Trace Elements Pollution in Water, Sediments, and Marine Fish Muscles from Suez Gulf, Red Sea, Egypt: Environmental and Health Consequences

This study aimed to check the levels of 12 elements (As, B, Ni, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ba, Cd, Cr, and Al) in water, sediments, and 3 species of marine fish from the Suez Gulf during the summer of 2024, focussing on the environmental and health problems linked to each element. The findings showed that the amounts of trace elements in the water and sediment samples varied. Boron (B) had the maximum levels in water (3.57 ± 0.09µg/ mL), while zinc (Zn) recorded the minimum (0.011 ± 0.002µg/ mL). The sediment revealed iron (Fe) to be the most abundant element (1539 ± 325µg/kg-dw), followed by aluminium (Al) and manganese (Mn). However, muscles showed that sigan fish (Siganus rivulatus, Forsskål & Niebuhr, 1775) had the maximum level of Al (81.40±3.88µg/g-ww) and the minimum for cadmium (Cd) (0.41 ± 0.01µg/g-ww). Arsenic (As) levels exceeded the allowed limits in all examined species, while Zn and copper (Cu) levels remained within safe limits according to international standards. The pollution index and contamination degree revealed moderate to high contamination of arsenic in fish species, especially in bongus fish (Lethrinus borbonicus, Forsskål, 1775) and harid fish (Chlorurus sordidus Forsskål, 1775). There is no immediate health risk associated with consuming these species, according to the estimated daily intake and hazard quotient values, non-essential elements like arsenic may pose health hazards, particularly for children. In order to mitigate element pollution in marine environments, the study emphasizes the necessity of additional environmental monitoring and management.