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

## TL;DR

This study assesses metal pollution in sediments from the Egyptian delta region and identifies the most polluted areas using various ecological risk indices.

## Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive ecological risk assessment of metal pollution in the Egyptian delta region using multiple pollution indices.

## Key findings

- Cd was found to be the most concerning metal, with sediments showing high pollution levels.
- Eastern Harbour, Damietta, Manzalah, and Bardawil are identified as the most polluted sectors.
- Integrated pollution indices highlight the need for improved drainage management to reduce pollution.

## Abstract

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.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10661-024-12481-w.