Regional Studies in Marine Science最新文献

{"title":"Spatial patterns and environmental drivers of crustacean assemblages in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon in the northeastern area of the Sea of Marmara, Turkey","authors":"Seçil Acar,&nbsp;Yusuf Şen,&nbsp;Mukadder Arslan İhsanoğlu,&nbsp;İ. Burak Daban","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105209","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105209","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lagoon ecosystems are highly dynamic transitional habitats where patterns of biodiversity are strongly influenced by spatial heterogeneity and seasonal fluctuations. This study examined the spatio-temporal dynamics and habitat preferences of benthic crustacean communities in Çardak Lagoon, in the southwestern Sea of Marmara, Turkey. Monthly sampling was conducted between May 2024 and April 2025 across distinct habitat types (mud, sand, rocky, and algal substrates) at seven stations. A total of 3753 individuals belonging to 13 species were recorded. <em>Palaemon elegans</em>, <em>Carcinus aestuarii</em>, and <em>Gammarus aequicauda</em> were more abundant. Individual numbers fluctuated across the monthly sampling occasions, reflecting seasonal environmental forcing. Muddy and algal habitats supported greater benthic diversity than sandy and rocky areas. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) combined with environmental fitting (envfit) identified dissolved oxygen (O₂) as the primary driver of community distribution (p = 0.029), while temperature and salinity played secondary roles in structuring spatial patterns. These findings underscore the role of crustaceans as bioindicator species and highlight their ecological importance in assessing the health of lagoon ecosystems under anthropogenic pressures. This study provides a basis for integrating benthic monitoring into lagoon management strategies under climate stress scenarios.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"100 ","pages":"Article 105209"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148570923","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Challenges of financial and digital inclusion for small-scale fishers in Mexico","authors":"EA Marín-Monroy ,&nbsp;R.I. Cota-Hirales ,&nbsp;M. Moreno-Báez ,&nbsp;M.A. Ojeda-Ruiz","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105141","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105141","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Small-scale fisheries contribute 50% of the global catch, providing the most significant proportion of products intended for direct human consumption, ensuring food security, and generating millions of jobs and livelihoods. However, they face challenges that require solutions from multidisciplinary approaches. These include digital exclusion and the inequitable financial system, which limit the effective, efficient, and sustainable development of the activity. If left unaddressed, this will widen the gap with sectors competing for ocean use. Given the lack of studies, this research was developed, using La Paz Bay, Baja California Sur, Mexico, as a case study, to determine the levels of financial and digital inclusion in the sector and propose actions to reduce economic vulnerability and improve inclusion. We compiled information through organized and systematic searches. A structured survey, designed with the support of community leaders, was administered to 46 economic units. The results were validated in a participatory workshop. Among the findings, the aging population stands out, with a low level of incorporation of young fishers, a predominant primary education level, and more than 15 years of experience. Cell phone use dominates in technology, with limited use of computers and fishing equipment. While debit accounts are common, access to mobile applications and bank credit services is limited. The most common financing is for working capital, which is provided through family networks and local lenders. It is recognized that less than 45% record and analyze their financial transactions, and only 8% do so using technology. More than 60% are interested in learning about basic finance and the use of technology. It is recommended that financing policies for the sector be reviewed and financing schemes based on flow analysis in banking institutions be proposed. We consider it is essential to direct efforts to strengthen the financial literacy of individuals and organizations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"100 ","pages":"Article 105141"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148349574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Graphical and spatio-statistical characterization of groundwater mineralization, scaling, and corrosivity signatures for sustainable aquifer development and risk management","authors":"Johnbosco C. Egbueri ,&nbsp;Mahamuda Abu ,&nbsp;Musah Saeed Zango ,&nbsp;Sani I. Abba ,&nbsp;Abdullahi G. Usman ,&nbsp;Johnson C. Agbasi","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105148","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105148","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Groundwater management in semi-arid regions faces increasing challenges due to climate variability, limited recharge, and rising anthropogenic pressures from agricultural and industrial use, threatening water security and sustainable development. Though agricultural and domestic water suitability has been assessed in the Upper West and Savannah regions of Ghana, industrial water quality assessment for scaling and corrosivity risks is lacking. The combination of seven indices (Langelier Saturation Index, LSI; Aggressive Index, AI; Puckorius Scaling Index, PSI; Ryznar Stability Index, RSI; Revelle Index, RI; Larson Skold Index, <span>L</span>-SI; Chloride Sulfate Mass Ratio, CSMR) with Chadha plots, Giggenbach diagrams, hierarchical cluster analysis, and kriging interpolation