Assessment of trace inorganic contaminates in water and sediment to address its impact on common fish varieties along Kuwait Bay

This study demonstrated that the water was medium to high contaminated with Cd, Hg, Pb, and V. The sediment analyses showed that most of the metals were w ithin the toxic limits except for Cd, Cu, and Pb in few samples. Most samples were in between the effect range low–effect range medium and threshold effect level–probable effect level range of most metals, except for Cr, Cu, and Ni. Average trace elements concentration in fishes varieties invest igated in this study indicated high As in all varieties irrespective of the season and high Ni in all fish during summer. The bioaccumulation factor showed that the trace elements in sediments contributed more to the fish than water. Concentrations of trace elements were greater in fish sampled in w inter than that sampled in summer due to variations in the planktonic population in the sea. The estimated daily intake and the chronic daily intake for the Kuwaiti male and female were calculated. The hazards studied revealed that the consumption of Lobster and Speatty may lead to cancer and non-ca ncer hazards, in both male and female, Speatty having higher probability. The major sources of toxic elements contamination of Kuwait Bay water and sediment appear to be oil-based contamination, urban sewage, brine from desalination, and the trace elements released due to the natural oxidation–red uction processes.
Source: Environmental Geochemistry and Health - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research