Environmental Impact Assessment Study Associated with Heavy Metals in Aquatic Life at Arabian Gulf Region.

The rapid, unplanned growth of petroleum industries has degraded seawater quality around Mesaieed Industrial City (MIC), impacting marine ecosystems and aquatic life. This study aims to refine assessments of MIC seawater quality, identifying key environmental parameters affecting its health. Seawater samples were collected from 23 locations during 2022-2023 in both summer and winter, with analyses at surface and bottom layers to capture seasonal changes. Seventeen physiochemical parameters and heavy metals including Chlorophyll 'a', NH3, NO3, NO2, TP, Cr-VI, Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Hg, Ni, and Zn were examined. Results showed significant contamination, with NO3, NH3, NO2, and Chlorophyll 'a' as primary contaminants, while others showed moderate impacts on water quality and aquatic life. To better interpret contamination sources and patterns, multivariate methods such as cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed, revealing distinct pollution clusters and sources affecting MIC seawater. A key finding was the concerning rise in salinity, primarily from brine and treated industrial wastewater (TIW) discharges, which intensify seawater quality deterioration and hasten ecological damage. These results highlight the critical need for more advanced wastewater treatment prior to discharge, as current practices elevate salinity and contamination to levels posing significant ecological risks. Immediate measures are essential to reduce industrial drainage impacts and protect MIC’s marine environment, maintaining seawater quality necessary for aquatic life and ecological health.