Assessment of heavy metals contamination in the sediments and mangroves (Avicennia marina) at Yanbu coast, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

The objectives of this study are to assess the spatial distribution and the bio-accumulation of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the marine sediments and the mangroves (Avicennia marina) at Yanbu Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations in the sediments were 14.9–289, 17.2–217.2, 27.3–241.8, 11.5–111.3 and 48.8–511.5 μg g−1, respectively. The values in the roots were 16.3–40.5, 16.8–37.3, 17.2–38.2, 2.4–6.7 and 31.5–62.4 μg g−1 while the concentrations in the leaves were 14.2–50.1, 18.1–40.2, 16.1–56.3, 2.3–9.9 and 36.8–84.9 μg g−1, respectively. The pollution load was estimated in terms of the different ecological pollution indices such as geo-accumulation, contamination factors and pollution index, potential ecological risk, potential toxicity response indices and biological concentration factors. Briefly, the coastal area of the Red Sea at Yanbu is contaminated with heavy metals, which may affect the quality of the aquatic lives and human beings. •Sediment and mangrove heavy metals contamination at Yanbu red sea, Saudi Arabia.•Determination of correlation matrix and risk assessment of heavy metals.•Determination of pollution load in terms of various pollution indeces.•Pollution indeces indicated moderate to heavy metal ions pollution.•National and International comparisons.