Trace metals and total organic carbon concentrations at intertidal area in Sulaibikhat Bay

The area under investigation is located in the eastern part of Sulaibikhat Bay adjacent to Kuwait University in Shuwaikh. The area includes a wide mesotidal flat and low energy zone which is covered with mud and muddy sediments highly affected by pollutants from sewage discharges. Part of the area has been rehabilitated by removing wrecked ships and contaminated sediments. The objectives is to study the levels of trace metals in that area and assess the relationship and behavior of different trace metals during the winter and summer season. Sixty sediment samples were collected from 30 stations during the winter 2006 and summer 2006 seasons. The levels of eleven trace metal elements (Fe, Pb, Hg, Si, Mn, Zn, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, and V) and total organic carbon were measured. Analyses of these parameters in sediments showed that most of these substances exist in high concentrations. Person correlations test between the parameters showed high correlations between the some elements in the two seasons. High correlations were found between iron, silicon, zinc, cadmium, copper, chromium, nickel, vanadium and total organic carbon. The main reason for such correlations between silicon, iron and different elements is the nature and characteristics of sediment in the area which is muddy rich of silt, the continuous discharges of sewage, the lack of proper water circulation, and continuous releases from Shuwaikh port. To avoid future environmental problems, this study recommended that it has to isolate the sewage from Shuwaikh industrial area, treat domestic sewage efficiently before discharge into Kuwait bay, and adopt modern environmental techniques to minimize oil spills in Shuwaikh port.