Water Pollution by Heavy Metals in The Western Lagoon and its Effect on Timsah Lake and Consequently on Suez Canal

Abstract

This work is devoted to assessing the sources and pollution levels of nine heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr, Co, Pb, and Cd) in Timsah Lake water with respect to its effect on surrounding waters. Heavy metals were measured by applying solvent extraction to 12 water samples collected, from inshore and offshore stations of Timsah Lake including the western lagoon and Suez Canal. The environmental parameter for the study area was also, measured. From the results, it appeared that heavy metals in water follow the order: Fe> Zn > Pb > Cu > Mn > Co > Cr > Cd > Ni and their concentrations are significantly high in the north and western edges of the lake more than the middle. Stations 5, 7, 9, and 12 (at the bridge near the western lagoon) had the highest levels of most studied metals, these stations characterized by a huge amount of agriculture, the domestic, and industrial pollutant. While Fe and Cu had their highest levels (15.34 and 145µg/L) at station 6 in fronts of Abo Halos drain and Villas and cabins including Tourism activities. The lowest levels of studied metals were in stations that lie away from the sources of pollution and its effects.