M8 AM Persistent Organic Pollutants
Monday, 14 November 2005: 8:00 AM - 11:40 AM in 337-338

(BEG-1117-359021) Status of Persistence Toxic Substances in Arabian Gulf States.

Beg, M.¹, Al-Ghadban, A.¹, ¹ Environmental Sciences Department, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, PO Box 24885, Safat-13109, Kuwait, Kuwait

ABSTRACT- This presentation will provide an insight in the problems of persistence toxic substances (PTS) in the region of Arabian Gulf States; identify the gaps in knowledge and an action plan. Available reports indicated that PTS analyzed in tissues or environmental samples rarely occurred as single compound. Most of the chlorinated compounds were detected n sediment and biota of Gulf waters. However, their concentration was found to be extremely low. Several organochlorine compounds were detected in fairly young mothers milk though not to an alarming levels but indicating the presence of unknown sources. Methyl mercury in the marine sediment was in the lower end of the range of values typical of uncontaminated near shore and offshore sediments. Of the fish analyzed twenty one percent exceeded the WHO limits. River discharges and industrial areas have the highest PAHs contamination. Khor Bubiyan in Kuwait and Abadan in Iran showed contamination with degraded and fresh oil. PAHs were also reported in sediment from Abadan and Qatar. Fish samples contained low levels of PAHs. Organotin compounds (butyl and phenyl-tin) in muscle and liver samples of fish were detected throughout Arabian Gulf but were less than in Tokyo Bay. Environmental monitoring of combustion products dioxins and furans has been initiated in many countries but data are not yet available. Regarding PTS sources inventories do not exists so far or not frequently accessible to get quantitative information of input in the environment. Oil hydrocarbons (PAHs) and combustion products are on the top of priority list in oil producing Gulf States.

Key words: POPs, PTS, Arabian Gulf, Environmental Contamination