Nutrients and organic carbon profiles in Alexandria’s Eastern Harbor sediments

This study investigates sedimentary nutrient accumulation in the Eastern Harbor (EH) of Alexandria, to address urban pollution impacts on coastal environments. It focuses on quantifying OC, N-forms, and P-forms distributions in sediment cores across three locations in the harbor. Aiming to assess historical deposition patterns and potential ecological consequences. Results indicate significant accumulation of OC_ON_OP in the upper layers aligning with higher fine particle content, suggesting recent sedimentation influenced by organic-rich urban runoff. The highest average of OC% (5.53 ± 0.49 %) was found in the western zone of the EH, while the lowest average was found in the central zone (0.69 ± 0.62 %). IN-forms were dominated by NH 4 + , which peaked at 72.49 ppm in surface sediments of Core3. NO 3 − concentrations were low across all cores, with maximum values at the surface of Core3 (2.37 ppm). ON average is 5640 ± 2017 ppm in Core1, 460 ± 734 ppm in Core2, and 2834 ± 2756 ppm in Core3. TP and OP levels reaching 21,127 and 19780 ppm in the surface layer of Core3. This study highlights the significance of managing nutrient pollution and sediment composition in enclosed coastal areas. It emphasizes the need for more strict pollution controls, ongoing monitoring and targeted strategies to improve water quality in urbanized marine basins.