A collaborative team of Russian scientists from the Neutron Physics Laboratory at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna joined Egyptian researchers to analyze sediment composition along coastal waters of the Mediterranean and Red Seas. The study found elevated levels of copper, nickel, arsenic, zinc, lead and other heavy metals in certain zones, according to JINR reports relayed to socialbites.ca.
Researchers evaluated 131 sediment samples using neutron activation analysis at the IBR-2 reactor in Dubna and with a mass spectrometer. The team pinpointed samples with high pollutant concentrations and traced them to areas of intense shipping, fishing activity, and industrial operations.
Wael Badawi, who leads the Egyptian national group at JINR, identified the most at-risk areas as the shores along Lake Manzala and the western outlet of Lake Burullus, including the Nile delta region. In the Mediterranean, Ras al-Bar and Abu Qir Bay were highlighted, while in the Red Sea the mid-coast area of Sharam al-Bahari and the southern stretch near Mars Khemira showed the strongest metal signatures.
Experts stressed that metals occur naturally in marine sediments, but distinguishing natural background levels from pollution caused by human activity is crucial. The team suggested that extreme metal concentrations likely stem from municipal waste discharges, phosphate mining and transport, oil production, fishing and shipping operations. An expert quoted by Gazeta noted that other regions exhibit metal enrichment within normal limits, yet regular monitoring would help confirm the overall environmental status.
The project’s site surveys represented the second phase of a collaboration that began in 2011 to assess environmental conditions along Egypt’s coastlines. Despite localized excesses, researchers concluded that Egypt’s Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts are largely clean overall, with pockets requiring continued vigilance and ongoing study.
Background context from related scientific discussions indicates that long-standing research stations in Antarctica have historically housed fuel residues and toxic chemicals, underscoring the global relevance of coastal contamination assessments and the importance of robust monitoring programs for vulnerable marine ecosystems.