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Description
This study aimed to assess the marine environmental quality of the Essaouira coastline in Morocco using the brown seaweed Saccorhiza polyschides as a biomonitor, as well as seawater physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen. The metal concentrations in the seaweed and seawater were monitored seasonally at four sites. The results revealed that the metal concentrations in the algae followed the order Fe > Al > Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd > Ni > As and were generally higher than those in the other species in the region, except for nickel and arsenic. Seasonal variations showed higher metal levels during warmer periods. Seawater analysis indicated that heavy metal levels were within acceptable limits, although correlations between physicochemical parameters and metal concentrations were observed. Temperature was positively correlated with Al, Fe, and Zn, while dissolved oxygen was negatively correlated with Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, As, and Ni. Total phosphorus was positively correlated with Zn and Pb, and total nitrogen was positively correlated with Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, As, and Ni. The metal pollution index (MPI) indicated moderate pollution, particularly at the port station (S3), due to port activities, while the control site, My Bouzerktoune (S1), was better preserved. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and effective management strategies to mitigate metal pollution along coasts.
