Distribution, Source, and Contamination of Heavy Metals in Coastal Sediments of Jeddah, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia.

The study investigates heavy metal (HM) contamination in coastal sediments of Jeddah along Red Sea coast, analyzing spatial distribution and sources. 24 samples underwent (ICP-AES) for Fe, Al, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Co, Sr, V, and As. HM averages followed Fe ˃ Al ˃ Sr ˃ Mn ˃ Zn ˃ V ˃ Cu ˃ Ni ˃ Cr ˃ As ˃ Co ˃ Pb. Contamination indices revealed severe Sr enrichment, minor As and Co enrichment, and no enrichment for other HMs. Sediment quality guidelines suggest Ni, Cu, Zn, and As risks to benthic communities at some sites, while Cr and Pb pose minimal risk. Multivariate analysis indicates natural sources for Fe, Al, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr, Co, and V, and anthropogenic sources for Sr, As, and Pb, linked to agriculture, industry, and urbanization. Increased Sr values may stem from seawater acidification impacting calcitic corals and molluscs.

Evaluation of sediment quality for heavy metal(loid)s contamination and health risk assessment in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt.

The Gulf of Suez faces challenges related to contamination, primarily due to industrial, tourism, and shipping activities along its shores. This study aims to record the distribution, concentration, and potential environmental and health risk impacts of heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) in 30 surface sediment samples collected from Ras Sidr coastline, Gulf of Suez. Various contamination and health indices were employed for this study. The average concentrations of HMs (µg/g) were ranked as follows: Fe (3472), Mn (103.3), V (10.41), As (7.94), Cr (6.00), Zn (5.31), Ni (2.94). The spatial distribution of HMs indicated an increase in Mn, Zn, As, and V levels toward the southern part of the study area, potentially linked to the proximity of manganese quarries and their metal association at Abu Zenima. Contamination indices revealed moderately severe enrichment with As, minor enrichment with Mn, and no enrichment for the remaining HMs. Multivariate analysis suggested a natural origin for Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, and V, while As were likely anthropogenic. Values of hazard index (HI) for HMs in both adults and children followed the descending order of As > Fe > Cr > V > Mn > Ni > Zn. However, all HI values were below 1.0, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic risk for individuals along the Ras Sidr coastline. 19 samples exhibited lifetime cancer risk (LCR) values exceeding 1 × 10-4 for As in children, suggesting potential carcinogenic risks. LCR values for As in adults and Cr in adults and children ranged from 1 × 10-5 to less than 1 × 10-6, indicating acceptable or tolerable levels of carcinogenic risk and no significant threats to health.

Potential contamination and health risk assessment of heavy metals in Hurghada coastal sediments, Northwestern Red Sea.

Throughout the year, people flock to the Red Sea's shoreline for tourism and fishing. The current study aims to document heavy metal contamination and human health assessment in 30 surface sediment samples collected along the Hurghada shoreline in Egypt. To estimate sediment contamination, the pollution index (PI), pollution load index (PLI), degree of contamination (Cdeg), and Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI) were calculated, while the chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard index (HI), cancer risk (CR), and total lifetime cancer risk (LCR) were determined on both adults and children via ingestion, dermal, and inhalation pathways. The HM averages (µg/g dry weight) were in the following order: Fe (345.70) > Mn (49.36) > Pb (41.98) > Zn (7.47) > Ni (1.73) > Cu (1.23) > Co (1.09) > Cd (0.14). Pollution indices found that Hurghada coastal sediments were moderately polluted with Pb but not with the other HMs. The average CDI values were in the descending order of ingestion > dermal > inhalation pathways, and the average CDI values on children were higher than those on adults. The hazard index (HI) for adults and children was Pb > Ni > Cd > Fe > Mn > Co > Cu > Zn, and all values were <1.0, showing that these HMs had no substantial non-carcinogenic impacts on the human body. LCR results show that children have greater values than adults. LCR values in adults were lower than 1 × 10-6, indicating no substantial health concerns, while in children they ranged from 1 × 10-6 to 1 × 10-4, indicating no significant risk to human health.

Assessment of human health risks of toxic elements in coastal area between Al-Khafji and Al-Jubail, Saudi Arabia.

