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Journal of Ecology & Natural Resources Research Article 30 min read

Assessment of Heavy Metals Concentration in Mangroves Leaves of the Red Sea Coast of Yeme

Al Hagibi HA*, Nagi HM, Al-Selwi KM and Al-Shwafi NA
* Corresponding author
ISSN: 2578-4994  10.23880/jenr-16000120  Received: January 28, 2018  Published: February 20, 2018
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Keywords
Heavy Metals Mangrove Habitats Red Sea Yemen
Abstract

The present research work focuses on the concentration of Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Mn, Mg and Fe in mangrove leaves. Samples were collected seasonally at five locations on Yemeni Rea Sea coast: Al-Salif, Al-Urj, Al-Hodeidah, Yakhtol, and Ghorairah, during the months of January, April, August and October 2013, which are chosen to represent the four seasons of a full year. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy techniques were used to determine concentration of heavy metals in the samples, which extracted using Acid digestion methods. The results showed that heavy metals concentrations (μg/g) in mangrove leaves were in the following order: Mg (987.5-1,743.7) > Fe (201.0-486.0) > Cu (10.2-25.6) > Zn (13.2-23.1) > Mn (8.6-19.1) > Ni (1.9-4.8) > Cr (1.2-3.9) > Co (0.4-2.6) > Pb (ND-3.5) > Cd (ND-0.5). The levels of studied metals in mangrove leaves were comparable with corresponding in other less polluted areas of the world. Concentration of these metals in mangrove leaves were lower than the permissible limits as recommended by WHO, except Mg, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Cd. Relatively high metals concentration at Al-Hodeidah could be due to increasing anthropogenic activities in the vicinity of the site, whereas at Ghorairah may be attributed to the potential contaminants that carried by water currents coming from the Gulf of Aden, through Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Al-Salif and Yakhtol found to be not polluted by these metals. This might be due to limited influence of anthropogenic activities at these two sites. Higher heavy metals concentration during spring and summer may be associated with increasing biological activities, land run off and rainfall during these seasons. Continuous monitoring of these metals in mangrove habitats to avoid being overcome permissible limits. These findings could be used as database toward future ecological studies, conservation and sustainable management of the Yemeni mangrove habitats located in the Red Sea Coast.

Introduction

Mangrove forests are among of the most productive and biologically important ecosystems of the world because they provide important and unique ecosystem goods and services to human society and coastal and marine ecosystems [1, 2]. They serve as nursery and breeding grounds for several commercially important species of marine fauna, as well as protecting coastlines from the devastating effects of erosion [3]. Mangrove ecosystems play an important role in the biogeochemistry of heavy metal contaminants in tropical coastal areas [4]. Heavy metals are one of the most serious pollutants in natural environment due to their toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation problems with the long residence time within the food chains [5]. Numerous studies have utilized mangrove species as reliable bio-indicators for heavy metal pollution and contamination [6, 7, 8, 9]. Due to the bioaccumulation potential and metal toxicity the persistence and cycling of heavy metals is of a serious concern in mangrove environment [10, 11, 12, 13]. The heavy metals being biologically non degradable would be transferred and concentrated into plant tissues from soils and pose long term damaging effects on plants [14, 15, 16]. However, a number of researchers have found elevated levels of heavy metals in leaf tissue for many mangrove species such as: Rhizophora spp. and Avicennia spp. [17, 18]. This quality qualifies Avicennia marina to be a good bioindicator and enables researchers to obtain quantitative information about the environmental quality of its habitat through monitoring and experimental testing [19]. Mangrove forests are one of the important vegetations on the Red Sea coast of Yemen and are dominated by Avicennia marina. However, the mangrove ecosystems have remained neglected specifically with reference to such studies. Very poor information is available regarding heavy metals pollution in the mangrove ecosystems of Yemen. Therefore an attempt was made through this study to find out the status of ten heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Mn, Mg and Fe) in mangrove leaves of Yemen particularly those in the Red Sea coast. Distribution pattern of some selected heavy metals in mangrove leaves are determined to understand the roles of mangrove plants in their cycling.

Materials and Methods

Study Area

The area under investigation is laying from the south eastern part of the Red Sea in the coast of Yemen. It extends from Al-Salif which is located at latitude 15° 12' 35'' N and longitude 42° 46' 16'' E to Bab-el-Mandeb Strait in the south at 12° 44' 33'' N latitude and 43° 28' 22'' E longitude. The distinctive areas are namely Al-Salif, Al-Urj, Al-Hodeidah, Yakhtol and Ghorairah (Figure 1). Sampling was carried out on seasonally basis during the year 2013. Samples were collected during the months of January, April, August and October 2013, which are chosen to represent the four seasons of a full year. Location of selected stations were determined by geographical position system GPS (Digital Garmin eTrex Vista C) (Table 1).

