Kuwait Environment Public Authority Research Articles

Wastewater Effluent from Outfalls in Kuwait Bay: A Threat to Recreational Water Quality

The implications of wastewater discharge into marine ecosystems are gravely concerning due to their ability to trigger a chain reaction of contaminants that pose severe risks to both humans and aquatic life. Kuwait Bay is no exception, with numerous wastewater outfalls posing a threat to the marine environment on its southern coasts. This study sought to extensively evaluate the recreational water quality adjacent to wastewater outfalls at five specified sites and compare the results according to the KEPA's (Kuwait's Environmental Public Authority) guidelines. Field measurements and laboratory analyses were conducted to gauge various parameters associated with water quality, such as nutrients, heavy metals, fecal bacterial indicators (FBI), and pharmaceutical compounds. The results of field measurements indicated that two locations had insufficient DO levels with values < 4 mg/l below KEPA standards and brackish to saline water concerning Electrical conductivity (EC) measurements. However, the heavy metal results demonstrated mercury (Hg) pollution at all locations, whereas the nutrient data revealed significant PO4-P concentrations. Furthermore, EPA requirements were considerably exceeded for bacterial indicator counts (fecal coliforms, E. coli, and fecal streptococci), suggesting serious biological pollution at these locations and elevated concentrations of paracetamol and ranitidine have been detected in pharmaceutical compound analysis, particularly in location OC5. The study's findings emphasized the significance of periodic surveillance to ensure the ongoing improvement of water quality and public health in Kuwait's coastal zones and highlighted the dire need to address the extensive contamination by implementing measures to mitigate the dump of unprocessed wastewater into the sea.

Performance evaluation of a pilot wetland system for wastewater treatment

Wetland systems are inexpensive and easy-to-operate wastewater systems and are widely used globally at different scales for the safe treatment of wastewater. This study aims to evaluate a pilot-scale vertical flow wetland system treating wastewater under different loadings. The wetland system was constructed using indigenous plants (Imperata cylindrical) and operated using actual wastewater for twelve-months. Samples from influent and effluent of the wetland system were collected weekly. They were analyzed for parameters listed in the Kuwait Environment Public Authority standards for reuse in irrigation, such as organic matter, nutrients, heavy metals, and microorganisms. The results showed that the high hydraulic loading rate (1.67 m3/m2.d) phase was more efficient than the low hydraulic loading rate (1.04 m3/m2.d) phase in terms of organics and nutrient removal efficiency. The range of the removal efficiency of organic matter in low and high loading rates was around 48.5–49.0% and 59.1–59.1%, respectively. In addition, the range of the removal efficiency of nutrients in low and high loading rates was around 43.7–67.7% and 24.7–76.6%, respectively. Moreover, the range of the removal efficiency of heavy metals under the low and high loading rates was − 134.3–93.8% and − 1545.7–92.6%, respectively. It was evident that he metals were leaching from the soil. Moreover, it was found that the system performance was closely linked to the ambient temperature effects during the start-up (r = 0.59) and high hydraulic loading (r = 0.43) phases for example. While ambient temperature has wider effects on wetland biota, its effects on the plants are more pronounced. In conclusion, wetland systems can be constructed using indigenous plants to treat office wastewater efficiently under the harsh climate conditions of Kuwait with adjustments in capacity, loading rates, and operational conditions.

Characterization of Reverse Osmosis Reject Wastewater Generated from Sulaibiya Wastewater Treatment Plant

Sulaibiya Wastewater Treatment Plant (Kuwait) is considered as one of the largest wastewater treatment plants that use Reverse Osmosis (RO) membranes in their processes to reclaim water from municipal wastewaters for indirect potable water reuse. This result in considerable wastewater treatment brine which needs to be further investigated before discharge. Samples were collected on daily basis from the RO reject wastewater (brine wastewater) for one month and analyzed in situ and in the laboratory. The results obtained showed that the brine wastewater met the requirements of the Kuwait Environment Public Authority with the exception of biochemical oxygen demand, total dissolved solids, and total phosphate. In Kuwait, the brine wastewater is either used for deep-well injection or is discharged to the seawater. Based on the monitoring results, potential reuse options of wastewater brine include surface water discharge, sewer disposal, deep-well injection, and land application. Treatment options via evaporation ponds using membrane filters will further enhance the quality of the brine wastewater.

