Anwar El-Fiky - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Anwar El-Fiky
Journal of King Saud University - Science, Oct 1, 2009
Groundwater quality assessment revealed that the groundwater can be safely used for drinking. How... more Groundwater quality assessment revealed that the groundwater can be safely used for drinking. However, further microbiological examination should be carried out where signs of sewage contamination were detected.
Journal of Hazardous Materials, Oct 1, 2009
The contamination of sediments and mussels sampled from Abu Qir Bay by polycyclic aromatic hydroc... more The contamination of sediments and mussels sampled from Abu Qir Bay by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated. Concentrations of PAHs recorded in the bay sediments ranged from <MDL to 2660 g/kg dw. In general, concentrations of PAHs in mussels were higher than their corresponding sediment concentrations reflecting their great bioavailability (242-3880 g/kg dw). The highest concentration was observed in the western part of the bay, a location affected by intensive shipping activities. The distribution pattern of PAHs was similar for mussels and sediments, particularly for sediments characterized by high contamination level, and they were dominated by the high molecular weight PAHs (4-6-rings). Applying different PAHs ratios, it was found that PAHs originated predominantly from the pyrogenic source either from the combustion of grass, wood and coal (majority of the samples) or from petroleum combustion (harbour area). The output of a Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessment (SLERA) on the bay sediments revealed that adverse ecological effects to benthic organisms are expected to occur in only one sample, and thus PAHs are not considered as contaminants of concern in Abu Qir Bay. Also adverse health effects are not expected to occur from the consumption of the investigated mussels with respect to PAHs in Abu Qir Bay.
for abstract cf. (above): Trace Elements in Sediments and Mussels – Spatial Distribution, Chemica... more for abstract cf. (above): Trace Elements in Sediments and Mussels – Spatial Distribution, Chemical Partitioning, and Risk Assessment. CLEAN – Soil, Air, Water 2010, 38 (12),1184-1193
SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2002, 2002
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2011
Introduction In Egypt, the picture of threats to humans and the environment from the exposure to ... more Introduction In Egypt, the picture of threats to humans and the environment from the exposure to organic pollutants is still incomplete. Thus the objectives of this study were to assess the occurrence and distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides, and chlorpyrifos in sediments and mussels of Abu Qir Bay and their risks for environment and human health. Materials and methods Twenty-three different compounds organochlorines were determined in 20 surfacial sediment and 10 mussel samples by gas chromatography-electron capture detector. A Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessment (SLERA) and a Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) were performed with the data. Results and discussion ΣDDT (DDT, DDE, DDD) (average concentration 27 µg/kg dw) dominated the detected organic pollutants in the sediments, followed by CHLs (chlordane, heptachlor, heptachloro epoxide), hexachlorocyclohexane, chlorpyrifos, endosulfane, dieldrine, Σ6 PCBs, aldrine, hexachlorobenzene, pentachlorobenzene, methoxychlor, and mirex. In general, concentrations of Σ6 PCBs in mussels were higher than their corresponding sediment concentrations reflecting their relatively high bioavailability and bioaccumulative potential. However, concentrations of the organochlorine pesticides in mussels were lower than their corresponding sediment samples. Nevertheless, the SLERA on the bay sediments revealed that adverse ecological effects to benthic species are expected to occur whereas the HHRA showed that adverse health effects are not expected to occur from the consumption of the mussels. Conclusions With the help of a SLERA, it was possible to indicate which class of chlorinated organic compounds is of highest concern to assess and to improve the environmental quality of the bay. Monitoring of organochlorines and chlorpyrifos would be needed to control the future trend of pollution.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2008
In the last three decades, the industrial and human activities in the coastal area of Saudi Arabi... more In the last three decades, the industrial and human activities in the coastal area of Saudi Arabia have increased dramatically and resulted in the continuous invasion of different types of pollutants including heavy metals. Seven sediment cores were collected from three major industrialized areas; Jeddah, Rabigh and Yanbu, along the coast of Saudi Arabia to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of metals and to assess the magnitude of pollution and their potential biological effects. Sediments were analyzed for texture, calcium carbonate contents, organic matter and metals (Al, Fe, Mn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn). Some metals like, Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn, were enriched in the upper 15 cm of core samples (recent deposition of sediments). Cadmium concentrations showed high fluctuations with depth and reverse pattern to that for Al, Fe and Mn which indicated land based sources of this element to the studied areas. Elevated concentrations of lead were recorded in the bottom layers of cores in Jeddah that indicated the most dramatic increase in usage of gasoline in early 1970s. The calculated contamination factors (CF's) were found in the
