Assessment and Review of Heavy Metals Pollution in Sediments of the Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

The impact of marine sediment pollution is crucial for the health of the seas, particularly in densely populated coastal areas worldwide. This study assesses the concentration and distribution of heavy metals in the marine sediments of the main regions of the Mediterranean Sea. The results underscore high concentrations of mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu), whereas chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), barium (Ba), and vanadium (V) exhibit moderate values. To assess the heavy metal results, sediment quality guidelines and pollution indices (Igeo and Geochemical Signal Type-GST) were employed, revealing a consistent trend of decreasing concentrations from the coastal zone to the open sea. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) emphasizes the significant roles of Cu, Zn, Ba, and Cr in sediment chemistry. The study suggests that the distribution patterns of heavy metals are linked to wastewater discharges in coastal areas, requiring effective management strategies to ensure the health of the Mediterranean Sea.

Trace Elements in Stenella coeruleoalba: Assessment of Marine Environmental Pollution and Dolphin Health Status

“…In the last decades [ 7 , 8 , 9 ], several eco-toxicological studies focused their attention on the pollution in the Mediterranean Sea and its effect on the marine species and the peculiar characteristics of this area. The Mediterranean Sea, in fact, is a basin with a high population density, maritime traffic and urbanization of the coastlines, particularly in the summer period, and for this reason it is highly exposed to the circulation of pollutants such as heavy metals [ 10 ].…”

Molecular response to multiple trace element contamination of the European sardine

“…The Mediterranean Sea suffers from high levels of pollution, making it one of the most polluted seas in the world (Gabrielides 1995; Danovaro 2003; Sharma et al, 2021; Robledo Ardila et al, 2024). The sea’s semi-enclosed nature contributes to the accumulation of pollutants, exacerbated by significant atmospheric inputs such as Saharan dust events, intense human activities (Bucchia et al, 2015; Pedrotti et al, 2016) and riverine outflows on the continental shelves (Durrieu de Madron et al, 2011).…”