Ecological risk assessment of metal pollution in the surface sediments of delta region, Egypt.

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.

Assessment of water quality in Alamein Marina Recreational Lagoon.

BACKGROUND: Alamein Marina Lagoon is one of six lagoons, lying on the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast. Between 1988 and 1995, a large-scale recreational compound called Alamein Marina Touristic Village was established to contain most of these lakes. The study aims to assess the quality of Alamein Marina Lagoon water in an attempt to evaluate the environmental impact of the touristic summer activities on the lake and to determine at what level this recreational lagoon stands as a healthy resort, among the other resorts around the Mediterranean Sea Basin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen sampling stations were chosen to present the four sub-basins of the lagoon and its outlets on the Mediterranean Sea. Physical, chemical, and bacteriological characteristics of the lagoon water were determined. RESULTS: Lagoon water pH was found to range between 6.8 and 7.9. Dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrates and phosphates were 6.5 mg/L, 1 mg/L, 0.5 µg/L, and 3.8 µg/L respectively. Fecal coliform were not detected in all sampling stations. CONCLUSION: Alamein Marina water characteristics were complying with the standards set by Egyptian legislations concerning recreational water all over the study period. They were also complying with the levels set by different international organizations such as the WHO and Blue Flag. Besides, by calculating the water quality index for Alamein Marina Lagoon and its four sub-basins, water was found to be of an 'excellent' quality.