The present work aims to document the distribution of toxic elements (TEs) and assess the human health risk posed by the TEs in the marine sediment of the Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia. The descending order of TE averages (µg/g) was as follows: Ni > Cr > V > Zn > Pb > Cu > As > Co. Based on the enrichment factor values, only minor enrichment for Pb, As, Cr, and Ni was noted. The hazard index (HI) values for the non-carcinogenic risk of the TEs were less than 1.0, and the lifetime cancer risk values for carcinogenic Pb, Cr, and As ranged between 2.96 × 10-8 and 5.44 × 10-5, indicating no significant health hazards for the inhabitants of the study area.

Contamination and health risk assessment of groundwater along the Red Sea coast, Northwest Saudi Arabia.

Coastal groundwater is the major source of freshwater in coastal areas, due to shortage of the water resource in coastal zones. Groundwater samples were collected from 48 sites along the Saudi Red Sea coast between Rabigh and Yanbu to document the hydrogeochemical characteristics, water quality, and the health risks of nitrate, fluoride, nickel, copper, and zinc on adults and children. Groundwater chemistry indicated neutral to slightly alkaline nature, and the total dissolved salts (TDS) concentrations mainly increase towards the coastal plain. Major cations, major anions, and heavy metals (HMs) were in the order of Cl- > Na+ > SO42- > Ca2+ > HCO3- > NO3- > Mg2+ > K+, F- > Zn > Cu > Ni. Na-Cl, mixed Ca-Mg-Cl and Na-K-HCO3, CaCl, and Mg-HCO3 were the principal hydrochemical water types. Results of heavy metal pollution index (HPI), and water quality index (WQI) showed moderate to heavy pollution and unsuitable groundwater for human consumption mostly in the western side along the coastal plain, which might be influenced by the groundwater salinization. Principal component analysis (PCA) generated four components, which indicated the various sources of contamination. Hazard index (HI) of nitrate and fluoride were above the safety limit of 1, suggesting increase non-cancer health risk issues in both children and adults.

Ecological and health risk assessment of heavy metals contamination in mangrove sediments, Red Sea coast.

Due to the significance of mangroves for the diversity of marine and terrestrial life along the Red Sea coast, the present work aimed to evaluate the environmental and health risk of heavy metals in Wadi el-Gemal sediments. The findings of single and integrated indices demonstrated no significant pollution with Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co, and Cd, while the sediments showed severe and minor enrichment with Mn and Cd, respectively, which might be attributed to the presence of some mining activities in the mountains near the study area. The possible carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks due to their dermal absorption from the sediments were analyzed and the findings demonstrated that the non-carcinogenic health hazards were within tolerable and safe limits. Moreover, the evaluation of chronic daily intake and the overall cancer risk (LCR) for adults and children for Pb and Cd both ruled out any current potential carcinogenic health risks.

Quality and groundwater contamination of Wadi Hanifa, central Saudi Arabia.

In arid and semi-arid regions, freshwater is mainly acquired from groundwater. Over the years, human activities have reduced the latter's quality, making it a threat to health. Heavy metal pollution index (HPI), metal index (MI), groundwater quality index (GWQI), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), magnesium ratio (MR), Kelly's ratio (KR), and sodium percentage (Na%) were applied as pollution parameters and indices in assessing the groundwater's suitability for irrigation and drinking purposes in Wadi Hanifa in Saudi Arabia. Samples were collected from 26 sites, and a physicochemical analysis and heavy metal analysis were conducted. The results showed a concentration of SO42-, Cl-, Ca2+, HCO3-, Na+, Mg2+, and K+, which is higher than the WHO standards for drinking water. 96.15% of the water samples (n = 25) fell under the Ca-Cl groundwater dominant facies type, and one model fell under the mixed type. According to the GWQI classification, 16.66%, 50%, and 26.92% of the collected samples are categorized as very poor, poor, and generally unsuitable for human consumption, respectively. Parameters such as SAR, KR, and Na% are indicative of irrigation water. The study's primary factors affecting the groundwater chemistry included the natural processes of precipitation or dissolution of the silicates, carbonates, and evaporites alongside anthropogenic activities and soil leaching.