Location of Station
Station No.Nearest City
Latitudes (North)Longitudes (East)
St-1Al-Salif15° 12' 35'' N42° 46' 16'' E
St-2Al-Urj15° 05' 51'' N42° 52' 16'' E
St-3Al-Hodeidah14° 52' 02'' N42° 57' 10'' E
St-4Yakhtol13° 31' 03'' N43° 15' 55'' E
St-5Ghorairah12° 44' 33'' N43° 28' 22'' E

Table 1: Geographical locations of the sampling stations

Samples Collection and Analysis

A rapid survey of mangrove environment at selected sites was conducted for selection of six sub-stations, which represent the site entirely; these sub-stations were used to sampling during the four seasons. Mangrove leaves samples of Avicennia marina were handpicked from different parts of the trees in the same six sub-stations, then mixed up to obtain a sample of leaves representing all mangroves trees in site during the four seasons. Mangrove leaves samples were split and washed to the sand using the deionized water, to ensure the complete removal of sand on mangrove leaves, then dried in the oven at 50°C for 24 hours. Thereafter, the leaves were grind using a mortar and pestle to a homogenous and sieved through a 1 mms mesh sieve. Sieved samples stored in polyethylene containers at a room temperature until digested. Gloves were used in all handling stages to avoid contamination. Digestions were performed following the procedure as described by APHA (2005) [20].

Journal of Ecology & Natural Resources

Figure 1
Click to enlarge
Figure 1

plant material require the digestion of the samples [22]. Because of its sensitivity, specificity, simplicity and precision, AAS is the most widely recommended instrument utilized in analytical procedures for metal analysis [23, 24]. The filtered samples were analyzed using Perkin Elmer AAS Model 2380, according to the manufacture's instruction. The total metals concentration in each sample was calculated using Eq.1 [25]:

E = (A × B)/D (Eq.1) Where; E is concentration of metal in sample (μg/g), A is metal concentration in calibration curve (μg/l), B is final volume of sample (ml) and D is dry weight of sample (g).

Results and Discussion

The seasonal results of concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Mn, Mg and Fe in mangrove leaves collected from the study area have been represented in Figure 2.

Lead (Pb)

Lead occurs as metallic lead and inorganic and organometallic compounds [26, 27]. It is nonessential element as it is toxic even in trace amount. Pb has no known biological role in plants and is highly toxic to aquatic life; it exerts adverse effect on morphology, growth and photosynthetic processes of plants [28].

Journal of Ecology & Natural Resources

Elevated levels of Pb could be directly detrimental to the health of the aquatic ecosystem and indirectly to man [27]. It is considered to be potentially hazardous and toxic to most forms of life, and relatively accessible to aquatic organisms. It poses a threat even at extremely low concentrations [29]. Plants normally absorb only a little amount of lead [30]. The value of Pb in mangrove leaves ranged from undetectable levels at Al-Salif in October and Yakhtol in January, August and October to 3.5μg/g at Al-Hodeidah in August. The values of Pb in mangrove leaves at Al- Hodeidah and Ghorairah were slightly higher than the permissible limit of lead in plants, which is reported to be 2.0µg/g by WHO (1996) [31]. This study suggests that mangrove in the investigated sites not polluted by Pb at Al-Salif and Yakhtol. This might be due to limited influence of anthropogenic activities at these two sites. On the other hand, Al-Hodeidah and Ghorairah exhibited low to moderate contamination, which might be attributed to the increased anthropogenic activities in the vicinity of these two sites Zheng WJ (1997) and Machado W (2002) [32, 33] suggested that non-essential metals could be accumulated in leaf and then removed from the tree with falling leaves. The present results also indicate that nonessential metals such as Pb and Cd could be accumulated in mangrove leaves. The sources of Pb in mangrove ecosystems include industrial wastes and from water pipes [34]. Other sources of Pb are lead acid batteries, solder, alloys, cable sheathing, pigments, rust inhibitors, ammunition, glazes and plastic stabilizers [35].

