Distribution of nutrients in surface seawater from the Aden coasts/Gulf of Aden, Yemen

Abstract

Abstract The concentrations of nutrients as well as some physico-chemical parameters were evaluated at the surface seawater of eight stations in Aden city coasts during winter 2019 and summer 2020. The results indicated that the concentration of nutrients were high in the study stations, exception the reference station which was far from the sources of pollution, where the domestic sewage effluents that discharge to sea. Seasonal variations showed that nitrite and nitrate concentrations in all stations were higher during winter (0.053 and 5.460 mg/L) compared to their corresponding values in summer which were 0.029 and 3.130 mg/L respectively. On contrast, seasonal distributions of phosphate and silicate exhibited significantly higher values in summer 0.746 and 1.004 mg/L compared to their corresponding values in winter, which were 0.451 and 0.881 mg/L, respectively. The results of the study confirm the importance of protecting Aden coastal waters from various pollutants, especially wastewater pollutants. Recommendations: Maintaining and repairing the sewage network and reconnecting cities with Al-Arish station. The waste is not directly discharged to the sea until after it has been treated, provided it is safe. The application of legislation and regulations related to the protection of the marine environment.