HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT IN RELATION TO HEAVY METALS POLLUTION OF WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA, EGYPT

Abstract

Concentrations of heavy metals (Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, Co, Cr, Ni and Cd) were measured in the sediment collected from 7 stations along west Mediterranean Sea (Sidi- Krir ; open sea , east & west Sidi Krir, Sidi Barrani and El-sallum 1,2, 60m). Also, health risk has been performed in relation to recreational activities at these places, using an exposure assessment model. The results of this study indicated a general moderate or absence of serious pollution in these places due to heavy metals; whereas the concentration of elements found could be mainly due to geological and atmospheric sources. However, the health risk evaluation is useful as a screening methodology for assessing the urgency of sediment remediation actions.