Cadmium (Cd)

Cadmium in plants has no essential biological function, whereas it tends to accumulate in plants and aquatic biota, with consequent problems of toxicity [36]. It may cause several physiological, biochemical and structural changes [5, 37]. Cd has been shown to be one of the most effective inhibitors of photosynthetic and enzymatic activities [38]. It could produce disturbances in plant antioxidant defenses giving rise to oxidative stress [39]. The present investigation also showed a very narrow range in values of Cd in mangrove leaves. It varied from undetectable levels at Al-Salif in January and Yakhtol in October to 0.5μg/g at Al-Urj. The results of present study exhibited a relatively slight increase in the concentrations of Cd at Al-Urj compared with other sites might be due to the increasing in size and age of mangrove trees in this site. [40] Reported that Cd increases in concentration with plant growth. The values of Cd in mangrove leaves were higher than the permissible limit of Cd in plants, which is reported to be 0.02µg/g by WHO (1996) [31].

Normally, plants in unpolluted environment contain 0.01 - 0.3 μg/g of Cd [41]. Based on background Cd levels in plants, mangrove trees might be classified as no unpolluted at Yakhtol and Al-Salif, whereas at Al-Urj, Al- Hodeidah and Ghorairah, mangrove trees classified as low polluted. Cd in mangrove ecosystems could be derived from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Natural sources include underlying bedrock or transported parent material such as alluvium. Anthropogenic sources include industrial effluents, wastes, urban runoff, burning of fossil fuels, sewage treatment plants, boating activities, aerial deposition, sewage, domestic garbage dumps, manure, and phosphate and fertilizers application [42, 43].

Chromium (Cr)

Chromium is an essential micronutrient for plants [44]. Although this metal is essential for plants development, but easily absorbed by epidermis and root of plants and then enter to wood tissue from internal or external membrane [45]. The effects of toxicity of Cr are include of reducing in productivity and growth of root and aerial parts of plants which is caused by reducing in photosynthesis, limiting of enzyme activities and inducing action of mutants [46]. The level of Cr in mangrove leaves ranged from 1.2μg/g in October at Yakhtol to 3.9μg/g in April at Al-Salif. The recorded values of Cr in mangrove leaves of the present study (especially at Al-Hodeidah and Ghorairah) were higher than the permissible limit of this metal in plants, which is reported to be 1.30µg/g by WHO (1996) [31]. At Al-Hodeidah and Ghorairah, the mangrove trees showed low to moderate contaminated. These findings suggest that mangrove leaves have ability to tolerate and accumulate of Cr. These results agreed with many authors [47, 48]. The main natural source of Cr in mangrove environments could be derived from the weathering of rocks and soil, whereas major anthropogenic sources includes metal alloy production, metal plating for prevention of corrosion, tannery wastes, cement manufacturing, leather manufacturing wastes, paint pigments, incineration of municipal refuse and sewage sludge [34, 49].

Nickel (Ni)

Nickel is essential heavy metals for plants, whereas excessive nickel levels in the soil could be result in toxicity to plants [50]. The common indicators of nickel phytotoxicity to plants include inhibition of germination, leaf spotting, chlorosis, abnormal flower shape, reduced growth of roots and shoots, deformation of plant parts, poor branching and decreased yield [51]. Ni also affects Journal of Ecology & Natural Resources

various physiological and biochemical processes in higher plants [52]. Plants could take up nickel through the roots by both passive diffusion and active transport mechanisms [53]. The concentrations of Ni in mangrove leaves during the present study ranged from 1.9μg/g in April at Yakhtol to 4.8μg/g in August at Al-Hodeidah. Normal Ni concentration in plants ranges from 0.5-5µg/g and values above these values are poisonous [41]. The concentrations of Ni in mangrove leaves were within the range of the permissible limit of nickel in plants, which is reported to be 10.0µg/g by WHO (1996) [31]. Relatively high concentration of Ni is found in mangrove leaves at Al-Hodeidah, this might be due to influence of anthropogenic activities at this site. The present study shows that mangrove leaves are capable of accumulating nickel as reported by Kaewtubtim P, et al. (2016) [19]. Ni contaminations in mangrove ecosystems of the study area are metal plating industries, combustion of fossil fuels and electroplating [54]. Other sources of Ni include weathering process of exposed soil, decaying vegetation and the Ni/Cd batteries dumped in these sites [55].