Heavy metal pollution in surface sediments and human health assessment in southern Al-Khobar coast, Saudi Arabia.

Surface sediment samples from twenty-nine stations in south Al-Khobar coastline, Arabian Gulf, have been examined to assess the heavy metal contamination and impact on human health through dermal contact. The content in Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Fe, Mn, Co, Hg and Ni, was evaluated. Pollution index, modified degree of contamination, and pollution load index agreed to exclude heavy metal pollution. Differently, soil pollution index and Nemerow integrated pollution index pointed out moderate and heavy pollution grade for Hg and Cu, respectively. The human health assessment, according to the low values of the hazard index ˂ 1.0 for both adults and children, excluded any significant impact on the human body. The chronic daily intake and the total lifetime cancer risk also were consistent in excluding any risk to human health. Similarly, the carcinogenic risks for Pb and Cd, and the total cancer risk ˂1 × 10-6, did not imply significant health hazards.

Contamination and health risk assessment of arsenic and chromium in coastal sediments of Al-Khobar area, Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia.

The contamination and health risks by arsenic and chromium in the Al-Khobar coastal area, Arabian Gulf, have been assessed by examining 29 samples of surface sediment. Several single and complex indices were accounted to assess contamination, while the chronic daily intake (CDI), the hazard index (HI) and the total lifetime cancer risk (LCR) were applied to assess human health. The studied sediments showed absence or low level of As and Cr contamination. Results of CDI suggested a greater intake of As and Cr in children than in adults, mainly by ingestion pathway, reaching >99.5 % from the total for both adults and children. The recorded values of HI indicated not significant non-carcinogenic effects on the human body. LCR was higher in children than in adults. However, the recorded values suggested that the present carcinogenic risk for As and Cr can be considered acceptable or tolerable.

Contamination and ecological risk of heavy metals in Al-Uqair coastal sediments, Saudi Arabia.

The level of heavy metal contamination and ecological risk, as well as the sources of contamination, of 35 sediments from the Al-Uqair coast, Saudi Arabia, were determined via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The average concentrations (dry weight) were highest for Fe (8091.51 µg/g), followed by Al (1816.60), As (14.99), Cu (11.27), Zn (7.62), Pb (3.88), Mn (3.82), Cr (3.67), Hg (2.40), Se (0.68), Ni (0.57), Cd (0.07), and Sb (0.06). The average TOC and heavy metal values, except Hg and As, were much lower than many coastal sediments elsewhere. The sediments had moderate-to-high heavy metal pollution, especially with high Hg contamination and substantial Se and As enrichment. Moreover, the sediments were at a high ecological risk for Hg, As, and Cd, moderate risk for Cu, and no-to-low risk for Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, and Sb. Hg, Cd, Cr, As, Se, Cu, Sb, Pb, Ni, and Zn were likely from lithogenic and anthropogenic sources, including rock weathering, agricultural runoff, and untreated domestic sewage. However, Al, Fe, and Mn were naturally derived.

Spatial distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals pollution in soils of marine origin in central Saudi Arabia.

The present work aimed to evaluate the sources and ecological risks of heavy metal (HM) contamination in the soils of marine origin in central Saudi Arabia. HM concentrations were determined in 30 soil samples in October 2020, from Al Uyaynah-Al Jubailah region and their averages were in the following order: Al > Fe > Zn > Cr > Pb > Ni > As > Cu > Se > Cd > Hg > Sb. Average values of Zn, Ni, Co, Cr, and Cu in the investigated soils were less than averages of the continental crust, worldwide soils, and European soils, in contrast to the average values of As, Hg, Cd, and Se which were greater than the continental crust and worldwide soils. Enrichment factor, contamination factor, and degree of contamination revealed minor enriched and moderate contamination factors with As, Se, Hg, and Pb. Potential ecological risk index indicated that 93.33% of the soil samples fell under no-to-low risk, whereas 6.67% were categorized as moderate risk. Multivariate statistical analyses determined natural processes for Pb, Al, Cr, Sb, Zn, Fe, and Ni, while anthropogenic processes for As, Hg, and Se, mainly attributed to the chemicals used in agricultural applications and P fertilizers.