Ecotoxicology, 2011
A probability risk assessment of anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, chrysene, fluorene, phenanthrene and... more A probability risk assessment of anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, chrysene, fluorene, phenanthrene and pyrene was carried out to examine the ecological risk of these six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in aquatic ecosystems in China. The literature on PAH concentrations in surface water in China was collected to evaluate the environmental exposure concentrations (EEC). The 10th percentile of predicted no observed effect concentration (PNEC(10%)) of PAHs, calculated according to the data from the USEPA AQUIRE database and regulatory reviews, was applied as the toxicity assessment endpoint. The ratio of EEC and PNEC(10%), expressed as a risk quotient (RQ), was used to characterize the risk value. Bootstrapping method and Monte Carlo simulation were utilized to calculate the distribution of EEC, PNEC(10%), RQ and associated uncertainties. Risk assessment showed that reliable maximum RQs of anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, chrysene, fluorene and phenanthrene were in the range of 0.064-0.755, lower than the acceptable value of 1. However, the reliable maximum RQ of pyrene was 1.39, indicating its potential ecological risk. Notwithstanding the uncertainty, these results suggest that the aquatic ecosystems with high PAH concentrations might pose potential ecological risks, and concerted efforts are required to ensure that surface water is protected.
CLEAN - Soil, Air, Water, 2011
Sediment samples were collected from 30 different locations in Abu Qir Bay (Mediterranean Sea), E... more Sediment samples were collected from 30 different locations in Abu Qir Bay (Mediterranean Sea), East Alexandria, Egypt and analyzed for trace elements. The highest concentrations of most of the elements were observed in the nearshore stations in the vicinity of the major anthropogenic activities as industrial settlements, wastewater discharges, and agricultural drainage. In addition, mussel samples of Mactra corallina and Tapes decussata were collected corresponding to the sediment samples. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Mn, and Zn in the mussel tissues were higher than concentrations in sediments, thus indicating their relatively high bioavailability. Sequential extraction procedure was performed on selected sediment samples. Significant correlations were observed between the concentrations of Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn in the exchangeable fraction of the sediments and the corresponding tissues of M. corallina. The output of the risk assessment applied on the sediments revealed that adverse ecological effects to benthic species could occur and that a higher level of risk is expected from the exposure to Cd, Cr, Hg, and Zn. No adverse carcinogenic or noncarcinogenic human health effects are expected from the consumption of the two mussel species from Abu Qir Bay.
Archaeological Prospection, 1999
On a site located at Chatby, within central Alexandria, Egypt, an intensive resistivity survey wa... more On a site located at Chatby, within central Alexandria, Egypt, an intensive resistivity survey was conducted in a trial to explore the Tomb of Alexander the Great and the Royal Ptolemic Necropolis. Using the Wenner configuration, 22 sounding points were measured along three profiles, the minimum and maximum current electrode separations range between 3 and 60 m. Qualitative and quantitative interpretations revealed the presence of high-resistivity objects, which may be related to buried archaeological bodies at some locations of the study profiles.
Abstract. The combined chemical composition, O and H isotopes, and the basic geologic setting of ... more Abstract. The combined chemical composition, O and H isotopes, and the basic geologic setting of the geothermal system of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt have been investigated to evaluate the origin of the dissolved constituents and subsurface reservoir temperatures. Hydrochemical characterization of thermal waters discharged from springs and flowing artesian wells in the Gulf of Suez region show that there are two groups. One is Hammam Faroun thermal waters with salinity values exceeding 10,000 mg/l, discharge temperatures reach to 70ºC, and Na-Cl hydrochemical facies. The other group is thermal waters discharged at Hammam Mousa, Ain Sukhna, and shallow flowing artesian wells at Ayoun Mousa and Ras Sudr. They are characterized by salinity values less than 10,000 mg/l, discharge temperatures ranging from 32.5 to 72ºC and Na-Mg-Ca-Cl (Hammam Mousa), Na-Cl-SO4 (Ain Sukhna), and Na-Ca-Cl (Ayoun Mousa-2 well and Ras Sudr-2 well) water types. Different graphical presentations using major and mi...
Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2009
The contamination of sediments and mussels sampled from Abu Qir Bay by polycyclic aromatic hydroc... more The contamination of sediments and mussels sampled from Abu Qir Bay by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated. Concentrations of PAHs recorded in the bay sediments ranged from <MDL to 2660 g/kg dw. In general, concentrations of PAHs in mussels were higher than their corresponding sediment concentrations reflecting their great bioavailability (242-3880 g/kg dw). The highest concentration was observed in the western part of the bay, a location affected by intensive shipping activities. The distribution pattern of PAHs was similar for mussels and sediments, particularly for sediments characterized by high contamination level, and they were dominated by the high molecular weight PAHs (4-6-rings). Applying different PAHs ratios, it was found that PAHs originated predominantly from the pyrogenic source either from the combustion of grass, wood and coal (majority of the samples) or from petroleum combustion (harbour area). The output of a Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessment (SLERA) on the bay sediments revealed that adverse ecological effects to benthic organisms are expected to occur in only one sample, and thus PAHs are not considered as contaminants of concern in Abu Qir Bay. Also adverse health effects are not expected to occur from the consumption of the investigated mussels with respect to PAHs in Abu Qir Bay.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2012
In Egypt, the picture of threats to humans and the environment from the exposure to organic pollu... more In Egypt, the picture of threats to humans and the environment from the exposure to organic pollutants is still incomplete. Thus the objectives of this study were to assess the occurrence and distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides, and chlorpyrifos in sediments and mussels of Abu Qir Bay and their risks for environment and human health. Twenty-three different compounds organochlorines were determined in 20 surfacial sediment and 10 mussel samples by gas chromatography-electron capture detector. A Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessment (SLERA) and a Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) were performed with the data. ΣDDT (DDT, DDE, DDD) (average concentration 27 µg/kg dw) dominated the detected organic pollutants in the sediments, followed by CHLs (chlordane, heptachlor, heptachloro epoxide), hexachlorocyclohexane, chlorpyrifos, endosulfane, dieldrine, Σ6 PCBs, aldrine, hexachlorobenzene, pentachlorobenzene, methoxychlor, and mirex. In general, concentrations of Σ6 PCBs in mussels were higher than their corresponding sediment concentrations reflecting their relatively high bioavailability and bioaccumulative potential. However, concentrations of the organochlorine pesticides in mussels were lower than their corresponding sediment samples. Nevertheless, the SLERA on the bay sediments revealed that adverse ecological effects to benthic species are expected to occur whereas the HHRA showed that adverse health effects are not expected to occur from the consumption of the mussels. With the help of a SLERA, it was possible to indicate which class of chlorinated organic compounds is of highest concern to assess and to improve the environmental quality of the bay. Monitoring of organochlorines and chlorpyrifos would be needed to control the future trend of pollution.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2009
In the last three decades, the industrial and human activities in the coastal area of Saudi Arabi... more In the last three decades, the industrial and human activities in the coastal area of Saudi Arabia have increased dramatically and resulted in the continuous invasion of different types of pollutants including heavy metals. Seven sediment cores were collected from three major industrialized areas; Jeddah, Rabigh and Yanbu, along the coast of Saudi Arabia to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of metals and to assess the magnitude of pollution and their potential biological effects. Sediments were analyzed for texture, calcium carbonate contents, organic matter and metals (Al, Fe, Mn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn). Some metals like, Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn, were enriched in the upper 15 cm of core samples (recent deposition of sediments). Cadmium concentrations showed high fluctuations with depth and reverse pattern to that for Al, Fe and Mn which indicated land based sources of this element to the studied areas. Elevated concentrations of lead were recorded in the bottom layers of cores in Jeddah that indicated the most dramatic increase in usage of gasoline in early 1970s. The calculated contamination factors (CF&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s) were found in the following sequences: Cd &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Pb &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Ni &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Cu &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Zn &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Cr &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Mn for all studied areas. Results of Pollution Load Index (PLI) revealed that Jeddah is the most polluted area, followed by Rabigh while Yanbu is the least contaminated area. Except for Ni, the concentrations of most metals in the majority of sediment samples were believed to be safe for living organisms. As no data were available on the concentration of metals in core sediments in the coastal area of Saudi Arabia, the results of this study would serve as a baseline against which future anthropogenic effects can be assessed.
for abstract cf. (above): Trace Elements in Sediments and Mussels – Spatial Distribution, Chemica... more for abstract cf. (above): Trace Elements in Sediments and Mussels – Spatial Distribution, Chemical Partitioning, and Risk Assessment. CLEAN – Soil, Air, Water 2010, 38 (12),1184-1193
Journal of King Saud University - Science, Oct 1, 2009
Groundwater quality assessment revealed that the groundwater can be safely used for drinking. How... more Groundwater quality assessment revealed that the groundwater can be safely used for drinking. However, further microbiological examination should be carried out where signs of sewage contamination were detected.