Cobalt (Co)

Cobalt has been shown to affect the growth and metabolism of plants [56]. Toxic effects of Co on plants include inhibited active transport of ions, photosynthetic inefficiency, and change in morphology, impaired DNA replication, RNA synthesis and alteration of the sex of plants [57]. The present study showed a narrow range in Co levels in mangrove leaves. It ranged from 0.45μg/g at Yakhtol to 2.93μg/g at Ghorairah. As a result of the presence of cobalt in the soil and sediments, it has been detected in living plants, as well at a mean level of 0.48μg/g [58]. The cobalt flower plant could actually hyperaccumulate cobalt at a mean level of 4.3μg/g dry weight [59]. Slightly high values of Coin mangrove leaves at Al-Hodeidah may be related to effects of the anthropogenic activities on the mangrove habitat. Naturally, Co could be discharged into the environment from wind-blown dust, seawater spray, volcanoes and continental and marine biogenic emissions [60]. Anthropogenic sources of Co could be from burning of fossil fuels, sewage sludge, and phosphate fertilizers, processing of cobalt alloys and industries that use or process cobalt compounds [61, 62].

Copper (Cu)

Copper is an essential micronutrient necessary for enzyme function, metabolism, protein synthesis and detoxification but an excess could cause toxicity [63]. Cu is also an essential micronutrient required in the growth of plants, it is bound to amino acids and transported through the xylem [64]. The levels of Cu in mangrove leaves ranged from 10.2μg/g in January at Al-Salif to 25.6μg/g in August at Al-Hodeidah. The levels of Cu in mangrove leaves in the present study were higher than the permissible limit of copper in plants, which is reported to be 10.0µg/g by WHO (1996) [31]. Generally, Cu showed the highest concentrations in mangrove leaves in all sites (especially at Al-Hodeidah). These results suggest that the mangroves have shown high capacity to accumulate of Cu. Same finding are reported by Badarudeen A, et al. (2014) [18]. Accumulation of Cu in leaves at levels between 15 and 25μg/g could because toxic effects, including photosynthesis inhibition, reduction in carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism and chromosome damage [65]. The average content of Cu in plant is 10.0μg/g [66]. This study suggests that mangrove trees in all investigated sites polluted by copper especially at Al-Hodeidah. Naturally, Cu could be discharged into mangrove environment from forest fires, weathering process of exposed soil and decaying vegetation. Anthropogenic source of copper may originate from domestic use of copper-based chemicals, municipal untreated sewage sludge and corrosion of copper materials [67]. In addition to domestic and industrial wastewaters, steam electrical production, incinerator emissions and the dumping of sewage sludge [68].

Zinc (Zn)

Zinc is an essential and beneficial element for plants [69]. It acts as a catalytic or structural component in many enzymes that are involved in energy metabolism and in transcription and translation of RNA [70]. Zn plays a vital role in the physiological and metabolic process of many organisms it is important for immune function and is needed for DNA synthesis [44]. The levels of Zn of the present study showed the highest levels in mangrove leaves in all sites. It ranged between 13.2μg/g at Yakhtol in October and 23.1μg/g at Al-Hodeidah in April. The recorded values of Zn in mangrove leaves of the present study were lower than the permissible limit of Zn in plants, which is reported to be 50.0µg/g by WHO (1996) [31]. Mangrove plant at all sites showed unpolluted by zinc. This study suggests that mangrove leaves had ability to accumulate of zinc. Some findings reported by Badarudeen A, et al. (2014) [18] and MacFarlane GR (2002) [71]. Main sources of Zn discharge into mangrove ecosystems include automobiles, petroleum refining, pulp and paper industry, steel industry, organic chemicals, inorganic chemicals, fertilizers and metal plating [72, 73]. The other possible Journal of Ecology & Natural Resources

sources of Zn are from motor oil, grease, phosphate fertilizers, sewage sludge, transmission fluid and concrete [74].

Manganese (Mn)

Manganese is an essential plant mineral nutrient, playing a key role in several physiological processes, particularly photosynthesis [75]. In plants, Mn ions are transported to the leaves after uptake from soils [76]. Mn toxicity is a relatively common problem compared to other micronutrient toxicity [77]. It has two roles in the plant metabolic processes: as an essential micronutrient and as a toxic element when it is in excess [78]. The concentrations of Mn in mangrove leaves of the study area varied from 8.6μg/g in January at Yakhtol to 19.1μg/g in August at Al-Hodeidah. Normal manganese contents of leaves differ greatly between species 20 - 50µg/g [79]. The levels of Mn in mangrove leaves at all sites were within this range. The present study suggests that the mangrove ecosystems unpolluted by Mn. The natural sources of Mn in mangrove environments could be from weathering of rocks and soils, decaying vegetation [80]. Anthropogenic source could be from municipal wastewater discharges, sewage, and sludge, emissions from ferroalloy and iron production, as well as combustion of fossil fuels [81].

