Spatial and temporal distributions of aromatic petroleum hydrocarbons in the coastal waters of Bahrain

Abstract

A comprehensive field study of the levels of aromatic petroleum hydrocarbons in water was conducted throughout the coastal areas of Bahrain in the Arabian Gulf. Fifty monitoring stations were established, and each station was visited twice during the investigation. Monitoring stations included industrial, ports, marinas and mooring stations, public beaches and residential stations, domestic outfall stations, and remote ‘background’ stations. The results of the survey revealed marked temporal and spatial variations in petroleum hydrocarbons concentrations in the sea water analyzed. The highest overall mean value was 88.5 μg/L measured in industrial areas and the lowest was 16.1 μg/L chrysene equivalent at remote stations. Generally, levels of petroleum hydrocarbons were high in all stations compared to other coastal areas in the Gulf, indicating a chronic oil pollution problem. The results revealed significant temporal variations, however, no specific patterns could be identified.