Environmental Impact of Sewage Discharge on Shallow Embayment and Mapping of Microbial Indicators

Marine pollution in shallow embayments is hazardous to human and marine health. This research investigates the environmental impact of sewage discharge from coastal outfalls on the semi-enclosed-shallow Doha Bay. Such a study highlights the impact of environmental stressors on the health of such bays. Also, the study assesses the spreading of the pollutant relative to the location of the pollution source. The bay is susceptible to sewage discharge as it is featured slow tidal currents leading to increased pollution concentrations within its basin. The concentrations and distributions of microbial water quality indicators (E. coli, fecal coliform, and fecal streptococci) were investigated parallel with physical and chemical water quality parameters. Water samples were collected from the outfalls and within Doha Bay for four months. The results show that the concentrations of discharged Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Organic Carbon (COD), Nitrites (NO2−) and ammonia (NH3) has exceeded Kuwait Environment Public Authority (KEPA) maximum limits, specifically from the outfalls J3 and J4. In addition, the microbiological parameters were significantly breaching KEPA’s guidelines. The maximum fecal coliform concentration was 3.5 × 105, 2.4 × 104, and 5.4 × 103 CFU/100 ml, E. coli concentration was 2.2 × 105, 1.2 × 104, and 2.6 × 103 CFU/100 ml, fecal streptococci concentration was 7.25 × 102, 4.4 × 102, and 44 CFU/100 ml, at outfalls J3, J4, and J5, respectively, indicating high microbial pollution. The fecal coliform near J3 exceeds the allowable limits of KEPA by more than 600 times. Laboratory results were mapped to assess the microbial indicators within the bay. Spatially, the concentration of pollutants varies and correlates proportionally with the locations of the outfalls. The highly affected area is near outfall J3: a shallow, closed area with minimal water circulation and maximum sewage discharge. Offshore locations show lower pollution concentrations, and the pollutant concentrations were highest in January 2019 and February 2019. Continuing to discharge pollutants through coastal outfalls to regions such as Doha Bay will lead to long-term consequences, including eco-social, ecological, and adverse health impacts that are complex to be treated. Therefore, the bay needs an independent, comprehensive, and reliable monitoring program to measure the environmental indicators continuously.

Evaluation of Seawater Quality of Kuwait Bay Using Physio- Chemical Parameters

This study emphasizes on the effects of current anthropogenic activities altering seawater physiochemical parameters around Kuwait Bay. The research aims to evaluate the spatial variations in seawater quality in Kuwait Bay. Fifty-two seawater samples were collected from 1-meter depth, between April and May 2017 and analyzed for Total Suspended Solids (TSS), nutrients: Ammonia (NH3), Nitrate (NO3), Nitrite (NO2) and Silicate (SiO2), and designated trace elements: Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Selenium (Se), Nickel (Ni), Arsenic (As), and Mercury (Hg). In addition, five realtime monitoring buoys data were used to assess seawater quality based on Kuwait Environmental Public Authority (KEPA) standards to evaluate six parameters: turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen, pH, salinity, conductivity, and seawater temperature. The results of this study reveal that: (1) average level of physio-chemical parameters: temperature, salinity, conductivity, turbidity, Dissolved Oxygen and pH in Kuwait Bay water were 27.8 0C, 40.2 ppt, 60.2 μs/cm, 5.9 NTU, 6 mg/l and 8.2, respectively; (2) average level of nutrients; silicate, nitrate, nitrite and ammonia were 333 μg/l, 83 μg/l, 235 μg/l and 43.5 μg/l, respectively; (3) average level of elements found in Kuwait Bay’s seawater were 14.7 mg/l for Barium (Ba), 380 mg/l for Calcium (Ca), 9727 mg/l for Sodium (Na), 411 mg/l for Potassium (K) and 1432 mg/l for Magnesium (Mg); (4) The total suspended solids (TSS) had an average of 25.3 mg/l; (5) mean concentrations of the elements in TSS decrease in the order of Cr (15.6), Zn (5.4), Se (4.5), Ni (3.3), As (1.2), Co (0.2) and Hg (0.1mg/kg) and they are 1.6 to 22 times lower than their soil background values in, while Pb was detected in 2 samples only with average concentration of 0.7 mg/kg; and (6) Cr shows maximum enrichment relative to the upper continental crustal component (Mn). The distribution of pollutants in Kuwait Bay seems to be controlled and produced mainly by the anthropogenic and recreational activities.

Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Kuwait: A Knowledge-Based System Model

A coastal environment is intrinsically multifaceted and active, making its management challenging. Development and natural processes could affect a coastal environment, and so reliable efforts need to be implemented to preserve this environment and ensure coastal integrity. Inadequate control of stakeholders’ activities worldwide and developmental projects are degrading coastal areas. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is a holistic management approach used to sustainably plan human activity within coastal zones. ICZM is being implemented in several countries to maintain a balance between social-economic development and environmental preservation. This research aims to develop a knowledge-based system that facilitates the implementation of an ICZM framework in Kuwait. The proposed system is an “Integrated Coastal Zone Management: Knowledge-Based System” (ICZM-KBS), which is a tool created using C# programing language. The tool supports the application of ICZM strategies to safeguard coastal areas. The system is designed to provide comprehensive means to raise awareness about the misuse of coastal zones, provide, identify, and collate critical environmental data, assess risks to be faced, and anticipate the development capacity of the coastal zone. An ICZM-KBS allows stakeholders involved in coastal zones to manage and mitigate risks associated with development projects to achieve sustainable development. The system was tested using a case study provided by Kuwait Environment Public Authority (EPA) experts, and it was found to be reliable and important to facilitate the ICZM implementation in Kuwait. Overall, this research focused on developing an ICZM-KBS, encouraging more sustainable marine space use safeguarding the coastal environment.

P223 Influence of ambient air pollution on RA disease activity scores

Abstract Background This study aims to estimate the influence of air pollution ambients using the Air Quality Index (AQI) to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) disease activity. Disease Activity Score with 28 examined joints (DAS-28) and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) considered as disease activity indices for RA patients in the state of Kuwait. Methods Data for patients with RA disease were collected from Kuwait Registry for Rheumatic Diseases (KRRD) from 2013 to 2017. Moreover, data on air pollution obtained from The Kuwait Environmental Public Authority (K-EPA) during the same period. Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA to highlight the significant association between study variables. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and linear regression model techniques were employed to estimate the significant associations between RA disease activity represented by DAS-28 and CDAI; with air pollution components (PM10, NO2, SO2, O3, and CO). Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations (MICE) algorithm was also employed to tackle the value of the missing data for air pollution data. Results Total of 9,875 patients visits included in the analysis that matching with air pollution information from K-EPA database according to date and patient living address governorate. The study found SO2 and NO2 were significantly associated with RA disease activity using DAS-28 index, also, for CDAI index as well. For the score of RA disease activity using DAS-28 index, the correlation results show a positive significant correlation with exposure of SO2 using AQI (rp = 0.07), also the same results with the with the exposure of NO2 using AQI (rp = 0.07). The final model is demonstrating the effect from air-pollutants gaseous with RA factors (Swollen, RF, anti-CCP, ESR, CRP) on RA disease activity. The AQI of NO2 and SO2 still showed positive associations with disease activity performance of RA. The linear regression model shows a positive effects of NO2 (beta = 0.003, 95% CI: 0.002-0.005) and (beta = 0.048, 95\% CI: 0.030-0.066) for DAS-28 and CDAI respectively, where for SO2, the results shows positive significant effect with (beta = 0.003, 95% CI: 0.0004-0.005) and (beta = 0.044, 95% CI: 0.018-0.070) for DAS-28 and CDAI respectively. Conclusion In conclusion, our study showed that air ambients were significantly correlated to RA disease activity scores and should be considered as a possible risk factor for RA activity. Disclosures A.R. Alsaber None. J. Pan None. A. Al-Herz None. D.S. Alkandary None. A. Al-Hurban None. P. Setiya None.