has not been applied previously in crystalline basement aquifers. This study introduces that integrated framework to assess groundwater mineralization, scaling, and corrosivity in the region. Results show Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-HCO₃⁻ dominance in 83.33% of samples, with mean index values (LSI: 0.1, AI: 11.8, PSI: 8.5, RSI: 8.0, RI: 0.2, <span>L</span>-SI: 0.3, CSMR: 2.8). LSI showed scaling potential in 59.7% of samples, RSI indicated corrosive behavior in 91.7% (with 25.0% exhibiting rigorous corrosive potency), and CSMR flagged galvanic corrosion risk in 95.8% of samples. Giggenbach diagram analysis classified all samples as immature waters with %√Mg greater than 90%, suggesting limited water-rock interaction and rapid recharge. Spatial analysis identified high-risk clusters (example: Loggu 5–7 with total dissolved solids greater than 1250 mg/L, nitrate greater than 500 mg/L) linked to shear zones and agricultural activity. Priority monitoring should target high-risk clusters such as Loggu 5–7 and Ga 1. Corrosion-resistant materials are required where AI is below 10, and scaling prevention measures should be applied where LSI exceeds 0.5. Water managers can use these thresholds to protect infrastructure. Communities in high-risk clusters require regular nitrate and total dissolved solids testing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"100 ","pages":"Article 105148"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148365768","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experimental estimation of capture efficiency across seafloor litter categories and plastic subcategories using a toothed fishing dredge","authors":"Zijiang Yang,&nbsp;Hiroaki Omi,&nbsp;Hideyuki Tsuri,&nbsp;Daisuke Shiode,&nbsp;Tadashi Tokai","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105197","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105197","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, a field depletion experiment with 45 transects was conducted to estimate the capture efficiency of a toothed dredge for seafloor litter in bottom-tow surveys in southeastern Osaka Bay, at a water depth of approximately 12 m over a muddy substrate. Seafloor litter catches generally decreased with increasing transect number, and plastics, particularly plastic fragments, were the dominant component. Using the patch model, capture efficiencies for total seafloor litter were estimated to be 19.2%, 32.6%, and 19.7% for tooth-bar, cod-end, and pooled samples, respectively, indicating differences in capture efficiency among collection parts of the gear. Capture efficiency also varied across litter categories and plastic subcategories, e.g., pooled sample estimates were 18.1% for plastics, 44.1% for natural fiber/leather, 29.3% for plastic bags, and 16.3% for plastic fragments, reflecting differences in physical properties and interactions with the gear. These results demonstrate that conventional approaches assuming 100% capture efficiency substantially underestimate true litter abundance. Analyses based on partial depletion datasets further showed that at least 25 transects are recommended to obtain statistically significant estimates, whereas approximately 20 transects are sufficient to produce stable point estimates. Overall, this study provides experimental estimates of capture efficiency for toothed dredges and empirical guidance on survey effort, contributing to improved abundance estimation and robust monitoring of marine litter.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"100 ","pages":"Article 105197"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148570675","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in Sydney Cockle (Anadara trapezia) from a subtropical estuary with an industrial legacy","authors":"Benjamin C.T. Gray,&nbsp;Gavin Stevenson,&nbsp;Robert W. Crough,&nbsp;Alan Yates,&nbsp;Jasmine Franco,&nbsp;Matthew D. Taylor","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105179","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105179","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polychlorinated dibenzo-<em>p</em>-dioxins, dibenzofurans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (hereafter collectively referred to as ‘dioxins’) are persistent organic pollutants that bioaccumulate through aquatic food webs, posing potential exposure-risks through seafood consumption. Sydney Harbour in south-eastern Australia is among the most dioxin-contaminated estuaries globally, due to its longstanding industrial legacy. Arcid cockles (Bivalvia: Arcidae) are harvested from estuarine habitats worldwide, yet little is known about dioxin accumulation by this group. This study provides the first published report of dioxin concentrations in Sydney Cockle (<em>Anadara trapezia</em>). Cockles were composited by body size and analysed for 29 dioxin congeners using high-resolution gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Toxicity equivalency quotients (TEQs) were calculated following World Health Organization guidelines. Total dioxin concentrations were significantly higher in cockles from western Sydney Harbour (1.82 ± 0.07 (mean ± SE) pg TEQ g⁻¹ ) than those from eastern Sydney Harbour (0.74 ± 0.06 pg TEQ g⁻¹). All cockle TEQs were below the Australian seafood screening threshold of 6 pg TEQ_total g-wet-weight⁻¹. Cockle congener profiles were dominated by higher-chlorinated dioxins and mono-<em>ortho</em>-substituted dl-PCBs, largely corresponding with profiles of other invertebrates and the water column in previous studies. Monitoring programs utilising Sydney Cockle could provide a cost-effective means of tracking dioxin contamination and inform the periodic need for broader seafood sampling in Sydney Harbour.