Grain size analysis showed that the sand fraction is dominating
and constitutes more than 85% of the total samples of
the studied locations. The mud fraction has the highest ratio
in the El-Esh transect while gravel recorded the highest values
in Tourist Harbour and El-Samaka Village transect.
The sediments on the coast are carbonate-poor while the
offshore samples contain higher amounts of carbonate where
the highest carbonate contents are recorded at the areas rich
with coral reefs.
The high organic matter content is due to the high sedimentation
rate from wadis, which increase the fine particles in
some spots. In some areas; the high organic productivity due
to seagrasses, seaweeds and algae bottom facies which is the
main reason for high organic matter content in the studied
transects.
Fe, Mn, Zn and Pb recorded their higher contents in sediments
of Desert Rose Resort. This is attributed to the dredging
and landfilling operations by terrestrial sediments. It is observed
that the beach and intertidal sediments exhibited the
highest values of heavy metals which were decreasing gradually
seaward. The highest levels of Ni, Cd and Hg are recorded at
Abu-Shaar and El-Samaka Village transect. These high concentrations
may be attributed to the human activities at the
El-Samaka Village transect and the natural impact at AbuShaar
while, Cu recorded the highest value at Tourist Harbour
where brine water draining into the sea from the desalination
plant at area is the main reasonable source for the high
concentration.
In comparison, the results of heavy metals in the current
study are in general less and sometimes comparable to the results
of the previous studies conducted at Hurghada area. This
is probably due to the efforts of EEAA branch, which was constructed
in 2004 at Hurghada area and tightening legal action
against violators. Comparison of the obtained data from the
present study with other regional data along the Red Sea coast,
other areas in the world and the global guidelines clarifies that
the metal pollution in Hurghada area is still low.
Marine environment of Hurghada coastal area has experienced
considerable environmental stress from the anthropogenic
activities due to the increasing population growth and
the rapid development taking place in the tourism industry
Table 5 Sediment quality guidelines for metals.a
The guide line Heavy metals Reference
Fe (%) Mna Zna Cua Pba Nia Cda Hga
Metal background guidelines – – 100 15.00 5.00 10 0.3 0.08 SEPA (1998)
Canadian sediment quality guidelines (TEL) – – 124 18.70 30.2 – 0.7 0.13 CCME (2002)
Canadian sediment quality guidelines (PEL) – – 271 108.00 112.00 – 4.2 0.7 CCME (2002)
Guidelines for Metals in sediments (LEL) 2 460 120 16 31 16 0.6 0.2 Persaud et al. (1993)
Guidelines for Metals in sediments (SEL) 4 1100 820 110 250 75 10 2 Persaud et al. (1993)
TEL, threshold effect level; PEL, probable effect level; LEL, lowest effect level; SEL, sever effect level.
a values in lg/g dry weight unless otherwise noted
100 A.M. Mansour et al.and their negative impacts on the marine environment. Therefore,
a co-operation with the EEAA is very important in order
to centralize decisions and responsibilities.
The present study of the marine sediments of the coastal
area north and south of Hurghada city dictates the need to regularly
monitor the levels of pollutants in various components
of the marine environment. Attention to scientific research in
the fields of the marine environment and marine science and
the establishment of the college of marine sciences in the city
of Hurghada help to educate the future generations about
the importance of the area and to increase environmental
awareness among the people.