust and food consumption is an emerging health concern, particularly for young children.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in contaminated coastal marine waters of the Saudi Arabian Red Sea: a baseline study
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Researchers documented PFAS 'forever chemical' contamination in Saudi Arabian Red Sea coastal waters for the first time, finding the highest levels near lagoons that receive treated sewage and likely aqueous firefighting foam runoff. The contamination poses potential risks to marine ecosystems and human health through consumption of local seafood.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.