Abstract
The Red Sea forms an important marine ecosystem with its rich species diversity and the different ecosystems, including the coral reefs. The region has received relatively less heavy metal pollution owing to comparatively lesser industrial pollution. This study attempts to review the records of heavy metal bioaccumulation reported in the last two decades. This review is an endeavour to audit the heavy metal bioaccumulation, revealed over the past twenty years, such as As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Cd, Hg, Mn, Zn Ni, Co, Se, and Pb, as reported from various regions of the Red Sea in organisms such as plankton, molluscs, crustaceans, and fish. Though the results of various studies reviewed here are not comparable to each other due to differences in organisms, types of tissues studied, and different methods of analysis as well as nature of their inhabiting sites, this review will be a baseline data of the heavy metal bioaccumulation, which can help in future evaluation in the context of the rapid developmental activity prevalent in the coasts of the Red Sea. The findings compiled emphasize the need for a comprehensive biomonitoring program that can conserve the unique biodiversity of the Red Sea.