Evaluation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Water and Sediments of the Gulf of Tobruk, Eastern Libya: Implications for Human Health

Abstract

Globally, contaminated water and sediment provide serious threats to human health and the environment. Aquatic ecosystems and sediments are impacted by pollutants that enter water bodies through municipal wastewater, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification result from the accumulation of heavy metals, herbicides, and industrial pollutants in sediments. Carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and reproductive effects are caused by human exposure by ingesting, inhalation, and skin contact. Eight samples were taken from four significant locations in the Gulf of Tobruk to assess the level of pollution in the area: four surface water samples and four sediment samples. Specific of the heavy metals, including Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Cd, had their concentrations measured. The results showed that Zinc, iron, and cadmium levels in water were high, and all heavy elements—Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Cd—were above the WHO allowable limit in both surface water and sediments. This provides an indication that the Gulf of Tobruk is totally contaminated, unsuitable for a variety of activity uses, and hazardous to human health.