Comparison of Air Quality in Kuwait Urban and Industrial Areas

This paper describes the research carried out to investigate air quality in Kuwait. It examined the results of several years of pollutants data provided by Kuwait Environment Public Authority. The data were obtained from a number of fix monitoring stations. The results of the time series analysis have shown that monitored exposures vary substantially and are unique to the location and temporal variation of the measured site (background, urban area, industry area and refinery area). Also, outdoor pollutant levels were governed more by the characteristics of traffic rather than level of flow and traffic.

Influence of Ambient Air Pollution on Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Activity Score Index.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune of an unknown etiology. Air pollution has been proposed as one of the possible risk factors associated with disease activity, although has not been extensively studied. In this study, we measured the relationship between exposure to air pollutants and RA activity. Data on RA patients were extracted from the Kuwait Registry for Rheumatic Diseases (KRRD). Disease activity was measured using disease activity score with 28 examined joints (DAS-28) and the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) during their hospital visits from 2013 to 2017. Air pollution was assessed using air pollution components (PM, NO, SO, O, and CO). Air pollution data were obtained from Kuwait Environmental Public Authority (K-EPA) from six different air quality-monitoring stations during the same period. Multiple imputations by the chained equations (MICE) algorithm were applied to estimate missing air pollution data. Patients data were linked with air pollution data according to date and patient governorate address. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and linear regression techniques were employed using STATA software. In total, 1651 RA patients with 9875 follow-up visits were studied. We detected an increased risk of RA using DAS-28 in participants exposed to SO and NO with (95% CI: 0.0004–0.005, ) and (95% CI: 0.002–0.005, ), respectively, but not to PM, O, and CO concentrations. Conclusively, we observed a strong association between air pollution with RA disease activity. This study suggests air pollution as a risk factor for RA and recommends further measures to be taken by the authorities to control this health problem.

Association of molds and metrological parameters to frequency of severe asthma exacerbation

BackgroundSensitization to airborne molds may be a risk factor for severe asthma and direct cause of asthma exacerbation (AE).MethodsA prospective, 1-year (April 2016–March 2017) study, done in Kuwait Allergy Centre, investigated the link between AEs with exposure to outdoor molds and the role of meteorological parameters in mold sensitized patients and compared with non-allergic asthma patients who had asthma deterioration. The total of 676 adult asthmatics with moderate-severe AEs were included and divided into atopic (85.65%) and non-atopic group. Atopy was defined by positive skin prick test (SPT) to at least one inhalant allergen. Data regarding atopy and asthma severity were collected from patient’s records. Patients with symptoms and signs of acute respiratory infection and patient sensitized to indoor allergens only were excluded. Daily count of local pollens (Salsola kali, Bermuda grass) and molds (Aspergillus, Alternaria and Cladosporium) were obtained from the Aerobiology department. Daily metrological parameters (atmospheric pressure-AP, temperature-T and relative humidity-RH) were provided by Kuwait Environment Public Authority. Count of spores/m3 and weather variable are shown on weekly basis. The year circle was divided into 4 Seasons (1, 2, 3, 4) accordingly to typical desert climate.ResultsSensitization to molds was relatively high but significantly less (25.0%) if compared to the pollens sensitization. The highest number of AEs was in season 4 for both molds and pollens sensitized patients. Seasonal patterns for both allergens were significant and positively correlated with RH and AP. In season 1 only, mold sensitized patients showed higher rate of AEs. Non-atopic patients have been less sensitive to increased RH than atopic. Negative correlation with T was similar in both atopic and non-atopic patients.ConclusionDespite of high rate of sensitization to molds, their significant role in triggering AE was not found in desert environment. Typical desert climate and high allergencity of local weeds outweigh the influence of the molds.