Magnesium (Mg)

Magnesium is an essential element for plant growth and development. It is necessary for chlorophyll pigment in green plants [82]. It has a wide range of key roles in many plant functions, one of the magnesium's well-known roles is in the photosynthesis process, as it is a building block of the Chlorophyll, which makes leaves appear green [83]. Deficiencies of Mg are much more common than problems concerned with toxicity [82].

Figure 2: ### Lead (Pb)
Click to enlarge
Figure 2: ### Lead (Pb)

The present study showed the highest concentrations of Mg in mangrove leaves at all sites it compared with concentrations of other investigated metals. It ranged between 987.5μg/g at Yakhtol in January and 1,743.7μg/g at Al-Hodeidah in August. The values of Mg in mangrove leaves were higher than the permissible limit of magnesium in plants, which is reported to be 200µg/g by WHO (1996) [31]. These results indicate that mangroves have high tolerance to accumulate of magnesium. Same finding are reported by Kathiresan K, et al. (2014) [84]. Naturally, Mg could be discharged into the mangrove ecosystem from weathering process of exposed soil and decaying vegetation, while anthropogenic sources include discharges, fertilizers, spills from industrial and municipal waste treatment plants [85, 86].

Iron (Fe)

Fe as an essential element for all plants has many important biological roles in the processes as diverse as photosynthesis, chloroplast development and chlorophyll biosynthesis [87]. It plays important roles in the electron transport chains associated with photosynthesis and respiration [22]. Iron is toxic when high levels accumulate, it could act catalytically via the Fenton reaction to generate hydroxyl radicals, which could damage lipids, proteins and DNA [88, 89]. Therefore, plants must respond to iron stress in terms of both iron deficiency and iron overload [2]. Fe is the third most limiting nutrient for plant growth and metabolism, primarily due to the low solubility of the oxidized ferric form in aerobic environments [90]. Iron deficiency is a common nutritional disorder in many crop plants, resulting in poor yields and reduced nutritional quality [91]. Iron sulphate is also used as a fertiliser and herbicide [92].

Journal of Ecology & Natural Resources

Figure 3
Click to enlarge
Figure 3

Journal of Ecology & Natural Resources

into the mangrove habitat. Fe values in mangrove leaves were lower than the permissible limit of iron in plants, which is reported to be 450.0µg/g by FAO/WHO (1984) [93]. This study suggests that the mangrove trees in all sites not polluted by Fe except at Al-Hodeidah. These findings also suggest that mangrove leaves have ability to tolerate and accumulate of iron. These results agreed with many authors [18, 84]. Fe is released into mangrove ecosystems by natural process, such as weathering of sulphide ores and rocks [94]. Anthropogenic sources of Fe include the iron and steel industry, burning of coke and coal, sewage, landfill leachates and the corrosion of iron and steel [95]. The essential metals (Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu) have a part to play in chloroplast processes, protein synthesis, enzyme activities, growth hormones and carbohydrate metabolisms [18, 96]. High levels of these metals in mangrove leaves may be that these metals are micronutrients essential metals for mangrove growth and metabolism and thus absorbed and used by mangrove plants. Comparing the concentration of studied metals in mangrove leaves of the study area with those from other studies conducted within the same geographical region and other countries shown in Table 2. The present investigation showed that the heavy metals concentrations in mangrove leaves varied from not polluted to slightly higher the permissible limits which are reported by WHO. Magnesium, Copper, Chromium, Lead, and Cadmium were slightly exceeded the permissible limits, whereas Cobalt, Nickel, Zinc, Manganese, and Iron were within the permissible limits of WHO. It is clear from the present results that the samples collected from Al- Hodeidah and Ghorairah stations were relatively higher in heavy metals concentration than the other locations which indicate more anthropogenic activities in the vicinity of both locations.

