The Eastern Mediterranean Sea, known for its rich environmental and cultural heritage, is increasingly under threat from rising levels of contamination due to toxic metals and phthalates. A recent study examining the Lebanese Mediterranean coast has unveiled alarming findings, indicating widespread pollution linked to human activities such as industrial processes and inadequate waste management.
Conducted from July 4 to 6, 2022, the research involved sampling at 40 coastal hotspots, particularly focusing on areas affected by landfills, sewage discharges, and urban development. Advanced analytical techniques, including Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), were employed to accurately measure levels of hazardous substances.
Key findings highlight the presence of toxic metals, with concentrations peaking for chromium (Cr) at 20.3 µg/L, arsenic (Ar) at 12.1 µg/L, and lead (Pb) reaching levels of 30.6 µg/L. These metals are primarily attributed to the urban and industrial activities surrounding the Lebanese coastline. Comparatively, manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) levels were found to be within safe limits, but selenium (Se) and arsenic raised ecological concerns due to their potential harm to marine life and human health.
Among the 13 phthalates tested, diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) was identified as the most prevalent, with concentrations varying from 15.57 to 72.88 µg/L across various locations. Sediments sampled reflected elevated levels of calcium, strontium, and barium, triggering concerns as these substances exceeded safety thresholds. The statistical analyses conducted revealed substantial correlations between the levels of contaminants and the spatial variability influenced particularly by industrial and agricultural activities.
Marine pollution, especially from toxic metals and microplastics, is recognized as a global environmental challenge, where human interventions play a significant role. Toxic metals can lead to severe neurological disorders and other health issues if they accumulate within the food chain, particularly affecting those who rely on fish as a food source. Consequently, mitigating the effects of these pollutants is of utmost importance to safeguard public health and ecological integrity.
Given the pressing issues revealed through this study, researchers strongly advocate for stricter regulatory frameworks and routine monitoring to effectively combat the alarming levels of being unsuitable for both marine ecosystems and human health. Addressing these challenges is imperative and requires immediate enhancements to wastewater treatment infrastructures and adherence to international environmental standards.
The Mediterranean Sea, due to its unique hydrological and geographical characteristics, is particularly vulnerable to contamination, especially along coastal areas heavily populated by industries. Lebanon, hosting approximately 2.6 million people and contributing significantly to the national economy via its coastal activities, faces severe environmental pressures from various sources, including high shipping traffic, industrial outflows, and poorly managed solid waste disposal sites.
Overall, the findings from this extensive case study represent not only local environmental issues but also serve as warnings for coastal management practices across the Mediterranean. The necessity for collaborative efforts between researchers, industries, and regulatory bodies is now more evident than ever, as the long-term health of marine ecosystems and human well-being hangs precariously on the decisions made today. Should decisive actions not be taken, the continuing decline of the Lebanese coastal waters may foreshadow more significant ecological crises across wider Mediterranean contexts.