Saleh Al-Muzaini

Distribution of petroleum hydrocarbon in sediment from coastal area receiving industrial effluents in Kuwait

Sediment samples from the coastal area facing Shuaiba industrial area (15 x 1.5 km(2)) were examined for contamination with petroleum hydrocarbons. Aliphatic hydrocarbons in sediment extracts were characterized largely by unresolved complex mixture from nC(22)-nC(33). The sediment samples from the upstream area facing Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery to Shuaiba Harbor were heavily polluted with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) possibly due to the higher depth in the area created for a navigational channel to the harbor. PAHs at these locations exceeded the probable effect levels with reference to sediment quality guidelines.

Petroleum hydrocarbons and related heavy metals in the near-shore marine sediments of Kuwait

The concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), and petroleum-related heavy metals were determined in sediment samples collected from eight stations along the coastal area in Kuwait. The TOC concentrations ranged from 5.21 to 24.89 mg/g dry sediment. The TPH concentrations were variable and ranged from 7.43 to 458.61 μg/g dry sediment. The highest TPH concentrations were found near the Shuaiba Industrial Area and in the Shuwaikh Port where both industrial and boating activities and land-based wastewater discharges are most common. Petroleum-related heavy metals, namely lead, nickel, and vanadium, were detected at all stations. The data support the premise that industrial wastewater discharges, waste and port activities are the major sources of pollution in the study areas. The concentration of TPH and TOC, carbonate content, and distance from the pollution sources were also investigated.

Post-Gulf War assessment of the levels of PAHs in the sediments from Shuaiba Industrial Area, Kuwait

Kuwaits marine environment was heavily impacted by the events following the Gulf War of 1991. A large spill originated in the area close to Shuaiba Industrial Area which was already polluted as a result of oil-related and industrial activities. The objective of this study was to assess the status of the marine sediments from this area for petroleum-related pollutants. The sediment samples were collected over a one year period from seven locations and were analyzed for their PAH contents. The results indicated that the samples of the first batch were relatively highly contaminated. The levels of PAHs showed a downward trend in the subsequent batches. Higher molecular weight PAHs constituted the bulk in most of the samples. The levels encountered were considerably higher than those reported for the samples collected from the same general area prior to the Gulf War.

Characterization of landfill leachates at a waste disposal site in Kuwait

Abstract The physico-chemical characteristics of shallow ground water at the Al-Sulaibiyah solid waste disposal site were studied by collecting samples periodically through four bore holes installed at 500 m distances. Samples collected at the current dumping site showed high values in all the parameters. The BOD/COD ratio at one site was around 0.5. However, acidic pH, a characteristics of young leachate was not evident. Leachate values of Ni and V were high indicating the disposal of predominantly petroleum related waste at the site.

Airborne dust collected from Kuwait in 1991–1992 augments peroxidation of cellular membrane lipids and enhances DNA damage

This paper reports the results of studies on airborne dust samples collected from the Ahmadi area of Kuwait in 1991, 1992, and 1995. These samples were tested for their ability to enhance peroxidative damage of lipid-rich biological membranes. The damage caused by the dust collected during 1991 and 1992 enhanced both enzymatic and non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation more significantly as compared to the dust collected during 1995. In a separate study, these samples were further tested for their ability to enhance DNA damage. The samples of 1991-92 caused single strand breaks as well as deoxyribose sugar damage. The enhancement in the single strand breaks was 33 to 40%. To find out the mechanism of DNA damage and lipid peroxidation, similar studies were performed in the presence of quenchers of hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions (O 2 ), singlet oxygen and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ). The O 2 scavenger, superoxide dismutase, and quencher of H 2 O 2 , catalase, almost abolished the dust-mediated enhancement in DNA damage, suggesting a role of O 2 and H 2 O 2 in this process. However, the scavengers of singlet oxygen, β-carotene and hydroxyl radical, ethanol and dimethyl sulfoxide had no effect in suppressing the enhancement of DNA damage and lipid peroxidation. These studies suggest that the airborne dust collected soon after the war was contaminated with certain constituent elements which were effective in enhancing lipid peroxidation and causing DNA damage through the generation of O 2 and H 2 O 2 .

