Assessment and Review of Heavy Metals Pollution in Sediments of the Mediterranean Sea
Source abstract
Abstract
The impact of marine sediment pollution is crucial for the health of the seas, particularly in densely populated coastal areas worldwide. This study assesses the concentration and distribution of heavy metals in the marine sediments of the main regions of the Mediterranean Sea. The results underscore high concentrations of mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu), whereas chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), barium (Ba), and vanadium (V) exhibit moderate values. To assess the heavy metal results, sediment quality guidelines and pollution indices (Igeo and Geochemical Signal Type-GST) were employed, revealing a consistent trend of decreasing concentrations from the coastal zone to the open sea. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) emphasizes the significant roles of Cu, Zn, Ba, and Cr in sediment chemistry. The study suggests that the distribution patterns of heavy metals are linked to wastewater discharges in coastal areas, requiring effective management strategies to ensure the health of the Mediterranean Sea.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Heavy metals in environment · Water Quality and Pollution Assessment · Environmental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
IGME-CSIC, NC Geological Survey of Spain, Spanish National Research Council, Balearic Island Unit, Carrer de Felicià Fuster, 7, 07006 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Unidad de Química en Sisal, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Puerto de Abrigo S/N, Sisal 97355, Yucatán, Mexico
IGME-CSIC, NC Geological Survey of Spain, Spanish National Research Council, C/ Ríos Rosas, 23, 28003 Madrid, Spain
Environmental Science and Technology Department, University of Santa Cecilia, Santos 11045-907, Brazil
Water Challenge, S.L., Centro de I+D+I, C/Alamo Carolino s/n, Poligono Industrial Fuente de Rey, 41703 Dos Hermanas, Sevilla, Spain
Funding
Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME-CSIC) · Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)
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