The distribution of metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni and Zn) was determined in sediment cores collected from five major areas representing different anthropogenic activities along the Jordanian coast during 27 February-11 March 2008. Metal concentrations in these sediments were relatively low compared to reported values from polluted areas. At some of the sites metal concentrations showed fluctuations with depth in the core suggesting changes in metal loading with time. The calculated contamination factors (CFs) for the suite of metals decreased in the following order Cd > Pb > Cr > Ni >Zn > Cu. The Pollution Loading Index (PLI) calculated for the different areas were highest at Phosphate Loading Berth (0.008, 0.2607, 0.0161, 0.007, 47.9375 and 0.0296 for Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cd and Cr, respectively) and lowest at Hotel Area (0.0001, 0.0075, 0.0008, 0.0006, 1.0483 and 0.0005 for Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cd and Cr, respectively) with others sites between these extremes. Result of this study could be used to assess the magnitude of pollution at each site and guide rational management decisions. Moreover, the data constitutes a baseline against which future anthropogenic effects can be assessed.
KeywordsMetalsCore sedimentsPollution Loading IndexContamination FactorGulf of AqabaRed Sea
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