Distribution of heavy metal and pollution assessment in environmental samples along the coastal area of Ras Tanura

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present work deals with establishing the contents and pollution of heavy metals in samples collected from Ras Tanura along the Arabian Gulf. Using Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer ICPE-9820, the concentrations of metals have been measured. For soil samples the range values of metals concentrations (mg/kg) were: Cd (0.87–107), Co (0.32–0.72), Cr (0.27–4.61), Ni (0.01–3.92), Pb (0.18–3.26), Zn (0.23–3.46) and Zr (0.07–0.99). While in marine sediment samples, the range values of concentrations (mg/kg) were: 0.48–0.64 for Co, 1.28–4.21 for Cr, 21.8–80.4 for Cd, 1.28–2.62 for Ni, 1.46–2.09 for Pb, 0.42–1.32 for Zn and 0.59–0.82 for Zr. The contamination factor of metals in marine sediments was also calculated. The heavy metal concentrations in samples were within the acceptable standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.