This work appraises the extent of toxic tracemetals and seasonal pollution degree in Damietta
branch sediments of the River Nile of Egypt. The toxic trace metals Fe, Mn, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni,
Pb, and Zn were analysed in sediments from six sites during the summer and winter seasons.
The metal concentrations and organic matter were determined using inductively-coupled-plasma
mass spectrometry and loss-on-ignition, respectively. Multivariate statistical methods were used in
order to allocate the possible metals sources and their relationships in sediments. The seasonal mean
sequence of toxic trace metals was: Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Co > Cd. The mean Cd, Pb, and Zn
values exceeded the sediment quality guidelines and average shale and they represent severe potential
toxicity for aquatic organisms. Cu and Co were enriched during winter. The geo-accumulation index
stipulated that metal pollution degree in the sequence of: Pb > Zn > Cd > Co > Cu > Mn > Ni > Fe.
The highest metal pollution index reported in winter in sites S4/S5 and during summer in sites S4–S6.
Different agricultural, wastewater discharge, fisheries, and industrial activities, as well as the effect of
dilution/concentration during summer/winter seasons, are the main factors that contributed to metal
accumulations in Damietta branch sediments. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of toxic trace
metal concentrations of the Damietta sediments and similar localities worldwide can help to protect the
ecosystem from harmful metal contaminations.