Effects of the Gulf War oil spill in relation to trace metals in water, particulate matter, and PAHs from the Kuwait coast

Certain trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed in seawater and particulate matter from thirteen different locations during four different seasons (1993-1994)along the coastal belts of Kuwait. The concentrations of trace metals in seawater, particulate matter, and PAHs were determined in order to assess the environmental consequence of the massive oil spill off the Kuwait Coast during the Iraqi invasion. The mean concentration ranges of trace metals Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Cd, Zn, and V in particulate matter were 14.13-52.64, 45.6-19.7, 53.2-247.2, 28.96-140.5, 5.11-24.61, 1.34-78.76, 41.97-189.5, 38.58-101.4 mu g/g, respectively. The mean concentration of PAHs ranged from 21.14 to 320.5 mu g/L. Statistical analysis revealed a correlation between the metals Cu and Ni, Pb, V; Ni and Pb, V; and Pb with V in dissolved trace metals. Except with Cu and V, no significant correlation was observed within metals present in particulate matter. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.