Ecological and health risk assessment of Sharm El-sheikh beach sediments, Red Sea coast

  • 0Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt.

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Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Heavy metal levels in Sharm El-Sheikh

Area Of Science

  • Environmental Science
  • Marine Biology
  • Public Health

Background

  • Sharm El-Sheikh is a major tourist destination committed to environmental sustainability.
  • The city hosted the COP27 climate summit in 2022.
  • Assessing heavy metal contamination is crucial for environmental and human health risk evaluation.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To evaluate heavy metal contamination in beach sediments of Sharm El-Sheikh.
  • To assess associated environmental and human health risks.
  • To determine the safety of recreational activities in popular tourist areas.

Main Methods

  • Sediment samples were collected from Sharm Port and El-Maya Bay.
  • Concentrations of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and cobalt (Co) were analyzed.
  • Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were assessed using chronic daily intake and hazard indices.

Main Results

  • Heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Co) were within safe limits.
  • Ingestion posed the highest risk among exposure pathways.
  • Beach sediments are generally safe for recreational use by adults and children.

Conclusions

  • Low-level natural and anthropogenic sources of contamination were identified.
  • Ongoing environmental monitoring is essential for preserving environmental quality.
  • Sustainable waste management and ecosystem protection are vital for public health and safety.