HEAVY METALS AND PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS CONTAMINATION OF BOTTOM SEDIMENTS OF EL SUKHNA AREA,GULF OF SUEZ,EGYPT

The concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), total organic carbon (%TOC) and petroleum related heavy metals beside the grain size distribution of El Sukhna area, Egypt were determined in the bottom sediment. Copper, zinc and nickel concentrations were found within the lowest effect, while lead and cadmium levels were close to and high to the lowest effect, respectively. The contaminations level were found due to petrogenic origin and their sources are either weathered or highly weathered crude oils and or used lubricating oil. Their detection gives an indication of recent and continuous petroleum inputs.