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"100 ","pages":"Article 105179"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148570571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Floating marine litter in the two main marine protected areas of the Canary Islands","authors":"Alejandro Usategui-Martín,&nbsp;Ana Liria,&nbsp;Borja Aguiar-González,&nbsp;May Gómez,&nbsp;Rodrigo Almeda,&nbsp;Alberto Navarro,&nbsp;Marta Sampalo,&nbsp;Verónica González-Álvarez,&nbsp;Alicia Herrera","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105222","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105222","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plastic pollution in high-biodiversity oceanic islands is a global environmental issue. While studies on microplastics have increased in the last decades, research on large floating marine debris and its relationship with meso- and microplastics remains limited. The Canary Islands (Northeast Atlantic), a natural barrier within the Canary Current and the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre, are no exception; despite growing concerns about marine pollution in this archipelago, systematic data on large floating debris is still lacking. The main objective of this study was to estimate the density and distribution of floating marine litter in two marine protected areas (MPAs) of the Canary Islands: “<em>Franja Marina de Teno-Rasca</em>” (Tenerife) and “<em>Franja Marina de Mogán</em>” (Gran Canaria). The study also examines the relationship between the density of large floating debris (macrolitter &gt; 5 cm) and small floating debris (including microlitter 200µm-5mm and mesolitter 0.5cm-2.5 cm) and discuss the distribution of floating debris in the context of regional oceanographic dynamics. Field sampling in both MPAs was carried out between July 2022 and February 2023, and combined large floating debris collection with a macro net and small floating debris sampling with a manta net, both applied simultaneously along the same transects to ensure comparability. The concentration of macrolitter (&gt; 5 cm) ranged from 0 to 13,433 items/km² while the concentrations of micro-mesolitter (200 µm – 2.5 cm) varied between 0 and 106,667 items/km². Our results confirm the widespread presence of marine debris in both protected areas, which correspond to leeward zones prone to debris accumulation, particularly during calmer periods (September–October). Although their density can vary drastically among years and seasons, both MPAs emerged as hotspots for floating debris, highlighting the need for mitigation measures and sustained monitoring to safeguard marine biodiversity in these Marine Protected Areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"100 ","pages":"Article 105222"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148570582","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Meiofauna and nematode communities in a sandy beach and in the sandbars of an adjacent creek on the Odisha coast, India","authors":"Panda Narayan,&nbsp;K.U. Abdul Jaleel,&nbsp;Shesdev Patro,&nbsp;R. Jyothibabu,&nbsp;Sweta Beura,&nbsp;N. Srustishree","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105177","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105177","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the distribution of meiofauna (45–500 μm) in the intertidal zones of a tropical, mesotidal sandy beach of Gopalpur coast and sandbars of Haripur creek, on the Odisha coast, India. Sediment samples were collected from the sandy beach at each tidal level (high to low) and from the sand bar of Haripur creek during the southwest monsoon (July-September 2019). Altogether, nine meiofaunal taxa were recorded with a mean abundance of 258 ± 213 ind. 10 cm⁻². Crustaceans and polychaetes dominated the meiofaunal community (59%), followed by nematodes (18%). Meiofaunal abundance varied significantly across tidal levels and sediment depths, peaking in the low tide zone and in subsurface sediment layers, while reduced abundance was observed in areas influenced by anthropogenic disturbance. The horizontal distribution of meiofauna was controlled by sediment grain size, air temperature, water exposure time, and organic matter content, whereas vertical distribution was shaped by sediment porosity, water percolation, oxygen availability, and species specific adaptations. Nematodes comprised 12 families and 14 genera, dominated by Comesomatidae, Oncholaimidae, and Xyalidae. The distribution of their feeding guilds across subsurface layers suggest niche partitioning within the sediment column, indicating trophic segregation linked to resource availability and sedimentary conditions. Variations in the meiofaunal abundance and distribution pattern, along with the low functional diversity of nematodes in the creek sandbars, were consistant with the low habitat heterogeneity. The observed variation in meiofaunal distribution compared with those reported in similar studies suggests that tropical mesotidal dissipative beaches possess distinct ecological characteristics, mainly governed by local climate and beach morphodynamics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"100 ","pages":"Article 105177"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148570586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Age, growth, and year-class strength of Goldeye rockfish Sebastes thompsoni in the coastal waters of the northern Japan Sea","authors":"Tomohiro Ishikuro","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105176","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105176","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The age, growth, and year-class strength (YCS) of <em>Sebastes thompsoni</em>, a principal rockfish species supporting commercial fisheries along the Japan Sea coast, were examined using 11,089 specimens collected from coastal waters off the Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan, and a 14-year series (2011–2024) of fixed gillnet catch data. By applying the otolith cross-section method for age determination, we found that this species can attain ages exceeding 40 years, which is substantially older