Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metals in Near-Shore Marine Sediments of the Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Region: Enrichment and Associated Risk Indices

Red Sea coastal development has rapidly accelerated in recent decades that led to a rise the anthropogenic heavy metal levels sediments. A total of 80 surficial sediment samples were collected from shallow waters along eastern coast near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. These three locations, designated as North, Middle and South assess concentrations six metals: chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb). The results showed (mg/kg) these metals studied sediments follow this order: Pb (77.34 ± 150.59) > Mn (36.52 37.72) Zn (18.02 23.94) Cr (9.56 5.81) Cu (9.18 13.67) Ni (3.68 4.54). majority polluted recorded locations. Pollution enrichment indices such Geo-accumulation (Igeo), Enrichment Factors (Ef), Contamination (Cf), Load Indices (PLI), Potential Ecological Risk (PERI) Toxicity Response (RI) calculated measured establish baselines for region specific enrichments by location Jeddah coastline. Igeo values 30% Southern stations are considered moderately highly polluted. Ef all followed (extremely severe enrichment) Cd (severe (moderate enrichment).