SEDIMENTOLOGICA L AND GEOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON RECENT SHALLOW WATER SEDIMENTS RED SEA, EGYPT
Ahamed Wahaballa Mohamed;
Abstract
Along the Red Sea coast ofEgypt, the shallow marine ecosystem and geosystem are dynamic having variable bottom sediment types, diverse biologic habitats, and localized depositional and transportation processes. They are impacted by many activities, as phosphate mining, oil industry, recreation, housing, sewage and waste disposal, and shipping. Much of the input of contaminants is to geographically localized areas around urban and industrial developments.
The study area includes most of the Egyptian Red Sea coast and extends from Gemsha at the entrance of the Gulf of Suez southward to Ras Banas. 142 samples were collected from 13 transects nearly perpendicular to the shoreline to a distance more than 4000 m in the sea with water depth from 0 to ab 60 m. The land is a relatively high, steep metamorphic and igneous terrain in the west and a lower sedimentary sequence close to the sea.
Sample sites were selected to include areas representative of particular sedimentary regimes taking into account the influence of urban and industrial wastes near harbors. Sample density is not uniform along the coast, but samples are concentrated in Hurgada and some targeted areas, as harbors in Safaga and Quseir. Samples were also collected from areas away from any expected contaminants to be used as background.
Results of analyses for grain size, mineral • and constituent
composition, major and trace elements, total organic matter ( TOM), organic carbon (OC), and are used as fingerprint to locate sites of sediment accumulation, and to identify sediment sources in the area. These measurements help managers to identify anthropogenic impacts and better asses of the needs for remediation. Many contaminants in seawater are associated with particles incorporated in sediment. Consequently it is designed to provide an understanding of the transport and accumulation of sediments. Accurate documentation of existing
levels is needed to permit detection of small changes expected with
)
operation of future activities.
The study area includes most of the Egyptian Red Sea coast and extends from Gemsha at the entrance of the Gulf of Suez southward to Ras Banas. 142 samples were collected from 13 transects nearly perpendicular to the shoreline to a distance more than 4000 m in the sea with water depth from 0 to ab 60 m. The land is a relatively high, steep metamorphic and igneous terrain in the west and a lower sedimentary sequence close to the sea.
Sample sites were selected to include areas representative of particular sedimentary regimes taking into account the influence of urban and industrial wastes near harbors. Sample density is not uniform along the coast, but samples are concentrated in Hurgada and some targeted areas, as harbors in Safaga and Quseir. Samples were also collected from areas away from any expected contaminants to be used as background.
Results of analyses for grain size, mineral • and constituent
composition, major and trace elements, total organic matter ( TOM), organic carbon (OC), and are used as fingerprint to locate sites of sediment accumulation, and to identify sediment sources in the area. These measurements help managers to identify anthropogenic impacts and better asses of the needs for remediation. Many contaminants in seawater are associated with particles incorporated in sediment. Consequently it is designed to provide an understanding of the transport and accumulation of sediments. Accurate documentation of existing
levels is needed to permit detection of small changes expected with
)
operation of future activities.
Other data
| Title | SEDIMENTOLOGICA L AND GEOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON RECENT SHALLOW WATER SEDIMENTS RED SEA, EGYPT | Other Titles | دراسات رسوبية وجيو كيميائية على رواسب حديثة بالمياه الضحلة بالبحر الأحمر مصر | Authors | Ahamed Wahaballa Mohamed | Issue Date | 2000 |
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