Ecological risk by potentially toxic elements in surface sediments of the Lake Maracaibo (Venezuela)

The evaluation of potential ecological risk aquatic sediments associated with the presence potentially toxic elements (PTE) determines its degree danger on native biota. In this work, V, Ti, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Sn, Hg and Pb in superficial is explained three different areas Lake Maracaibo: El Tablazo Bay, Strait Maracaibo lake itself, through a multi-guideline approach (elemental enrichment (enrichment factor, contamination degree, pollutant load index geo-accumulation index), sediment quality guidelines assessment code). PTE levels ranged from < 0.025 to 176.722 mg·kg−1 DW, an overall proportion V > Ti Zn Cr Cu Ni As Cd Se Sn. concurrent effect biota was Bay Maracaibo. constitute medium high estuarine This mainly due area. represents latent toxicity hazard for biological communities other organisms.