This study assesses heavy metal pollution in marine sediments of the Mediterranean Sea, focusing on the concentration and distribution of heavy metals in key regions. High concentrations of mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu) were found, while chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), barium (Ba), and vanadium (V) showed moderate levels. Sediment quality guidelines and pollution indices (Igeo and Geochemical Signal Type-GST) were used to evaluate the data, revealing a consistent trend of decreasing concentrations from coastal zones to the open sea. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted the significant roles of Cu, Zn, Ba, and Cr in sediment chemistry. The study suggests that heavy metal distribution is linked to wastewater discharges in coastal areas, emphasizing the need for effective management strategies to protect the Mediterranean Sea. The study analyzed marine sediments from various regions, including Spain, Greece, and southern Italy, with a focus on areas experiencing high tourist and urban pressure. Heavy metal concentrations were found to be highest near wastewater discharge points, decreasing towards the open sea. The results showed that some areas had heavy metal concentrations exceeding natural background levels, indicating significant anthropogenic impact. The Igeo index was used to classify contamination levels, revealing that certain metals, such as Cu, Pb, Zn, and Hg, were among the most contaminated. The study also examined the spatial distribution of heavy metals and their chemical mechanisms, highlighting the role of wastewater discharge in contaminating marine sediments. The findings indicate that the Mediterranean Sea is a significant sink for pollutants, with heavy metal contamination linked to anthropogenic activities, particularly in densely populated coastal areas. The study underscores the importance of monitoring and managing wastewater discharge to mitigate the impact of heavy metal pollution on marine ecosystems and human health. The results emphasize the need for effective policies and regulations to protect the Mediterranean Sea's environment and ensure the sustainability of its ecosystems.This study assesses heavy metal pollution in marine sediments of the Mediterranean Sea, focusing on the concentration and distribution of heavy metals in key regions. High concentrations of mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu) were found, while chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), barium (Ba), and vanadium (V) showed moderate levels. Sediment quality guidelines and pollution indices (Igeo and Geochemical Signal Type-GST) were used to evaluate the data, revealing a consistent trend of decreasing concentrations from coastal zones to the open sea. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted the significant roles of Cu, Zn, Ba, and Cr in sediment chemistry. The study suggests that heavy metal distribution is linked to wastewater discharges in coastal areas, emphasizing the need for effective management strategies to protect the Mediterranean Sea. The study analyzed marine sediments from various regions, including Spain, Greece, and southern Italy, with a focus on areas experiencing high tourist and urban pressure. Heavy metal concentrations were found to be highest near wastewater discharge points, decreasing towards the open sea. The results showed that some areas had heavy metal concentrations exceeding natural background levels, indicating significant anthropogenic impact. The Igeo index was used to classify contamination levels, revealing that certain metals, such as Cu, Pb, Zn, and Hg, were among the most contaminated. The study also examined the spatial distribution of heavy metals and their chemical mechanisms, highlighting the role of wastewater discharge in contaminating marine sediments. The findings indicate that the Mediterranean Sea is a significant sink for pollutants, with heavy metal contamination linked to anthropogenic activities, particularly in densely populated coastal areas. The study underscores the importance of monitoring and managing wastewater discharge to mitigate the impact of heavy metal pollution on marine ecosystems and human health. The results emphasize the need for effective policies and regulations to protect the Mediterranean Sea's environment and ensure the sustainability of its ecosystems.