CHARACTERIZATION OF QATAR COASTAL BIOFOULING CHALLENGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES

Abstract

This research explored the spatial and seasonal variabilities in biofouling challenges at Doha and Ruwais ports in Qatar, using panel deployments under different environmental conditions. Results indicated significant seasonal differences (p<0.05) in biofilm density, with higher bacterial counts observed during summer, though no notable differences were evident between the ports. Macrofouling assessment revealed 27 distinct species, demonstrating variations in species abundance, richness, and evenness across seasons and locations, with increases in summer due to thermal influences. The study observed distinct community succession patterns at each port, Doha port experienced a shift from barnacle and bivalve dominance in summer to tubeworms and barnacles in winter, displaying a consistent hard fouling community, whereas Ruwais transitioned from varied communities to predominantly soft fouling red algae in summer, shifting to a dominance of green and red algae in winter. Multivariate analyses (nMDS, ANOSIM, SIMPER) validated these observations. Temperature, salinity, and phosphate levels were identified as key factors, explaining 73% (p<0.05) of the variance in macrofouling patterns. This study emphasizes the intricate interplay between environmental variables and biofouling, underlining the necessity for targeted management approaches that accommodate the complex seasonal, geographical, and ecological influences on biofouling at Qatar's ports.