Abstract
Dissolved Cu, Ni, and Zn were measured in the surface coastal waters of Jeddah, eastern Red Sea during October 2004 and April 2005. High values of trace metals, particularly Zn, were recorded in the Southern Corniche area close to a sewage effluent indicating a significant contribution from the wastewater. Concentrations of trace metals decreased northward and southward under the effect of dilution. Another hot spot was also observed in the vicinity of Jeddah Desalination Plant (JDP) during April 2005 indicating a possible contribution from the JDP to trace metal contents in the study area. Trace metals were correlated to salinity, nutrients and particulate organic carbon (POC). The good association between Zn and reactive silicate and Ni and ammonium is attributed to simultaneous biological utilization and regeneration. The behavior of copper suggested adsorption of Cu onto the POC during October 2004 whereas in April 2005 the most important process seems to be desorption of Cu from the particulate materials.