Heavy metals are metallic elements, some of which exhibit high biological toxicity even at low concentrations, and their presence in marine environments is largely linked to increased anthropogenic activity. Major sources of heavy metal input include coastal industrial operations, maritime traffic, urban wastewater discharge, and surface runoff from industrial and agricultural areas. Coastal zones are particularly vulnerable to such contamination due to the close interaction between human activities and the marine environment. Consequently, the development of sensitive and effective monitoring tools is essential for long-term environmental assessment.

This study presents a spatial assessment of heavy metal concentrations using benthic foraminiferal shells collected along the Israeli coast of the Gulf of Aqaba–Eilat. Analyses were conducted using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The main objective was to evaluate the potential of foraminiferal shells as environmental bioindicators of heavy metal contamination and to examine spatial variability in metal enrichment among different coastal stations.

The study focused on Peneroplis, a large symbiont-bearing benthic foraminiferal genus that is abundant in the coastal environments of the Red Sea. Samples were collected from six coastal stations representing a gradient of anthropogenic influence. Intact shells were analyzed using LA-ICP-MS, enabling in situ measurements across multiple chambers. Molar ratios of Pb/Ca, Zn/Ca, and Mn/Ca were calculated and compared among stations.

The results indicate clear spatial differences in heavy metal concentrations. The northern stations MOL (Mol HaYam Beach) and S-Y (Shipyard Beach) showed the highest Pb and Zn levels, whereas elevated Mn concentrations were observed at E-B (Power Station Beach). In contrast, the southern stations IUI (Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat) and C-B (Caves Beach) exhibited consistently low background levels. These findings support the use of benthic foraminiferal shells as sensitive bioindicators for detecting spatial variability and localized anthropogenic impacts in coastal marine environments.