Evaluation of metals in surface sediments from shrimp farming areas in the estuarine region of the Baixo São Francisco, in Northeastern Brazil

This study investigated surface sediments from shrimp farms in the Baixo São Francisco region of Northeastern Brazil to assess the contamination levels of eight trace metals: Fe, Mn, Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni, and Cd. The concentrations of these metals ranged from 0.41 to 3.32 µg g−1 across various sampling points, with the highest levels detected in fine silt-dominated sediments. Employing the enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and potential ecological risk index (PERI), the samples were categorized into three groups. Group 1 samples originated from natural sources (Cd and Fe), group 2 indicated signs of human activities (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn), and group 3 exhibited the lowest metal concentrations. The EF values indicated minimal to moderate enrichment, particularly for Cu and Zn, whereas Cd and Cr were not enriched. Ecological risk assessment revealed that all sites displayed low ecological risk, with PERI values ranging between 0.31 and 19.9. These findings highlight the potential influence of human activities on sediment quality in shrimp farming areas and emphasize the need for ongoing environmental monitoring and management practices to mitigate contamination risks. •Northeastern Brazil accounts for over 90 % of the country's annual shrimp production.•The metal determination methodology using partial extraction was validated, demonstrating acceptable accuracy and precision.•The concentration order of the determined elements was Fe > Mn > Cr > Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cd.•Samples were grouped into three categories based on their origin and concentration levels.•All sampled locations indicated low ecological risk potential duo to the levels of elements investigated.