than previously established using the whole-otolith method. Sex-specific von Bertalanffy growth models revealed pronounced sexual dimorphism, with growth trajectories diverging after approximately 10 years and the asymptotic lengths of females exceeding those of males. Age-specific catch per unit effort (CPUE), standardised using gamma generalised linear mixed models, showed strong temporal continuity of year classes within the fishery. Linear mixed-effects modelling of age-specific CPUE identified pronounced variations in the YCS, with the 2014-year class emerging as exceptionally strong. These results revise the longevity and growth characteristics of <em>S. thompsoni</em>, demonstrate persistent cohort signals in the fishery, and provide an improved biological basis for future age-structured assessments and regional management of long-lived rockfish species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"100 ","pages":"Article 105176"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148570588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Local management can offset climate-driven increases in marine habitat risks","authors":"Kuei-Chun Chang,&nbsp;Ting-Chun Kuo,&nbsp;Chueh-Ning Lu,&nbsp;Chia-Ying Ko","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105103","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105103","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Habitat risk assessment is a valuable tool for identifying vulnerable areas and habitats that require enhanced protection. Climate change and human activities pose significant threats to environments, and their interaction may further amplify these impacts. This study explored how global warming, varying levels and types of human activities, and their combined effects would influence habitat risks in a marine ecosystem. More importantly, it investigated whether localized conservation measures could mitigate habitat risks under ongoing global warming. Using the South Penghu Marine National Park in Taiwan as a case study, habitat risk assessments were conducted under current condition and three future scenarios considering conservation management and projected warming. The results indicated that habitat risks increased slightly under the Global Warming scenario. However, strengthening the management of existing human activities, particularly fisheries, could substantially reduce overall habitat risks to 38% under current condition and to 50% under the Global Warming scenario. Although the spatial distribution of habitat risks varied among scenarios, coral reefs in general exhibited the highest risks, while both commercial and IUU fishing were identified as the primary drivers. Overall, our findings suggest that improved management of human activities can significantly mitigate habitat risks, exerting greater influences on risk reduction than the pressures imposed by global warming. In situations where global warming cannot be effectively halted in the short term, strengthening regulation of human activities may provide critical relief for ecosystems facing persistent environmental stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"100 ","pages":"Article 105103"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148570663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of seasonal and spatial distribution of metallic pollutants in sediments from the Southwestern Moroccan Mediterranean Coast (Cabo Negro - Jebha)","authors":"Ouijdane El Mouatez,&nbsp;Mostapha Benomar,&nbsp;Saida Bouzid,&nbsp;Hind Essaouini,&nbsp;Mohammed Elbouch,&nbsp;Hassan Ouahidi,&nbsp;Abdelfattah Bensaber,&nbsp;Hassan Er-Raioui","doi":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105192","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.rsma.2026.105192","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work explores the spatial and seasonal variations of ten heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cr, Fe, Ba, Al, Co) in sediments collected from six sites along the Western Moroccan Mediterranean coast between Cabo Negro and Jebha. Geochemical analysis, including organic matter and calcium carbonate content, with metal quantification using microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry, was carried out. Contamination levels were assessed using the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), the enrichment factor (EF), and ecological risk indices (ERI and PERI). The results showed moderate to high contamination of coastal sediments by Ni and Cr across the study area, frequently exceeding sediment quality guideline thresholds (PEL), mainly of anthropogenic origin, whereas Zn, Cu, and Pb remained below these limits and were associated with low Igeo and EF values, suggesting a predominantly lithogenic origin, with minor anthropogenic influence. The RI and PERI results indicated no risk. However, frequent threshold exceedances and high EF and Igeo for Ni and Cr, with the combined interpretation of contamination indices and multivariate analysis, indicate both natural geological enrichments, linked to the Rif domain, and possible anthropogenic contributions. Despite the observed enrichment, ERI and PERI values indicate a low overall ecological risk. Nevertheless, the threshold exceedance and moderate enrichment factors suggest localized contamination and potential long-term concerns. The weak correlation between metal concentration and sediment properties highlights the dominant role of external inputs and hydrodynamic processes in controlling metal distribution. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between sites, influencing the metals distribution with marked seasonal variations, particularly at Stehat for Zn.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21070,"journal":{"name":"Regional Studies in Marine Science","volume":"100 ","pages":"Article 105192"},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148570741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}