Journal of Hazardous Materials, Oct 1, 2009
The contamination of sediments and mussels sampled from Abu Qir Bay by polycyclic aromatic hydroc... more The contamination of sediments and mussels sampled from Abu Qir Bay by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated. Concentrations of PAHs recorded in the bay sediments ranged from <MDL to 2660 g/kg dw. In general, concentrations of PAHs in mussels were higher than their corresponding sediment concentrations reflecting their great bioavailability (242-3880 g/kg dw). The highest concentration was observed in the western part of the bay, a location affected by intensive shipping activities. The distribution pattern of PAHs was similar for mussels and sediments, particularly for sediments characterized by high contamination level, and they were dominated by the high molecular weight PAHs (4-6-rings). Applying different PAHs ratios, it was found that PAHs originated predominantly from the pyrogenic source either from the combustion of grass, wood and coal (majority of the samples) or from petroleum combustion (harbour area). The output of a Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessment (SLERA) on the bay sediments revealed that adverse ecological effects to benthic organisms are expected to occur in only one sample, and thus PAHs are not considered as contaminants of concern in Abu Qir Bay. Also adverse health effects are not expected to occur from the consumption of the investigated mussels with respect to PAHs in Abu Qir Bay.
for abstract cf. (above): Trace Elements in Sediments and Mussels – Spatial Distribution, Chemica... more for abstract cf. (above): Trace Elements in Sediments and Mussels – Spatial Distribution, Chemical Partitioning, and Risk Assessment. CLEAN – Soil, Air, Water 2010, 38 (12),1184-1193
SEG Technical Program Expanded Abstracts 2002, 2002
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2011
Introduction In Egypt, the picture of threats to humans and the environment from the exposure to ... more Introduction In Egypt, the picture of threats to humans and the environment from the exposure to organic pollutants is still incomplete. Thus the objectives of this study were to assess the occurrence and distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides, and chlorpyrifos in sediments and mussels of Abu Qir Bay and their risks for environment and human health. Materials and methods Twenty-three different compounds organochlorines were determined in 20 surfacial sediment and 10 mussel samples by gas chromatography-electron capture detector. A Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessment (SLERA) and a Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) were performed with the data. Results and discussion ΣDDT (DDT, DDE, DDD) (average concentration 27 µg/kg dw) dominated the detected organic pollutants in the sediments, followed by CHLs (chlordane, heptachlor, heptachloro epoxide), hexachlorocyclohexane, chlorpyrifos, endosulfane, dieldrine, Σ6 PCBs, aldrine, hexachlorobenzene, pentachlorobenzene, methoxychlor, and mirex. In general, concentrations of Σ6 PCBs in mussels were higher than their corresponding sediment concentrations reflecting their relatively high bioavailability and bioaccumulative potential. However, concentrations of the organochlorine pesticides in mussels were lower than their corresponding sediment samples. Nevertheless, the SLERA on the bay sediments revealed that adverse ecological effects to benthic species are expected to occur whereas the HHRA showed that adverse health effects are not expected to occur from the consumption of the mussels. Conclusions With the help of a SLERA, it was possible to indicate which class of chlorinated organic compounds is of highest concern to assess and to improve the environmental quality of the bay. Monitoring of organochlorines and chlorpyrifos would be needed to control the future trend of pollution.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2008
In the last three decades, the industrial and human activities in the coastal area of Saudi Arabi... more In the last three decades, the industrial and human activities in the coastal area of Saudi Arabia have increased dramatically and resulted in the continuous invasion of different types of pollutants including heavy metals. Seven sediment cores were collected from three major industrialized areas; Jeddah, Rabigh and Yanbu, along the coast of Saudi Arabia to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of metals and to assess the magnitude of pollution and their potential biological effects. Sediments were analyzed for texture, calcium carbonate contents, organic matter and metals (Al, Fe, Mn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn). Some metals like, Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn, were enriched in the upper 15 cm of core samples (recent deposition of sediments). Cadmium concentrations showed high fluctuations with depth and reverse pattern to that for Al, Fe and Mn which indicated land based sources of this element to the studied areas. Elevated concentrations of lead were recorded in the bottom layers of cores in Jeddah that indicated the most dramatic increase in usage of gasoline in early 1970s. The calculated contamination factors (CF's) were found in the
