Assessment and Review of Heavy Metals Pollution in Sediments of the Mediterranean Sea

Assessment and Review of Heavy Metals Pollution in Sediments of the Mediterranean Sea

9 February 2024 | Pedro Agustín Robledo Ardila, Rebeca Álvarez-Alonso, Flor Árcega-Cabrera, Juan José Durán Valsero, Raquel Morales García, Elizabeth Lamas-Cosío, Ismael Oceguera-Vargas, Angel DelValls
This study assesses the concentration and distribution of heavy metals in marine sediments across the Mediterranean Sea, focusing on regions with high anthropogenic pressure, particularly coastal areas. The research highlights high concentrations of mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu), while chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), barium (Ba), and vanadium (V) exhibit moderate values. Sediment quality guidelines and pollution indices (Igeo and Geochemical Signal Type-GST) were used to evaluate the results, revealing a decreasing trend from coastal zones to the open sea. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) emphasizes the significant roles of Cu, Zn, Ba, and Cr in sediment chemistry. The study suggests that the distribution patterns of heavy metals are linked to wastewater discharges in coastal areas, highlighting the need for effective management strategies to protect the health of the Mediterranean Sea. The research also discusses the importance of understanding the chemical processes involved in the precipitation of heavy metals in seawater and the potential risks to the environment and human health.This study assesses the concentration and distribution of heavy metals in marine sediments across the Mediterranean Sea, focusing on regions with high anthropogenic pressure, particularly coastal areas. The research highlights high concentrations of mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu), while chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), barium (Ba), and vanadium (V) exhibit moderate values. Sediment quality guidelines and pollution indices (Igeo and Geochemical Signal Type-GST) were used to evaluate the results, revealing a decreasing trend from coastal zones to the open sea. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) emphasizes the significant roles of Cu, Zn, Ba, and Cr in sediment chemistry. The study suggests that the distribution patterns of heavy metals are linked to wastewater discharges in coastal areas, highlighting the need for effective management strategies to protect the health of the Mediterranean Sea. The research also discusses the importance of understanding the chemical processes involved in the precipitation of heavy metals in seawater and the potential risks to the environment and human health.
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