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Rate of deposition and quality of sedimentation dust in Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

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Abstract

This study presents data on the mineralogy and the metal content of dust deposited in Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. The mineralogical compositions of the dust were determined using X-ray diffraction, and the results revealed that quartz is the dominant mineral, whereas calcite, dolomite, plagioclase, and serpentine were minor minerals. Two sampling sites were chosen from both Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah. The concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Co in the sedimentation dusts samples of these sites were determined using inductively coupled plasma. The levels of most of heavy metal were generally below those determined in the other cities in the Middle East. The air enrichment factors for all the samples were analyzed, and the results indicated that Cd, Zn, Co, and Ni were highly enriched relative to their crustal ratios (to Fe) and correspond to substantial contribution of anthropogenic source of these metals. These metals mainly originate from the traffic emissions and industrial activities with contribution from natural sources. The average rates of deposition in Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah were 193 and 972 mg m−2 day−1, respectively. These rates were higher than those of other regions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology and Geophysics, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Habes A. Ghrefat

  2. Environmental Science Program, College of Art and Science, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

    Fares M. Howari

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  1. Habes A. Ghrefat
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  2. Fares M. Howari
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Correspondence to Habes A. Ghrefat.

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Ghrefat, H.A., Howari, F.M. Rate of deposition and quality of sedimentation dust in Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. Arab J Geosci 6, 1033–1039 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-011-0420-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-011-0420-6

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