Assessment of the Heavy Metals Pollution and Ecological Risk in Sediments of Mediterranean Sea Drain Estuaries in Egypt and Phytoremediation Potential of Two Emergent Plants
Abstract:Environmental pollution and its eco-toxicological impacts have become a large and interesting concern worldwide as a result of fast urbanization, population expansion, sewage discharge, and heavy industrial development. Nine heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu, Cr, and Co) were evaluated in 20 sediment samples from the estuaries of four major drains along the Mediterranean shoreline (Nile Delta coast) to determine the possible ecological effect of high heavy metal concentrations as well as roots and shoot… Show more
“…Generally, the investigated metals can be sorted in descending order as follows: Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Co > Cu > Pb > Cd. The results support previous studies that found that the metals were arranged in similar order and at similar concentrations (dry weight) in most studied locations (Abdel Ghani et al, 2013 ; El-Amier et al, 2021 ; El-Metwally et al, 2021 ; El-Sorogy et al, 2016 ; Redwan & Elhaddad, 2020 , 2022 ; N. F. Soliman et al, 2015 ). Fig.…”
The surface sediments from eleven sectors perpendicular to the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea coast, along the delta region, have been assessed. These sectors cover areas of Eastern Harbour, Abu Qir Bay, Rosetta, Abo Khashaba, Burullus, Baltim, Damietta, and Manzala. The assessment process is based on determining the eight metals’ (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, Co, Pb, and Cd) content, followed by applying different pollution and ecological risk indices such as enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation factor (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), Pollution Load Index (PLI), degree of contamination (Cdeg.), Nemerow Integrated Pollution Index (NIPI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI). The results indicate the average concentrations of metals (μg/g) were Fe (18,000), Mn (213), Zn (120), Ni (26), Co (13), Cu (12), Pb (10), and Cd (2). The single-pollution indices reveal that most metals were depleted to metal levels, the sediments were moderately polluted with Cd and unpolluted with other metals, and the CF values confirmed that the sediments were highly polluted with Cd and low contaminated with the rest of the metals. According to the integrated pollution indices, the Eastern Harbour, Damietta, Manzalah, and Bardawil (eastern Inlet) are the most polluted sectors relative to the rest, subjected to various point sources of pollution. Drainage management system is recommended to enhance water conservation and improve fish stocks.
“…Generally, the investigated metals can be sorted in descending order as follows: Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Co > Cu > Pb > Cd. The results support previous studies that found that the metals were arranged in similar order and at similar concentrations (dry weight) in most studied locations (Abdel Ghani et al, 2013 ; El-Amier et al, 2021 ; El-Metwally et al, 2021 ; El-Sorogy et al, 2016 ; Redwan & Elhaddad, 2020 , 2022 ; N. F. Soliman et al, 2015 ). Fig.…”
The surface sediments from eleven sectors perpendicular to the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea coast, along the delta region, have been assessed. These sectors cover areas of Eastern Harbour, Abu Qir Bay, Rosetta, Abo Khashaba, Burullus, Baltim, Damietta, and Manzala. The assessment process is based on determining the eight metals’ (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, Co, Pb, and Cd) content, followed by applying different pollution and ecological risk indices such as enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation factor (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), Pollution Load Index (PLI), degree of contamination (Cdeg.), Nemerow Integrated Pollution Index (NIPI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI). The results indicate the average concentrations of metals (μg/g) were Fe (18,000), Mn (213), Zn (120), Ni (26), Co (13), Cu (12), Pb (10), and Cd (2). The single-pollution indices reveal that most metals were depleted to metal levels, the sediments were moderately polluted with Cd and unpolluted with other metals, and the CF values confirmed that the sediments were highly polluted with Cd and low contaminated with the rest of the metals. According to the integrated pollution indices, the Eastern Harbour, Damietta, Manzalah, and Bardawil (eastern Inlet) are the most polluted sectors relative to the rest, subjected to various point sources of pollution. Drainage management system is recommended to enhance water conservation and improve fish stocks.
“…The use of indices based on metal concentrations to assess the potential risks for humans and environment is well documented [29][30][31][32][33]. However, their use in assessing the success of remediation trials is very poorly documented, with most of the studies limited to assessing the risks and identifying the phytoremediation potential of plant species [34][35][36][37][38][39].…”
This study aims to contribute to the characterization of Katangese Copperbelt's mining wastes and soils polluted with trace metals, using pollution indices and direct concentration measurements. The study also evaluated the use of these indices in assessing the success of remediation projects. Analytical data from previous studies and samples collected from six types of discharge and one polluted soil were used to address the first objective. Soil and plant samples were collected at Kipushi and Penga Penga for the second objective. The results revealed very high concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn in all mine tailings and polluted soils, compared with local references. The degree of contamination (DC) values (from 72 to 5440) and potential ecological risk (RI) values (from 549 to 162 091) indicate very high-risk situations associated with polluted discharges and soils. Regarding revegetation trials, the results show lower concentrations and RIs in tree rhizospheres compared with unamended areas at both sites. However, trace metal concentrations are higher in tree rhizospheres compared with local references, and RI values are in the considerable risk range for Penga Penga (RI = 533) and very high (>1500) for Kipushi. Bioconcentration factor values are below 1, indicating low accumulation in roots, wood, and leaves, and low risk of contamination of the trophic chain. In this context, it seems that the pollution indices used are unsuitable for assessing the effectiveness of phytotechnology processes based on metal stabilization. Direct plant performance measurements combined with direct measurements of metals in substrates and plants to assess transfer and efficiency are more appropriate.
“…Heavy metal accumulation in river sediments originating from industry and mining activities has been a serious issue in developing countries including Rwanda and especially due to the toxicity effects of the metals mentioned [1]. The river sediments tend to accumulate heavy metals and other organic pollutants and therefore the sediment quality serves to be a good indicator of water pollution [2].…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Heavy metals are natural constituents of rivers' sediments. Nevertheless, they become a problem when they go beyond the standards of being safe mostly due to their toxic effects on human beings, plants, and different animals [1]. The World Health Organization reported 143,000 deaths and 600,000 new cases of child intellectual disabilities [10], 3,000 people have diseases resulting from heavy metals concentration, and 600 of them died in Japan [11].…”
The accumulation of heavy metals in rivers' sediments near industrial wastes and mining activities has been a serious issue in developing countries including Rwanda and it has caused different environmental impacts on aquatic and terrestrial lives. Environmental studies have reported heavy metals pollution (lead, manganese, copper, zinc, nickel, iron, and cadmium) in major Rwandese rivers such as Mpazi, Rusine, and Nyabugogo. The increase in heavy metal concentrations in the environment results in abnormal enrichment, which in turn, affects the surrounding environment. This study aimed to investigate the heavy metals in Nyabarongo sediments, Mageragere sector using both X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) instruments. Sediments samples were collected systematically on four sampling stations and the results showed that the Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), and Manganese (Mn) concentrations among the investigated heavy metals are above the Rwanda Standard Board (RSB) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for soils and sediments, meaning that those metals are the measure pollutants in the sediments of Nyabarongo River and the study has recommended the people around the river to reinforce the erosion control measures and not to use Nyabarongo water for domestic use and animal farming activities because of the concentration of heavy metals it contains that are toxic to animals, plants and micro-organisms.
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