JERUSALEM, Aug. 8 -- An Israeli survey has identified several sources of pollution and high levels of toxic substances in the water and on the seabed near the country's southern port city of Eilat, according to a statement by the Israeli Environmental Protection Ministry on Thursday.

The main pollution sources, as indicated by the survey, include a fuel terminal of a pipeline company, a nearby marina, as well as the port, a shipyard, and a motorized water sports dock, all located in the resort city of Eilat, said the report.

Abnormal concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, components of oil that are highly toxic to marine life, were found in the seawater, it said.

Most pollution, however, was found on the sea's bottom, where pollutants have sunk and accumulated over time.

The survey detected several types of pollutants in unusual concentrations, including toxic oil and fuel components, as well as oil additives originating from motorized sailing and oil discharges.

The ministry noted that the highest concentration of unresolved complex mixture near the fuel terminal and berth indicates historical pollution, explaining that oil in the sea breaks down over time into components that are difficult to identify in the lab.

The survey also uncovered pollutants associated with sailing and boat maintenance, such as toxic dyes used to prevent the growth of sedentary organisms like oysters, algae, and abalone on boats.

The ministry emphasized that these findings underscored the need to reduce pollution in Eilat and provided a baseline for future comparison in case of a sea pollution incident.

  - Xinhua