Evaluation of groundwater quality in central Saudi Arabia using hydrogeochemical characteristics and pollution indices.

The groundwater quality and heavy metal (HM) contamination were evaluated in palm farms, central Saudi Arabia, using pollution indices, irrigation quality parameters, and multivariate statistical analyses. Thirty groundwater samples were collected in October 2020 for major anions, cations, and HMs analyses and interpretation. The results showed that the average concentrations of total dissolved solids (TDS), Ca+, Na+, K+, Cl-, SO42-, and F- were greater than the permissible limits of the WHO standards for drinking water. The groundwater facies types were Ca-Na-SO4-Cl (23 samples), Ca-Cl-SO4, (4 samples), and Ca-SO4-Cl type (3 samples). The groundwater quality index indicated that 15 groundwater samples were of good quality and 15 were of poor quality, whereas the metal index and heavy metal pollution index indicated that all samples were categorized as slightly affected and with low pollution, respectively. The variation is attributed to the increasing average concentrations of some ions and decreasing HMs. The dissolution/precipitation of silicates, gypsum, and carbonates and soil leaching were the natural factors affecting groundwater chemistry, whereas higher PO43-, NO3-, F-, Pb, and Zn values in some samples may be attributed to human activities from the extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides on the investigated farms.

Influence of seawater intrusion and heavy metals contamination on groundwater quality, Red Sea coast, Saudi Arabia.

Groundwater samples were collected from 115 boreholes and dugwells to document the influence of seawater intrusion and heavy metals contamination on groundwater quality of the Al Qunfudhah region along the Red Sea coast, Saudi Arabia. The groundwater quality index (GWQI), metal index (MI), and heavy metal pollution index (HPI) were calculated and multivariate analyses were conducted. pH, EC, TDS, Cl-, HCO3-, SO42-, NO3-, NO2-, PO43-, SiO2, F-, NH4+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, As, Ni, Pb, Se, Sb, Hg, Cu, and Zn were analyzed and interpreted. The average values for TDS, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl-, HCO3-, SO42-, B, and Se were greater than the permissible limit of WHO standards for drinking water. Piper plots indicated three types of groundwater facies, Na-K-SO4-Cl (72.50%), Ca-Mg-So4-Cl (25.50%), and Na-K-CO3-HCO3 (2%). Based on GWQI, MI, and HPI, approximately 37-70% of the groundwater samples fell under poor quality to unsuitable waters (strongly to severely affected), especially in the western part along the Red Sea coast. This proven the role of seawater intrusion through the NE-SW fault system, dissolution/precipitation of carbonates, silicates, fluorite, and gypsum, as well as anthropogenic factors in increasing the concentrations of heavy metals and controlling the chemistry and quality of the groundwater in the study area. These findings provide an important information on heavy metals pollution in coastal aquifer with seawater intrusion along the Red Sea.

Pollution assessment of the Red Sea-Gulf of Aqaba seawater, northwest Saudi Arabia.

The water pollution index (PIj), degree of contamination (Cd), heavy metal pollution index (HPI), and statistical analyses were used to assess seawater pollution and identify the possible sources of heavy metals from the Red Sea-Gulf of Aqaba coastline, northwest Saudi Arabia. Concentrations of Cr, Sb, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, As, Fe, Mn, Hg, and Pb were analyzed and interpreted in 33 surface seawaters samples. The mean heavy metals of seawater were in the following order: Zn (5.51 µg/l) > Ni (2.45) > As (2.43) > Cu (2.34) > Mn (2.20) > Fe (1.81) > Pb (1.31) > Sb (0.64) > Co (0.31) > Cr (0.26) > Cd (0.05) > Hg (0.008). The spatial distribution of heavy metals showed high levels in some individual samples, especially nearby the residential cities, may be due to anthropogenic sources. PIj and Cd indicated light and low pollution for the seawater samples, respectively, while HPI indicated low pollution for 10 samples and medium pollution for the rest ones. The lack of significant correlations between metal pairs (except Cu and As) indicated different sources of pollution. Pollution indices, principal component analysis, and Pearson's correlation coefficient reveal that the quality of seawater in the Red Sea-Gulf of Aqaba coastline is mainly controlled by geogenic processes with minor anthropogenic input.

