Abstract
A sequential technique for extraction of metals from sediments (modified Tessier method) - was used to determine the distribution of the metals Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn in the major sedimentary phases (available, reducible, oxidisable, and residual) in marine sediment samples from six Red Sea Islands. The total metal content was also determined. The oxidizable fraction showed strong association of the metals with organic matter and sulfides. Overall, the total trace metal concentrations in the sediment samples were lower than in previous studies, except for Cd, Pb, and Zn, caused by increasing human activities and landfilling operations on the Red Sea coast. Descriptive data analysis was performed by using statistical method.