Industrial wastewater management in Kuwait

Abstract The Shuaiba industrial area (SIA) is the first industrial complex in Kuwait and is considered the largest industrial area in the Arabian Gulf. Presently, there are 12 major industries including two petrochemical companies, three refineries, two power plants and an industrial gas corporation. They generate some 23,000 m3/d of industrial wastewater which is discharged directly into the Arabian Gulf without extensive treatment, in addition to 3000 m3/d of sanitary wastewater. The four main components of wastes in the SIA are large-volume cooling water, lower volume but high-to-low strength process wastes from refineries and petrochemicals, and sanitary wastes. In addition, future expansion in the refineries and secondary industries in the area will result in greater pollution of the seawater and thus affect the productivity and quality of the seawater. There are now plans to reduce pollutant discharges from the SIA—thereby improving water quality in the SIA marine area—and to maximize the potential for beneficial reuse of wastewater from the SIA. This paper will discuss the steps which have been taken by the Shuaiba Area Authority (SAA) to utilize the wastewater, as well as presenting the industrial wastewater management program in the SIA.

Structural analysis of weathered oil from Kuwait's environment

An average molecular structural analysis was applied to the oils extracted from a sediment at Shuaiba in June 1995, and from soils at Jaidan in November 1993 and November 1994, Sabriya in November 1993 and November 1994, and the heavy fraction (boiling point >340°C) of Kuwait crude oil. Using the results of elemental analysis, average molecular weight measurement, 1 H and 13 C NMR analyses, an average molecular structure was estimated on the saturate-free fraction of each sample, and the variation of the average molecular structures was discussed. All average molecules of saturate-free fractions included only one fused ring system, 35-42 total carbons, 52-64 hydrogens, 10-14 aromatic carbons, and 1 sulfur atom, which included benzothiophene or dibenzothiophene type structure. The oil samples from the soils included 1-2 oxygen atoms. The oil from Sabriya in November 1994 had more naphthenic rings than any other oils, indicating its further degradation. From the comparison of the average molecular structural parameters, it became clear that oils in soils degraded by condensation, aromatization, cyclization, and oxidation reactions. In contrast with those oils, oil in sediment degraded by the formation of naphthenic rings and the decrease in aliphatic chains, which suggested some effects of microorganisms.

Microtox assay for assessment of marine pollution in industrial discharge zone of Kuwait

Twelve major industries in the Shuaiba Industrial Area of Kuwait generate about 30,000 m3/d wastewater, which is discharged to the sea either directly or after treatment. To assess the quality of the Shuaiba bay area, water samples were collected twice a week for six months from seven points of discharge, each representing a source from a major industry. Samples were analyzed for physicochemical characteristics and toxicity using the Microtox assay. Chemical analysis revealed that the contamination of oil was higher at sites 5 and 6 while four heavy metals were evenly distributed at different sites. The Microtox assay indicated that 31 samples out of 378 samples exerted acute to medium levels of toxicity, which were mostly from sites 6 and 7. The episodes of toxicity were greater in the summer months compared to winter months, whereas the pattern of chemical contaminants was not influenced by the seasonal change.

A comparison of leachate treatment between Rhode Island and Kuwait.

Abstract The main objectives of this article were to present data on the characteristics of landfill leachate of Rhode Island Central landfill and those of Kuwaits Sulaibya landfill site, and to compare different experimental pilot plant studies for the treatment of sanitary landfill leachate, which was generally characterized by high concentration of heavy metals. The data obtained on the chemical analysis of leachate generated from two landfills in Rhode Island and Kuwait, identified variations in leachate quality due to landfill composition. Pilot Plant studies using physical/chemical and biological treatments (i.e., rotating biological contractor) were used to examine the treatment efficiency.

Selection of an effective sludge dewatering system for a small wastewater treatment plant

Abstract The Jahra Plant was commissioned in 1981 as a secondary treatment plant employing the extended aeration process. The plant has been upgraded since that time by constructing additional tertiary filtration units to improve effluent quality. The plant has a design capacity of 66 000 m 3 /d. At present, the daily inflow to the plant is about 47 000 m 3 /d of domestic sewage. The sludge produced at the Jahra Plant can be classified as excess activated sludge which combines the primary and secondary solids. At present, there are 30 drying beds receiving about 100 m 3 of sludge dally. Sewage-sludge production represents about 0.5% of the total flow treated at the plant and is increasing yearly with increases in population and water consumption. Present dewatering systems are not adequate to cope with expansion in sewage treatment. Increasing the capacity of the existing plant would require more drying beds that could exacerbate existing odor problems. Some dewatering systems, such as the belt filter press and the centrifuge, have been tested to determine the most effective one under local conditions. Appropriate polymer doses for thickening have been determined. This paper describes present sludge dewatering units and operating techniques which have been developed during the operation of this facility.