Evaluation of coastal sediments for heavy metal contamination, Yanbu area, Red Sea coast, Saudi Arabia.

To evaluate the heavy metal contamination, ecological risk and possible sources at Saudi Yanbu coastline, 30 sediment samples were collected for Fe, Pb, Ni, As, Zn, Cu, Cr, Co, Al, Sb, Cd, and TOC analyses using ICP-MS. The potential ecological risk index (PERI), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), potential contamination index (Cp), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), soil pollution index (SPI) were calculated and interpreted, and multivariate analyses were applied. The results indicated the following order for metal averages: Al (8573 µg/g) > Fe (5895 µg/g) > Mn (192 µg/g) > Zn (80.4 µg/g) > Cu (35.87 µg/g) > Cr (27.11 µg/g) > Ni (23.5 µg/g) > Co (8.29 µg/g) > Pb (7.72 µg/g) > As (6.83 µg/g) > Sb (0.50 µg/g) > Hg (0.33 µg/g) > Cd (0.30 µg/g). Average levels of As, Ni, Zn, Co, Cd, and Pb values were greater than those reported from many coastal sediments from the Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba, Arabian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea, as well as the sediment quality guidelines. The results of potential ecological risk revealed very high risk for Cd, high risk for Hg, considerable risk for Cu, Sb, and As, moderate risk for Pb and Ni, and no to low risk for Zn and Cr. The moderately severe enriched HMs (Cd, Zn, Cu, Hg) and the moderate enriched ones (Pb, Co, As) were originated mostly from anthropogenic sources related to industrial, agricultural, urbanization and fishing activities. The no and minor enriched HMs (Fe, Al, Ni, Cr, Sb) were mostly related to lithogenic factors related to rock weathering and atmospheric inputs.

Evaluation of heavy metal contamination and groundwater quality along the Red Sea coast, southern Saudi Arabia.

To evaluate the heavy metal contamination and groundwater quality in southern Saudi Arabia, 105 groundwater samples were analyzed for EC, pH, TDS, major ions (NO3-, Cl-, HCO3-, SO42-, F-, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+), and heavy metals (Fe, Li, As, B, Al, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Se, Sr, V, Zn, and Mn). Groundwater quality index (GWQI), degree of contamination (Cd), heavy metal pollution index (HPI), ecological risks of heavy metals (ERI), salinity hazard (EC), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (Na%), and Kelly's ratio (KR) were calculated and compared, and multivariate statistical techniques were applied. The results revealed that the major cations and anions followed the orders of Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ and Cl- > SO42- > HCO3- > NO3- > F-, respectively. The maximum values of As, Mn, Cr, Ni, Se, and Zn were above the permissible limits for drinking water purposes. Pollution indices indicated that 20 to 52% of the groundwater samples were suitable for agricultural and domestic purposes. The unsuitable samples were distributed mostly in the western part along the Red Sea coast. Multivariate statistical analyses revealed that the dissolution of halite and gypsum (in sabkha deposits), carbonates, and the agricultural activities were the possible sources of the major cations and anions, and heavy metals in the study area.

Distribution, source, contamination, and ecological risk status of heavy metals in the Red Sea-Gulf of Aqaba coastal sediments, Saudi Arabia.

To investigate the distribution, source, contamination, and ecological risk status of heavy metals in the Red Sea-Gulf of Aqaba coast, Saudi Arabia, 33 surface sediment samples were collected for Fe, Zn, Sb, Co, Cu, Hg, Pb, Mn, Cr, Ni, Cd, As, and TOC analysis using ICP-MS. Three single and three multi-element contamination indices were used to assess the sediment quality. Evaluation of the three single pollution indices suggested some contamination or anthropogenic inputs with Cu, Cd, Hg, and, to a great extent, As. The potential ecological risk indicated low ecological risk at all sites for Pb, Zn, Ni, Cu, Co, Cr, and Sb; and considerable risk for Cd, Hg, and As. Moreover, the average values of Hg and As were higher than those recorded in the sediment quality guidelines. The multivariate statistical tools revealed that Fe, Mn, Cd, Cu, Co, Zn, and Cr were mostly of terrestrial origin, derived from weathering of the nearby Pre-Cambrian basement rocks, Tertiary, and Quaternary sedimentary rocks; while As, Sb, Hg, Ni, and Pb were mostly attributed to anthropogenic activities from traffic emissions, industrial activities, and the dredging of marine sediments. The results of this work will guide the future projects of environmentally sustainable development in northwest Saudi Arabia.

