Metal pollution in Al-Khobar seawater, Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia

Journal Article

• Magazine \ Newspaper: Marine Pollution Bulletin
• Volume Number: 129
• Pages: 407–415

Publication Abstract

In order to assess heavy metals pollution along the Al-Khobar coastline, 30 seawater samples and 15 sediment oneswere collected for Al, V, Cr,Mn, Fe, Co,Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr,Mo, Cd,Hg and Pb analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The analysis indicated a southward decreasing pattern in most heavy metal concentrations and the average values of Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, As and Cr were higher than the ones reported from some worldwide seas and gulfs.Most of the highest levelswere recorded within the bays and were related
with in situ under sediments especially that composed of clays and very fine sands, and in localities characterized with anthropogenic activities like landfilling, desalination plants, fishing boats, oil spills and solid rubbish. The results of the present study provide useful background for further marine investigation and management in the Arabian Gulf region.