Chemical profile of Lebanon’s potential contaminated coastal water

Abstract

Lebanese marine water is exposed to multi-point source contaminants. Risk assessment associated with deteriorative water quality profile is not only affected by the disposed quantities of specific contaminant, but also its chemical speciated forms. The objective of this study is to quantify the Lebanese chemical marine water profile. Sea water samples were collected based on GIS map. The chemical water quality was assessed by measuring the macro water parameters and potential existing metals. The microbiological profile of water was evaluated by fecal coliform. Results showed contamination by fecal coliform and high levels of toxic metals. However, the actual projected impact of the detected metals on human health were assessed using geochemical models “FREEQCE” and “Mineq+” that predict the metal species forms, mainly, the free aqua-metal ion, most toxic form. Thus, these results necessitate the proposal of integrated intervention plans for the protection of this marine source and consistent with international treaties.