Assessing of Metals and Metalloids in Surface Sediments along the Gulf of Aqaba Coast, Northwestern Saudi Arabia

The Gulf of Aqaba in northwestern Saudi Arabia is among the world's most important areas in terms of marine diversity and economic potential. Its coastal area witnessed significant anthropogenic changes as a result of rapid economic development and urbanization during recent decades. To document the impacts of these changes on the local environment, the distribution of heavy metal and metalloid pollutants (Fe, Al, As, Cu, B, Zn, Ba, Cr, Pb, Mn, Hg, V, Co, Mo, Se, Sb, Cd, and Be) and their variations in the surface sediments were investigated. Based on average concentrations, the dominance is as follows: Fe > Al > As > Cu > B > Zn > Ba > Cr > Pb > Mn > Hg > V > Co > Mo > Se > Sb > Cd > Be. The results showed a strongly positive linear correlation among Ba, Cr, Pb, and V. The studied sediments' quality was assessed using the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), an enrichment factor (EF), and two other sediment testing criteria (China State Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision, or CSBTS, and Canadian guidelines). Hg is the only element with a moderate-to-strong concentration in terms of the Igeo, exceeding the primary, secondary, and tertiary CSBTS criteria and the threshold and probable effect levels of the Canadian guidelines. As causes moderate pollution, because its presence in the sediments exceeds the threshold effect level of the Canadian guidelines. The EF results showed Hg as a strong pollutant metal in the surface sediments of the study area, followed by As and Cu metals.