LocationPbCdCrNiCoCuZnMnMgFeReference
YemenAl-Salif1.200.192.132.801.2513.0017.6511.331188.10335.50Present
study
Al-Urj2.100.442.353.601.4019.0315.7314.251152.55381.25
Al-Hodeidah3.180.433.604.002.4524.4521.3817.701576.23458.25
Yakhtol0.180.221.532.050.5714.9815.409.401102.78264.00
Ghorairah2.350.382.722.721.6819.4019.6512.431347.75326.00
Saudi
Arabia		Shuaiba0.570.014.536.74–4.174.2311.14–39.54[47]
Yanbu .0.22ND2.3721.10–6.83ND65.95–375.39
Tarut Bay and
Gurmah Island		6.90----4.4011.00---[97]
IranQeshm Island0.84––2.44–37.7333.83–––[17]
Sirik Azini creek8.800.80-6.20-9.4520.69--,[30]
IndiaVeli79.003.00––77.00140.00167.00495.00–6900.00[18]
Kochi42.002.00––55.0068.00146.00510.00–5500.00
Kannur28.00<1––29.0033.00220.00308.00–10500.00
Pichavaram7.00ND19.001.000.0433.0018.0017.00799.00525.00[84]
Cuddalore6.000.1020.003.000.6012.009.005.00571.00131.00
Vellar2.00ND3.001.000.3047.0017.0026.001648.00137.00
ChinaQuanzhou Bay1.60–25.00136.000.305.3023.40684.00–237.00[56]
Maowei Gulf1.570.204.821.25-1.8318.58---[48]
ThailandPattani Bay30.300.400.4038.30-10.8011.10224.00--[19]
PanamaPunta Mala Bay6.20–---3.7035.80--–[98]
AustraliaPort Jackson3.50-––-24.8022.10-––[71]
3.90––––10.7035.50-––
Hawksbury1.70––––3.2014.30-––
Port Hacking0.10––––3.2034.00-––
FranceNew Caledonia-0.16-0.61-0.280.310.83-5.59[2]
The permissible limit of
heavy metal in plant		2.000.021.3010.00-10.0050.00-200.00-[31]

Table 2: Comparison between the present results of heavy metals concentrations (µg/g) in mangrove leaves of the study area with e

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Conclusion

The distribution of heavy metals in mangrove leaves during this study may be arranged in the decreasing order as follows: Mg > Fe > Cu > Zn > Mn > Ni > Cr > Co > Pb > Cd. The levels of heavy metal, which accumulate in mangrove leaves of the study area, differ seasonally and spatially. The higher value of these metals in mangrove leaves were at Al-Hodeidah may be due to increasing anthropogenic activities in the vicinity of this site, whereas at Ghorairah may be attributed to the potential contaminants that carried by water currents coming from the Gulf of Aden, through Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Al-Salif and Yakhtol showed no polluted by heavy metals, this might be due to limited influence of anthropogenic activities at these two sites. Elevated metal concentrations during spring and summer might be associated with increasing biological activities in mangrove ecosystems, terrestrial run off and rainfall during these seasons. The levels of studied metals in mangrove leaves were comparable with corresponding in other less polluted area of the world. Heavy metals concentrations in mangrove leaves were lower than the permissible limits as recommended by WHO, except Mg, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Cd. This study indicated that nonessential metals entering in mangrove ecosystems could be accumulated in mangrove leaves and then removed from tree with falling leaves. High levels of Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in mangrove leaves may be that these metals are micronutrients essential metals for mangrove growth and metabolism and thus absorbed and used by mangrove plant. It is recommended that, continuous monitoring of levels of heavy metals in mangrove habitats is necessary to avoid being overcome permissible limit (especially at Al-Hodeidah and Ghorairah). Also establishing sustainable programs for regular coastal surveillance to detect polluted mangrove habitats.

Acknowledgements

The authors are highly thankful to Department of Earth and Environmental Science, Sana'a University, and Geological Survey Minerals Resources Board, Ministry of oil and Minerals, Yemen for their support of the project.

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@article{al2018,
  title   = {Assessment of Heavy Metals Concentration in Mangroves
Leaves of the Red Sea Coast of Yeme},
  author  = {Al Hagibi HA, Nagi HM, Al-Selwi KM and Al-Shwafi NA},
  journal = {Journal of Ecology & Natural Resources},
  year    = {2018},
  volume  = {2},
  number  = {1},
  doi     = {10.23880/jenr-16000120}
}
Al Hagibi HA, Nagi HM, Al-Selwi KM and Al-Shwafi NA (2018). Assessment of Heavy Metals Concentration in Mangroves
Leaves of the Red Sea Coast of Yeme. Journal of Ecology & Natural Resources, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.23880/jenr-16000120
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Assessment of Heavy Metals Concentration in Mangroves
Leaves of the Red Sea Coast of Yeme
AU  - Al Hagibi HA, Nagi HM, Al-Selwi KM and Al-Shwafi NA
JO  - Journal of Ecology & Natural Resources
PY  - 2018
VL  - 2
IS  - 1
DO  - 10.23880/jenr-16000120
ER  -