Abstract
To assess the heavy metal contamination in the sediments of Makadi Bay (Hurghada, Egypt), surface samples were collected from 32 locations. Six heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd) were analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The order of trace metal concentration in the samples was Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd. The analytical results were subjected to univariate statistical analyses to evaluate the distribution and abundance of the metals in the area. The degree of pollution of the sediments by these metals was evaluated by calculating enrichment factors and the geoaccumulation, pollution load and soil pollution indices. The results indicated that all marine sediment locations are practically unpolluted by metals. The high metal concentrations of Pb and Cd due to anthropogenic sources (mean 38.76 and 2.43 mu g g(-1) respectively) recorded in most samples are essentially attributable to the anomalous concentrations of Pb and Cd in these samples. Both natural and anthropogenic sources of Pb and Cd contamination around Makadi Bay are possible. Generally, the levels of heavy metals in the study area do not constitute any serious environmental risk, except in the case of Pb and Cd.