Evaluation of Heavy, Toxic and Trace Metals Contamination in Fish, Seawater, Sediments and Seashells of the Arabian Gulf Coastal, Kuwait (original) (raw)

A comprehensive environmental assessment of the Arabian Gulf Coast in the State of Kuwait was carried out by assessing levels of heavy, toxic and rare mineral pollutants in coastal sediments, beach sand, shells and sea water collected from the coastline. By Using (Inductively coupled plasma Mass spectrometry) ICP-MS technique, we analyzed (Al, Mn, Mg, Na, K, Ca, Zn, Ba, Sr, Co, Cu, Cd, Pb, Ag, Ni, Fe). The results of potential environmental risks indicated that the study area was heavily enriched with (Al, Mn, Mg, Na, K, Ca), moderately enriched with (Zn, Ba, Sr, Co), and low levels of (Cu, Cd, Pb, Ag, Ni, Fe). However, in general, these pollutant levels were not exceed the EPA and the Canadian ISQG values and still lower than some standardized reference values all over the world. Furthermore, the bioaccumulation index indicated that gastropod shells and pelecypod shells had greater ability to concentrate Fe, Na, K and Al, which may be attributable to the shape of them. Regarding th...