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Research Paper | Environmental Science Studies | Egypt | Volume 4 Issue 8, August 2015

Assessment of Heavy Metals and Natural Radionuclides Accumulation for Marine Organisms at Alexandria, Egypt

Atta E. R. | Madbouly A. M. | Zakaria Kh. M.

Abstract: The present study aims to quantify the distribution of some heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni, Mn, Cr, Cu, Co and Zn ions) and natural radionuclides (238U-series, 232Th-series and 40K) in some marine organisms and water samples in the Alexandria Mediterranean Sea coastline. As well as assessment the heavy metals impacts and the radiological impacts of the detected radionuclides on Marine organism. Five locations are selected for this study and they are El-Mex, Eastern Harbour, El-Dekhila, Abu-Qir and Rashid. The investigated marine organisms are Fish (Engraulisencrasicolus), Sepia Officianalis, Crabs, Diatom Amphora, Om-Elkhlol Donaxtrunculus, and Gandofelly Tapes decussates. Determination of heavy metals in the investigated organisms and water samples has been carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Also the laboratory investigations for radionuclides in the organism and the water samples have been carried out using a HpGe gamma ray spectrometric technique. The seawater samples in all studied locations have very high concentration of Zn and Mn ions, and the concentrations of the investigated heavy metal ions have the following order Zn> Mn> Pb> Co> Cr> Cu> Ni> Cd. In all locations, the concentrations of Cr ions nearly coincident with that of worldwide average values, while other heavy metal ions are very high than the worldwide average values, USEPA. The concentrations of heavy metals in the investigated marine organisms discern that Mn ions do not accumulated in any investigated marine organisms in compared to worldwide average values by the USEPA. Fish (Engraulisencrasicolus), Sepia Officianalis and Om- Elkhlol Donaxtrunculus are able to highly accumulate Ni and Co ions. Crab and Diatom Amphora are able to highly accumulate Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr and Co ions. Cu ions do not accumulate in any investigated marine organism except Diatom Amphora in Rashid and Abu-Qir locations. Diatom Amphora is able to accumulate Zn ions than any investigated marine organisms. High levels of 238U-series, 232Th-series and 40K in water samples are recorded in Rashid location and they equal 15.710.83, 13.81.27 and 185.88.42 mBq/l, respectively. Also in this location Fish Engraulisencrasicolus has high level of 238U equals 55 mBq/kg but Sepia Officianalis has high level of both 238U equals 34 mBq/kg and 232Th equals 35 mBq/kg as well as the Diatom Amphora record high activity of 40K equals 34019 mBq/kg, than other organisms. Bioconcentration factors (BCF) of the investigated heavy metals and radionuclides for the studied organisms were calculated. The investigated marine organisms have bio-accumulative properties towards most of the investigated heavy metals and radionuclides. The concentration levels of the heavy metals found in this study do not constitute a risk factor for the marine organisms and appear to be accommodating with the worldwide values by the USEPA. Concentrations of 238U-series, 232Th-series and 40K in both water and marine organisms are accommodate with worldwide values.

Keywords: Heavy metals, Radionuclides, Marine Organisms, Bioconcentration factor

Edition: Volume 4 Issue 8, August 2015,

Pages: 1987 - 1998

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