Evaluation of marine pollution by mercury from petrochemical hot spot, west of Libya

Abstract

Elemental mercury is associated with industrial wastes discharged through the main effluent pipe of the chlorine-Alkali plant at Abo-Kamash area west of Libya. The minimal mercury value of 0.1 ppm dry weight is assumed to be the background level for the uncontaminated sediments in the area. Mercury level ranged from 0.193 to 0.310 ppm in the sediments from the polluted area beyond the plant. The concentration of total mercury in fish muscle ranged from 0.176 and 3.586 μg/g wet wt. The Chlorine-Alkali plant is obviously the major source of mercury pollution.