Total Mercury Levels In The Coastal Environment Of Qatar (Arabian Gulf)

Abstract

The levels of total Mercury (t-Hg) were determined in various segments of the marine environment of Qatar. Several coastal stations, both on the East as well as the West coast of Qatar were worked for t-Hg in seawater, sediments and biological matrices. Nearly 20 stations were worked within the EEZ of Qatar, on the east coast, wherein seawater samples were collected at different depths for t-Hg along with surface sediments and resident biota. Seawater samples were not filtered and results given are for total dissolved Hg. Sediment samples were analyzed for leachable as well as t-Hg contents. A wide range of 22-198 ng/L values were obtained for the seawater samples, 0.098-317 ug/g dry wt. in sediments and 0.008-0.093 ug/g dry wt. in biota were measured. The leachable fractions amounted to a range of 3-18% of the t-Hg in sediments. The results do not indicate any elevated levels but are discussed in the light of the geographical distribution of stations and sampling sites with respect to their location and possible input sources.