Atmospheric monitoring at an oil field in northern Kuwait using diffusive passive samplers

Diffusive passive samplers (DPSs) were used to measure the time-averaged indoor and outdoor concentrations of NO2, SO2, H2S, NH3, and a selection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) [i.e., benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, and M + P-xylene (BTEX) as well as nonane and octane] at a Kuwait Oil Company compound in north Kuwait over four seasons. The indoor locations represented typical office spaces while the outdoor ones represented a typical industrial site. Triplicate sets of DPSs along with field blanks were exposed at each location for 720 h on average. DPSs sampling concurred with measurements by continuous ambient air quality analyzers. Utilizing a scaling/calibration factor derived from the comparison between the two techniques, the hourly and daily concentrations were estimated allowing by which direct comparison with the Kuwait Environment Public Authority (KEPA) national ambient air quality standards (NAAQSs). The results reflected the meteorological conditions and the activities on ground during sampling. The variation between the measured concentrations was always less than 20% of the arithmetic average of the triplicate set which substantiated confidence in the results. The indoor monthly averaged concentrations of all compounds over the four seasons, except SO2, were higher than those measured outdoors with levels of NO2, SO2, H2S, NH3, and VOCs, being 11.512, 0.665, 6.496, 18.158, and 82.923 µg/m3, respectively. As for the outdoor concentrations, they were 11.080, 16.631, 1.206, 2.218, and 7.284 µg/m3 for NO2, SO2, H2S, NH3, and VOCs, respectively. The calculated hourly and daily concentrations showed the site concerned was in conformity with KEPA’s NAAQSs.

INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL WASTE HANDLING STATE OF KUWAIT

The objective of the study is to find available alternative methods to reach integrated healthcare waste management in the state of Kuwait. Such methods would minimize the risks result from medical waste that affects healthcare staff, public health, and the environment and to help bring the Kuwait ministry of health legislation closer to Kuwait Environment Public Authority standards and legislation. A survey among a sample of 386 staff of 6 governmental hospitals in state of Kuwait indicates that there is lack in cleaner’s knowledge. A field visit to the governmental hospital indicates that there is a lack of provision of materials for the safe disposal of medical waste. Analyze 9 samples using (HRGC/HRMS) instrument indicate that emission of dioxin and furan is within (KPEA) limits, but the level of emissions is increase depending on different factors, also analyses 7 samples of bottom ash in (ICPOES) classified it as hazard waste. This study concludes that reduce (PCDD’s and PCDF’s) depend on human, technical legal factors, and using environmentally friendly alternatives methods instead of or assistant to the process of medical waste incineration.

SO2, NO2 and BTEX Concentrations in Educational and Industrial Areas: Field Measurements in Kuwait

Measurements of <TEX>$SO_2$</TEX>, <TEX>$NO_2$</TEX> and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes BTEX concentrations using passive tubes were carried out at five locations featuring educational and light industrial activities in south western Kuwait City during 2014. The five selected sites, chosen to be statistically representative of land use in the study area, were monitored to evaluate the impacts of traffic and light industrial activities on pollutant concentrations. The recorded mean concentrations of <TEX>$NO_2$</TEX>, <TEX>$SO_2$</TEX> and BTEX were 40.3, 28.1 and <TEX>$3.72{\mu}g/m^3$</TEX>, respectively. The lowest concentrations were recorded in the educational area. Comparisons between the measured concentrations and the applicable air quality standards from the Kuwait Environment Public Authority showed that the gas concentrations were lower than the allowable limits.

