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Trace metal and TBT pollution in the Gulf and Oman: spatial variation and hot spots

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Abstract

This review assesses trace metal concentrations in nearshore and offshore bottom sediments in the Arabian Gulf and Oman focusing particularly on targeted monitoring studies of point sources of contamination near industrial zones (sometimes with ports) and desalination and power plants (often co-located). Concerns have been raised about harmful impacts from accumulation of metals in the semi-enclosed Gulf. The sediment trace metal contaminants of the greatest concern are highlighted with maximum levels of toxic trace metals such as As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni, Zn, and TBT recorded near port and ship repair yards/dry docks as well as industrial and power/desalination plant discharge outfalls. The levels of metals such as Cd, Pb, and Hg exceeding sediment quality guidelines at identified hot spots are of concern. Efforts to mitigate future impacts are recommended.

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Author notes

  1. Scott W. Fowler

    Present address: Institute Bobby, 8 Allée Des Orangers, 06320, Cap d’Ail, France

Authors and Affiliations

  1. P.O. Box 389, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, 5300, Philippines

    Barry P. Jupp

  2. Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait City, Kuwait

    Saif Uddin

  3. School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5000, USA

    Scott W. Fowler

  4. Gulf Geoinformation Solutions, Sharjah, UAE

    Mohd. Faizuddin

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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by Barry P. Jupp, Saif Uddin, Scott W. Fowler, and Mohd. Faizuddin. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Barry P. Jupp, and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. The graphics has been done by Mohd. Faizuddin.

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Correspondence to Barry P. Jupp.

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Not applicable to this study; that essentially is a review of metal concentrations in non-human matrixes.

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Jupp, B.P., Uddin, S., Fowler, S.W. et al. Trace metal and TBT pollution in the Gulf and Oman: spatial variation and hot spots. Environ Sci Pollut Res 30, 76351–76371 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-27526-9

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