Heavy metals and radioactivity assessment of the coastal sediments at Abu Ghusun, southern Red Sea, Egypt

Coastal sediments act as both sinks and secondary sources of pollutants, making their assessment essential for understanding ecological and human health risks in sensitive marine environments. This study evaluated the concentrations of nine trace metals and natural radionuclides in surface sediments from Abu Ghusun, south Red Sea to assess their ecological, radiological, and health implications. Sediment texture, organic matter, and metal concentrations were analyzed, followed by application of international sediment quality guidelines and multiple ecological risk indices. The results showed that Pb, Cr, Ba, Cu, and Ni exceeded the Effect Range Median (ERM) thresholds, suggesting potential adverse effects on benthic organisms. Cr and V also surpassed Canadian soil quality guidelines and global upper crust values. Enrichment Factor analysis indicated significant enrichment of Pb and Ni, while contamination indices revealed considerable to elevated contamination for most metals, particularly Zn and Pb. Geo-accumulation (Igeo) values > 5 identified areas of severe contamination. Despite this, the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) indicated low ecological threat (<150), though the mean ERM quotient suggested a medium–high priority risk. Toxicological risk assessment showed moderate toxicity potential, while human health evaluation revealed negligible non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. The activity concentrations of 232Th (12.1 ± 6.42 Bq/kg), 226Ra (24.53 ± 5.65 Bq/kg), and 40K (337.06 ± 64.98 Bq/kg) were below gobal safety limits, indicating no radiological hazards. This study offers the first integrated assessment of trace metals and radionuclides in Abu Ghusun sediments, combining ecological, radiological, and health risk indices to reveal localized Pb, Ni, and Zn enrichment. Continuous monitoring is recommended to track pollutant inputs, particularly from anthropogenic activities. Remediation strategies and stricter regulation of potential metal sources should be implemented to protect the Red Sea ecosystem.

Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences

Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences

18

2314-7164

N/A

4

14