Seasonal effects of major primary pollutants in Ali Sabah Al-Salem residential area in Kuwait

Air quality data consisting of various pollutants (PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, CO, NonCH4 hydrocarbon) were collected for a year and its seasonal influence was investigated in detail. The number of exceedances of all the pollutants based on Kuwait Environmental Public Authority (EPA) standards was examined. The seasonal variation of hourly averages of (O3), (CO) and (NO) are presented as midweek and/or weekend effects to reveal noticeable deviations. Ozone generation and accumulation rate during the high ozone period (April to September) was analysed to reveal weekend effect reflecting volatile organic compound (VOC) sensitive region (abundance of NOx relative to the VOCs) for the specified period at Ali Sabah Al-Salem (ASA) residential area. A decrease in NOx emission strongly influenced O3 production and accumulation. Flares in the neighbouring petroleum refineries and petrochemical industries and two adjacent highways with high traffic density have contributed to the NOx emissions in the area.

Measurement of Air Pollution in Kuwait City Using Passive Samplers

Measurements of gaseous SO2, NO, NO2, H2S, O3, NH3 and VOCs, in Kuwait city using IVL passive sampler technology, were obtained on monthly basis during the period from March 2011 to February 2012 at 10 locations. The results of this study reveal that those compounds had low concentrations compared to Kuwait Environment Public Authority standards for residential areas. It is found that nitrogen oxides, benzene and xylene were mostly emitted from motor vehicles; in contrast, industrial sources including oil industries were a major contributor to sulfur dioxide and toluene pollution. Higher concentrations of NOx and SO2 were recorded during winter season where the inversion layer is quite pronounced thus trapping more pollutants in ambient air, while higher O3 values were recorded in summer period; the hot season in Kuwait. The spatial distributions of the measured gaseous air pollutants were extremely consistent with the influence of the prevailing wind direction NW. In general and except for PM10, the yearly average air quality indices (AQI) of SO2, NO2, CO and O3 concentrations are coming under the category of “good” and “moderate”.

Marine environmental impacts of power-desalination plants in Kuwait

Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity and Water is planning to supplement the existing electric power generation capacity in the country by constructing new Combined-Cycle Gas-Turbine Stations at Shuaiba North Power Station and Subiya Power Station in order to meet the increasing power demand. The plans also include installation of a Multistage Flash Distillation Plant for seawater desalination at Shuaiba to increase Kuwait's supply of potable water. Construction of these new facilities will impact the environment, and so therefore needed to be carefully assessed before the planned work could go ahead. Thus, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research conducted an environmental impact assessment for these sites, as per the guidelines of Kuwait's Environment Public Authority. The environmental impact assessment was performed in three parts: air, marine, and hydraulics, by separate multidisciplinary teams that conducted field surveys, took measurements, collected and analyzed samples, and in some cases, carried out predictive numerical modeling studies of the potential impact of plant operations on the surrounding environment. These studies took into account the impact of the already existing, as well as the planned, power generation and desalination facilities. This paper summarizes the final results of the marine environmental impact assessment, including the results of the hydraulic surveys and modeling studies.

Impact of Sulfur Dioxide Emissions of Power Stations on Ambient Air Quality

The ISC-AERMOD dispersion model was used to study the impact of sulfur dioxide (SO2) emitted from 15 power station stacks in Kuwait. One-year meteorological and fuel consumption data were used for simulating the ground level concentrations of SO2 on an hourly, daily, and annual basis. Air quality over the course of a year was monitored at fixed air quality monitoring stations at four different locations. Simulated concentrations were validated by comparing them with the observed values at the four locations. Results demonstrated that there is a great similarity in the simulated concentrations with observed values, which made the model performance satisfactory. Hourly and daily concentrations of the simulated model exceeded Kuwait Environment Public Authority limits. There was a significant influence of SO2 emission from the power stations on the ambient air quality.

