Impact of some trace metals on bryozoan occurrences, Red Sea coast, Egypt

Abstract

79 bryozoan species have been identified from the recent sediments of 5 stations along the Egyptian Red Sea coast. Thirty sediment samples were selected to chemical analysis of Fe, Zn, Pb, Mn, Ni, Co, Cu, and Cd. The analysis indicated that sediments of El-Hamrawen, Hurghada and El Fanader areas recorded the highest concentrations of almost trace metals in comparison with those of Makadi bay and Al Qweh area. Bryozoan colonies showed high frequency and diversity in Makadi bay and Al Qweh area in comparison with El-Hamrawen, Hurghada and El Fanader lagoon. Differences in frequency and diversity of bryozoans among studied areas are attributed to anthropogenic pollutants resulted from diving and snorkeling activities, as well as phosphate dust, especially in El-Hamrawen area.