Contamination and ecological risk assessment of the Red Sea coastal sediments, southwest Saudi Arabia.

The level of heavy metals (HMs) in coastal sediments has attracted the environmental researchers due to their persistence, abundance, biomagnification and toxicity. The present study was conducted to assess the contamination and ecological risk assessment of HMs in Jazan coastal sediments, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia utilizing pollution indices and multivariate statistical analyses. A total of 32 surface samples were collected for Cu, Sb, Zn, Cr, Cd, Pb, Fe, Co, Ni, Al, and total organic matter analysis using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results indicate the following descending order of metal concentrations: Al > Fe > Cr > Cu > Zn > Ni > Co > Pb > Cd > Sb. Average level of Cd is significantly higher than those from many neighboring and worldwide coastal sediments; and recorded very severe enrichment, severe contamination and very high risk in the investigated sediments. The pollution indices and statistical analyses revealed that proportion of Zn, Fe, Ni, Cr, Al, Cu, Sb and Pb were formed from lithogenic sources of weathering Quaternary units and atmospheric deposition. Most of the Cd, Sb, and Pb levels were derived from anthropogenic sources of industrial, agricultural, and fishing activities. The higher contribution of organic matter may be attributed to the mangrove roots and organic fertilizers; and played a key role in adsorbing, transferring and accumulating of elements.

Contamination and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals pollution from the Shalateen coastal sediments, Red Sea, Egypt.

To assess the contamination and ecological risk assessment of the Shalateen coastal sediments, Red Sea, Egypt, 35 samples were collected to analyze Cu, Sr, Zn, Cd, Pb, Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, and total organic matter with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Several indices were calculated to estimate the contamination levels. The results indicated the following order of metal concentrations: Fe > Sr > Mn > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cu > Co > Cd, and revealed that the investigated sediments are highly enriched and contaminated with Sr, Cd, Pb and Zn. Statistical analyses subdivided the elements into Fe and Mn from natural sources, Sr, Cd, Pb and Zn from anthropogenic sources, and Ni, Cu and Co from combined natural and anthropogenic sources. The average Pb and Cd concentrations are considerably higher compared to the Caspian Sea, Indian Ocean, northern Red Sea, background shale, and continental crust. Possible sources of pollutants are fishing operations, antifouling paints, runoff, desalination plants, industries and dissolution of carbonate sediments.

Spatial distribution and ecological risk assessment of the coastal surface sediments from the Red Sea, northwest Saudi Arabia.

To assess the spatial distribution and ecological risk assessment along the Red Sea coast, Saudi Arabia, 30 samples were collected for aluminum, chromium, copper, zinc, cadmium, lead, mercury, iron, cobalt, nickel and organic matter analysis. The descending order of metal concentrations was Al > Fe > Cr > Cu > Zn > Ni > Co > Pb > Hg > Cd. Average values of enrichment factor of Hg, Cd, Cu, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn were higher than 2 (209.50, 25.52, 20.36, 9.62, 7.28, 6.52, 6.21 and 6.07 respectively), which means anthropogenic sources of these metals. The average levels most of the studied metals were lower than those of the background shale and the earth crust and those recorded along most worldwide coasts, while the average values of zinc, copper, cobalt and nickel were higher than the values recorded from the Red Sea coast, the Gulf of Aqaba and some Caspian Sea coasts. The Duba bulk plant-Saudi Aramco, Duba refinery station and the tourist resort were the possible anthropogenic sources of pollutants in the southern part of the study area; and the landfilling, cement factory and Duba port and shipment operations in the central part, while the landfilling resulting from construction of the green Duba power plant and crowded fish boats were the possible sources in the northern part.