Evaluation of sediment quality for heavy metal(loid)s contamination and health risk assessment in the Gulf of Suez, Egypt

The Gulf of Suez faces challenges related to contamination, primarily due to industrial, tourism, and shipping activities along its shores. This study aims to record the distribution, concentration, and potential environmental and health risk impacts of heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) in 30 surface sediment samples collected from Ras Sidr coastline, Gulf of Suez. Various contamination and health indices were employed for this study. The average concentrations of HMs (mu g/g) were ranked as follows: Fe (3472), Mn (103.3), V (10.41), As (7.94), Cr (6.00), Zn (5.31), Ni (2.94). The spatial distribution of HMs indicated an increase in Mn, Zn, As, and V levels toward the southern part of the study area, potentially linked to the proximity of manganese quarries and their metal association at Abu Zenima. Contamination indices revealed moderately severe enrichment with As, minor enrichment with Mn, and no enrichment for the remaining HMs. Multivariate analysis suggested a natural origin for Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, and V, while As were likely anthropogenic. Values of hazard index (HI) for HMs in both adults and children followed the descending order of As > Fe > Cr > V > Mn > Ni > Zn. However, all HI values were below 1.0, indicating no significant non-carcinogenic risk for individuals along the Ras Sidr coastline. 19 samples exhibited lifetime cancer risk (LCR) values exceeding 1 x 10-4 for As in children, suggesting potential carcinogenic risks. LCR values for As in adults and Cr in adults and children ranged from 1 x 10(-5) to less than 1 x 10(-6), indicating acceptable or tolerable levels of carcinogenic risk and no significant threats to health.