Monitoring and Modelling the Trends of Primary and Secondary Air Pollution Precursors: The Case of the State of Kuwait

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, processes of different scales have contributed greatly to the pollution and waste load on the environment. More specifically, airborne pollutants associated with chemical processes have contributed greatly on the ecosystem and populations health. In this communication, we review recent activities and trends of primary and secondary air pollutants in the state of Kuwait, a country associated with petroleum, petrochemical, and other industrial pollution. Trends of pollutants and impact on human health have been studied and categorized based on recent literature. More attention was paid to areas known to researchers as either precursor sensitive (i.e., nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) or adjacent to upstream- or downstream-related activities. Environmental monitoring and modelling techniques relevant to this study are also reviewed. Two case studies that link recent data with models associated with industrial sectors are also demonstrated, focusing mainly on chemical mass balance (CMB) and Gaussian line source modelling. It is concluded that a number of the monitoring stations and regulations placed by the Kuwait Environment Public Authority (KUEPA) need up-to-date revisions and better network placement, in agreement with previous findings.

Ambient Air Quality Assessment of Al-Mansoriah Residential Area in the State of Kuwait

Air quality data (ground level ozone (O3 ), non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), methane (CH4 ), nitrogen oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) and sulfur dioxide (SO2 ) of a Kuwaiti residential area, Al-Mansoriah, were analyzed to evaluate and determine: (a) the exceedances of air quality from permissible limits set by the Kuwait Environment Public Authority (KUEPA), (b) the diurnal patterns of air pollutants, (c) the predominant sources of airborne pollutants in the surrounding area, and (d) the ''weekend effect'' on ozone levels. The dataset covered the period of five consecutive years, from January 2000 to December 2004. High levels of ozone were witnessed; recording a number of exceedances. Inhabitants of Al-Mansoriah were exposed, during the period of study, to acute and chronic levels of SO2 . Concerning NMHC, the permissible limit (0.24 ppm- rolling average between 6-9 am), was violated in each of the monitoring years. NO diurnal pattern showed two distinct strong peaks during the months from October to March, in which the low solar radiation does not cause intense photochemical reactions, which lead to NO destruction. A clear H2 S source (considered as a primary one) was witnessed from Kuwait city (Sharq district). The backed up sewage lines and maintenance work coinciding with study period clearly affected Al- Mansoriah. A clear "weekend effect", in terms of difference in levels occurring during midweek and weekends, was ascertained. The analysis suggests that Al-Mansoriah residential area should be considered a NOx sensitive region of Kuwait.

Air quality assessment in Southern Kuwait using diffusive passive samplers

Measurements of fortnightly average concentrations of NO, NO2, SO2, H2S, NH3, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (aromatics=benzene, toluene, o-xylene, m+p-xylene, ethyl benzene; non-aromatics=nonane and octane) were carried out in the period from 26/10/05 to 24/11/05 at 20 points in the southern part of Kuwait as part of a baseline environmental impact assessment study requested by Kuwait National Petroleum Company. Two waves of triplicate diffusive passive samplers were used. A high volume air sampler was used to measure PM10 too. During the sampling period, the wind was observed to be mainly from the west and northwest with an average of 4.28 m/s. The consistency of the results allowed the production of spatial distribution maps of the pollutants measured and consequently the comparison between levels of air pollution at different locations. A comparison between the measured concentrations and the applicable air quality standards promulgated by Kuwait Environment Public Authority (KEPA) showed that those compounds had low concentrations compared to both industrial and residential KEPA standards. For other compounds which are not covered by KEPA standards, the results were compared with relevant limits of US Environment Protect Agency (USEPA) and US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The comparison showed that the measured compounds had low concentrations compared to the existing standards and, accordingly, no violation of air quality standards is reported.