Spatial and seasonal distribution of total dissolved copper and Nickel in the surface coastal waters of rabigh, eastern Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

Copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) were determined in the coastal waters of Rabigh, Saudi Arabia, eastern Red Sea during 2007.

The data revealed spatial and seasonal variability along the study area.

The concentrations of both metals were the highest during winter in comparison to their values in spring and summer.

This behaviour could be attributed to the biological activities.

On the other hand, the spatial distribution of both metals was irregular.

However, high values of both of these coincided with particular locations.

In the absence of river runoff, it is suggested that the atmospheric input and diffusion from sediments could be considered as a potential source of both metals to the coastal waters of Rabigh.

In the view of the present studies, it is desirable that similar studies be carried out on the other coastal waters of Saudi Arabia.