Ecotoxicology, 2011
A probability risk assessment of anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, chrysene, fluorene, phenanthrene and... more A probability risk assessment of anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, chrysene, fluorene, phenanthrene and pyrene was carried out to examine the ecological risk of these six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in aquatic ecosystems in China. The literature on PAH concentrations in surface water in China was collected to evaluate the environmental exposure concentrations (EEC). The 10th percentile of predicted no observed effect concentration (PNEC(10%)) of PAHs, calculated according to the data from the USEPA AQUIRE database and regulatory reviews, was applied as the toxicity assessment endpoint. The ratio of EEC and PNEC(10%), expressed as a risk quotient (RQ), was used to characterize the risk value. Bootstrapping method and Monte Carlo simulation were utilized to calculate the distribution of EEC, PNEC(10%), RQ and associated uncertainties. Risk assessment showed that reliable maximum RQs of anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, chrysene, fluorene and phenanthrene were in the range of 0.064-0.755, lower than the acceptable value of 1. However, the reliable maximum RQ of pyrene was 1.39, indicating its potential ecological risk. Notwithstanding the uncertainty, these results suggest that the aquatic ecosystems with high PAH concentrations might pose potential ecological risks, and concerted efforts are required to ensure that surface water is protected.
CLEAN - Soil, Air, Water, 2011
Sediment samples were collected from 30 different locations in Abu Qir Bay (Mediterranean Sea), E... more Sediment samples were collected from 30 different locations in Abu Qir Bay (Mediterranean Sea), East Alexandria, Egypt and analyzed for trace elements. The highest concentrations of most of the elements were observed in the nearshore stations in the vicinity of the major anthropogenic activities as industrial settlements, wastewater discharges, and agricultural drainage. In addition, mussel samples of Mactra corallina and Tapes decussata were collected corresponding to the sediment samples. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Mn, and Zn in the mussel tissues were higher than concentrations in sediments, thus indicating their relatively high bioavailability. Sequential extraction procedure was performed on selected sediment samples. Significant correlations were observed between the concentrations of Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn in the exchangeable fraction of the sediments and the corresponding tissues of M. corallina. The output of the risk assessment applied on the sediments revealed that adverse ecological effects to benthic species could occur and that a higher level of risk is expected from the exposure to Cd, Cr, Hg, and Zn. No adverse carcinogenic or noncarcinogenic human health effects are expected from the consumption of the two mussel species from Abu Qir Bay.
Archaeological Prospection, 1999
On a site located at Chatby, within central Alexandria, Egypt, an intensive resistivity survey wa... more On a site located at Chatby, within central Alexandria, Egypt, an intensive resistivity survey was conducted in a trial to explore the Tomb of Alexander the Great and the Royal Ptolemic Necropolis. Using the Wenner configuration, 22 sounding points were measured along three profiles, the minimum and maximum current electrode separations range between 3 and 60 m. Qualitative and quantitative interpretations revealed the presence of high-resistivity objects, which may be related to buried archaeological bodies at some locations of the study profiles.
Abstract. The combined chemical composition, O and H isotopes, and the basic geologic setting of ... more Abstract. The combined chemical composition, O and H isotopes, and the basic geologic setting of the geothermal system of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt have been investigated to evaluate the origin of the dissolved constituents and subsurface reservoir temperatures. Hydrochemical characterization of thermal waters discharged from springs and flowing artesian wells in the Gulf of Suez region show that there are two groups. One is Hammam Faroun thermal waters with salinity values exceeding 10,000 mg/l, discharge temperatures reach to 70ºC, and Na-Cl hydrochemical facies. The other group is thermal waters discharged at Hammam Mousa, Ain Sukhna, and shallow flowing artesian wells at Ayoun Mousa and Ras Sudr. They are characterized by salinity values less than 10,000 mg/l, discharge temperatures ranging from 32.5 to 72ºC and Na-Mg-Ca-Cl (Hammam Mousa), Na-Cl-SO4 (Ain Sukhna), and Na-Ca-Cl (Ayoun Mousa-2 well and Ras Sudr-2 well) water types. Different graphical presentations using major and mi...
Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2009
The contamination of sediments and mussels sampled from Abu Qir Bay by polycyclic aromatic hydroc... more The contamination of sediments and mussels sampled from Abu Qir Bay by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated. Concentrations of PAHs recorded in the bay sediments ranged from <MDL to 2660 g/kg dw. In general, concentrations of PAHs in mussels were higher than their corresponding sediment concentrations reflecting their great bioavailability (242-3880 g/kg dw). The highest concentration was observed in the western part of the bay, a location affected by intensive shipping activities. The distribution pattern of PAHs was similar for mussels and sediments, particularly for sediments characterized by high contamination level, and they were dominated by the high molecular weight PAHs (4-6-rings). Applying different PAHs ratios, it was found that PAHs originated predominantly from the pyrogenic source either from the combustion of grass, wood and coal (majority of the samples) or from petroleum combustion (harbour area). The output of a Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessment (SLERA) on the bay sediments revealed that adverse ecological effects to benthic organisms are expected to occur in only one sample, and thus PAHs are not considered as contaminants of concern in Abu Qir Bay. Also adverse health effects are not expected to occur from the consumption of the investigated mussels with respect to PAHs in Abu Qir Bay.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2012
In Egypt, the picture of threats to humans and the environment from the exposure to organic pollu... more In Egypt, the picture of threats to humans and the environment from the exposure to organic pollutants is still incomplete. Thus the objectives of this study were to assess the occurrence and distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides, and chlorpyrifos in sediments and mussels of Abu Qir Bay and their risks for environment and human health. Twenty-three different compounds organochlorines were determined in 20 surfacial sediment and 10 mussel samples by gas chromatography-electron capture detector. A Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessment (SLERA) and a Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) were performed with the data. ΣDDT (DDT, DDE, DDD) (average concentration 27 µg/kg dw) dominated the detected organic pollutants in the sediments, followed by CHLs (chlordane, heptachlor, heptachloro epoxide), hexachlorocyclohexane, chlorpyrifos, endosulfane, dieldrine, Σ6 PCBs, aldrine, hexachlorobenzene, pentachlorobenzene, methoxychlor, and mirex. In general, concentrations of Σ6 PCBs in mussels were higher than their corresponding sediment concentrations reflecting their relatively high bioavailability and bioaccumulative potential. However, concentrations of the organochlorine pesticides in mussels were lower than their corresponding sediment samples. Nevertheless, the SLERA on the bay sediments revealed that adverse ecological effects to benthic species are expected to occur whereas the HHRA showed that adverse health effects are not expected to occur from the consumption of the mussels. With the help of a SLERA, it was possible to indicate which class of chlorinated organic compounds is of highest concern to assess and to improve the environmental quality of the bay. Monitoring of organochlorines and chlorpyrifos would be needed to control the future trend of pollution.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2009
In the last three decades, the industrial and human activities in the coastal area of Saudi Arabi... more In the last three decades, the industrial and human activities in the coastal area of Saudi Arabia have increased dramatically and resulted in the continuous invasion of different types of pollutants including heavy metals. Seven sediment cores were collected from three major industrialized areas; Jeddah, Rabigh and Yanbu, along the coast of Saudi Arabia to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of metals and to assess the magnitude of pollution and their potential biological effects. Sediments were analyzed for texture, calcium carbonate contents, organic matter and metals (Al, Fe, Mn, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn). Some metals like, Cr, Mn, Ni and Zn, were enriched in the upper 15 cm of core samples (recent deposition of sediments). Cadmium concentrations showed high fluctuations with depth and reverse pattern to that for Al, Fe and Mn which indicated land based sources of this element to the studied areas. Elevated concentrations of lead were recorded in the bottom layers of cores in Jeddah that indicated the most dramatic increase in usage of gasoline in early 1970s. The calculated contamination factors (CF&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s) were found in the following sequences: Cd &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Pb &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Ni &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Cu &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Zn &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Cr &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; Mn for all studied areas. Results of Pollution Load Index (PLI) revealed that Jeddah is the most polluted area, followed by Rabigh while Yanbu is the least contaminated area. Except for Ni, the concentrations of most metals in the majority of sediment samples were believed to be safe for living organisms. As no data were available on the concentration of metals in core sediments in the coastal area of Saudi Arabia, the results of this study would serve as a baseline against which future anthropogenic effects can be assessed.
for abstract cf. (above): Trace Elements in Sediments and Mussels – Spatial Distribution, Chemica... more for abstract cf. (above): Trace Elements in Sediments and Mussels – Spatial Distribution, Chemical Partitioning, and Risk Assessment. CLEAN – Soil, Air, Water 2010, 38 (12),1184-1193