Metal Characteristics in the Mangrove Sediments of Al Khor, Qatar

Haseeba, K.P.; Aboobacker, V.A.; Vethamony, P.; and Al-Khayat, J.A., 2024. Metal characteristics in the mangrove sediments of Al Khor, Qatar. In: Phillips, M.R.; Al-Naemi, S., and Duarte, C.M. (eds.), Coastlines under Global Change: Proceedings from the International Coastal Symposium (ICS) 2024 (Doha, Qatar). Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 113, pp. 494-498. Charlotte (North Carolina), ISSN 0749-0208. Mangroves along the Qatar coast are predominantly monospecific Avicennia marina, thriving in the extreme arid climate conditions of the Arabian Gulf. Along the Qatar coast, denser natural mangroves are located in the northeast region, particularly at Al Khor. This study analyzed heavy metal concentrations in sediment samples from four stations within a 1 km2 area in Al Khor. Results show that concentrations of Ni, Mn, Cr, Mo, Zn, V, Cu, As, Co, and Cd range between 5.46-44.92, 18.66-29.30, 4.26-16.09, 0.15-10.75, 3.96-7.26, 2.62-5.16, 1.08-2.49, 0.84-2.96, 0.62-0.72, and 0.09-0.14 mg/kg, respectively. Geoaccumulation Indices (Igeo) indicate low concentrations of all metals except for Mo at one station, which is at moderate contamination. Mo is used as a catalyst in oil and gas refining and is also enriched in groundwater in northeast Qatar. Metal concentrations, except Mo, are aligned with those measured in other Arabian Gulf regions but are lesser than those measured in offshore and nearshore area of Qatar. All measured concentrations comply with USEPA and CCME standards, indicating relatively low contamination levels. Further studies are needed to substantiate the role of groundwater sources on metal distribution in mangrove regions of Qatar.