Evaluation of the response of phytoplankton communities to heavy metal stresses using multi-statistical approaches, Alexandria coast, Egypt

Abstract This is the first study to investigate antioxidant response of phytoplankton community heavy metal stress in open sea. The levels Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn, Pb, and Fe were determined water Abu Talat (AT), El Dekhella Harbour (DH), Alexandria coast during spring 2018 autumn 2019. Furthermore, changes abundance, bioconcentration factor (BCF), pollution index (MPI), load (PLI) used assess status. density DH stations was 17–42 folds higher than AT. order BCF > Zn Pb Cu Mn Cd. However, Cd found both areas autumn. BCF, MPI, PLI revealed that more polluted phenol, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity total communities achieved values AT stations, stresses. Principal component analysis performed follow sources, suggesting station 3 seasons a hot spot because stagnant water. A correlation matrix indicated phenol DPPH interacted positively locations two seasons. Analysis variances with replicate tests on metals significant seasonal differences across at significance level < 0.05.