Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

STUDY OF THE PRESENCE OF METAL ELEMENTS IN SEA WATER IN THE STATE OF KUWAIT

Abdal-Kareem M.A. Dawagreh, Mohammad M. Hailat1, Hussam E. Al Khasawneh, Suresh Sundaramurthy and Salam J.J. Titinchi

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the concentration of some metal elements in sea water in the state of Kuwait. Sea water can be considered the main source to meet the country’s need of water, therefore,it’s important to continuously observe its properties and quality. Water samples were collected from thirteen different locations, 1 to 1.5 km apart along the coastline from the far north to the far south at a depth of 1 meter. These locations were selected due to the impact of the marine environment and urban industrial processes that occur in the country. The sampling areas were Miudaira (Z1), Al-Doha (Z2), RasUshairij(Z3), Al-Shuwaikh (Z4), Ras Al-Ajuozah (Z5), Ras Al-Ardh (Z6), Al-Misilah (Z7), Al-Beda’a, Al-Bahrea(Z8), Al-Fintas (Z9), Al-Manqaf (Z10), Mina Abdullah Port (Z11), Al-Julaiah (Z12), Ras Al-Zour (Z13). Themetal elements that their concentration was measured were arsenic (As), Copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel(Ni), vanadium (V) lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd). Water samples were collected in polyethylene bottles, and upon arrival in the lab were tested using atomic absorption in addition to other testing methods and techniques.