Pollution status determination using trace metals and organic contaminants of the water column in coastal areas of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba: A baseline assessment

Herein, we aim to provide a baseline assessment of the pollution status of the water column in coastal areas of Saudi Arabia (Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba), using trace metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), in seawater samples obtained from 71 sampling stations in June-July 2021. Concerning trace metals, the maximum concentrations for Co, Cu and Ni were detected in Al-Shuqaiq, whereas the highest Pb and Zn concentrations were found in the Jeddah lagoon waters. Elevated concentrations of TPHs and the highest sum of PAHs were recorded in surface waters of Al Lith, Jeddah lagoon and Jeddah Mena. Overall, the concentrations of all trace metals, TPHs and individual PAHs for which environmental standards have been stipulated for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia fall well below the threshold values.

Automated summary

This study provides a baseline assessment of water pollution in the coastal areas of Saudi Arabia by analyzing trace metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in seawater samples collected from 71 sampling stations in June-July 2021. The highest concentrations of Co, Cu, and Ni were found in Al-Shuqaiq, while the Jeddah lagoon waters had the highest concentrations of Pb and Zn. Elevated concentrations of TPHs and PAHs were observed in the surface waters of Al Lith, Jeddah lagoon, and Jeddah Mena. However, all trace metals, TPHs, and individual PAHs analyzed in this study were below the environmental standards set by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.