Talat Saeed

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.

Chemical composition of the water-soluble fraction of the leaded gasolines in seawater

Abstract The chemical composition of the water-soluble fraction (WSF) of gasoline and high-octane gasoline (both leaded) in seawater was investigated. Volatile compounds present were analyzed by purge and trap/gas chromatography (P&T/GC), and confirmed by GC/MS. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined by analyzing the concentrated extract of WSF by single-ion monitoring. A total of 46 volatile compounds were identified in the WSF of gasoline, amounting to about 67 mg/L, while the WSF of high-octane gasoline consisted of 35 volatile compounds which added up to about 77 mg/L. Aromatic compounds were predominant and benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) formed the bulk of the total dissolved components. The concentration of PAHs was higher in the WSF of gasoline (1.3 mg/L) as compared to the PAHs in the WSF of high-octane gasoline (about 1 mg/L). Naphthalene and methylated naphthalenes were the major components in the PAH fraction. The effect of temperature and mixing time on the composition of the WSF was also investigated.

Preliminary exposure assessment for Kuwaiti consumers to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in seafood

Abstract Levels of PAHs in seafood from Kuwaiti market were determined. Results showed that most of the samples contained significant amounts of total PAHs. Naphthalene constituted the highest PAH burden of the samples. Nuwaibi had the highest level of total PAHs (472.6 μg/kg, dry wt.). Others ranged from 83.8 to 357.5 μg/kg, dry wt). PAH levels were reassessed as BaP equivalents using equivalency factors. Nakroor contained the highest levels of BaP equivalents (88.42 μg/kg dry wt). Others ranged from 0.86 to 55.96 μg/kg dry wt. The results of exposure assessment for the average consumer indicated a daily intake of 0.231 μg of total PAH from seafood. BaP equivalent intake was calculated to be 0.0167 μg/d. For the above average consumer, total PAH intake was 0.326 μg/d; and BaP equivalents were 0.025 μg/d. These daily intake levels were quite comparable with those reported for the average American consumer.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fish: Exposure assessment for Kuwaiti consumers after the gulf oil spill of 1991

Abstract This investigation involves a preliminary assessment of public health hazards associated with exposure to PAHs in locally consumed fish from oil-impacted areas after the Gulf oil spill in 1991. Based on levels of 10 PAHs determined in edible parts of fish collected during the NOAA-Mt. Mitchell scientific cruise (April–May 1992), two exposure scenarios were hypothesized. The first scenario considers that the extent of exposure to PAHs is influenced by the frequency of occurrence and the mean concentration of individual PAH compounds. In the second scenario, the maximum detected PAH concentrations are considered as potential extremes in exposure based on the likely preference of consumption of highly contaminated fish. The mean concentration of the frequently occurring pyrene (75%) poses 3.8, 2.37, and 5.85 times the carcinogenic equivalency, carcinogenic potency, and mutagenic potency, respectively, posed by the mean B(a)P concentration. The maximum concentration of pyrene poses 5.81, 3.62, 8.94 times the carcinogenic equivalency, carcinogenic potency, and mutagenic potency, respectively, posed by the maximum B(a)P concentration. The mean concentration of anthracene (frequency of occurrence = 10%) poses 8.05 and 1.51 times the carcinogenic potency and mutagenic potency, respectively, posed by the mean B(a)P concentration. The maximum concentration of anthracene poses 3.29 and 0.62 times the carcinogenic potency and mutagenic potency, respectively, posed by the maximum B(a)P concentration. The maximum daily intake rate (MDI) of B(a)P equivalencies was estimated at 0.15 μg/d. A preliminary cancer assessment is performed indicating a need for a complete risk assessment.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in edible tissue of fish from the Gulf after the 1991 oil spill

Abstract Concentrations of 10 PAHs were determined in the edible parts of fish collected during April 1992 on Leg IV of the NOAA-R/V Mt. Mitchell scientific cruise from four locations along the western side of the Gulf. The average total amount of PAHs was 105.3 μg kg −1 dry wt, with a range 2.51–563.6 μg kg −1 dry wt. The average concentrations of PAHs in fish from stations E (north Abu Ali), F (south Abu Ali), G (Rennie Shoals) and I (Qatar) were 165.9, 91.7, 55.8 and 108.6 μg kg −1 respectively. The slightly elevated average concentration of total PAHs in samples from station E shows that north Abu Ali was the most oil impacted area. Pyrene and phenanthrene were detected most frequently (in 75% of the fish) whereas chrysene and benz(a)anthracene had the lowest frequency of detection (in 5% of the fish). Based on qualitative classification of PAH carcinogenicity, detected PAHs classified as having sufficient or limited evidence for carcinogenicity [benz(a)pyrene, benz(a)anthracene and chrysene] were lower in concentration and frequency of detection than those classified as having insufficient or no evidence for carcinogenicity (fluoranthene, anthracene, phenanthracene and pyrene).

Dietary intake of organophosphate pesticides in Kuwait

Abstract The State of Kuwait, in cooperation with the U.S. FDA, conducted a total diet study (TDS) to estimate pesticide intake by the population. The organophosphate (OP) pesticide levels in 139 food items, constituting the TDS core list, are reported here. The TDS core food list was established through a nationwide food consumption survey. All foods were prepared as eaten, and analyzed for their organochlorine pesticide, OP, carbamate, benzimidazole and phenyl urea contents. The FDAs Multiresidue Methods, PAM I, were used employing GC, HPLC and GPC. Twenty-five of the foods analyzed contained OPs. These included 7 of 12 cereal products (chloropyriphos=0.03–0.21 ppm and fenetrothion=0.016–0.84 ppm), 6 of 16 vegetables (diazinon=0.05–0.2 ppm, and chloropyrifos, and fenthione sulfone), 1 of 16 fruits (monocrotophos) and 11 of 47 composite dishes (chloropyrifos methyl=0.011–0.089 ppm and fenetrothion 0.011–0.044 ppm). The higher levels of fenetrothion in one cereal product exceeded the MRLs, and warrant corrective and preventive measures. The daily intakes of OP pesticide residues are discussed in light of the ADIs of the FAO/WHO (1993). Codex Alimentarius. Pesticide residues in food (Vol. 2, 2nd ed.). Rome: Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme.

Contribution of power/desalination plants to the levels of halogenated volatile liquid hydrocarbons in the coastal areas of Kuwait

Abstract The levels and distribution of halogenated volatile liquid hydrocarbons (HVLHs) were determined in the vicinity of the inlets and outlets of power/desalination plants in Kuwait. A total of 384 seawater samples were collected from the designated sampling stations. The volatile chlorinated compounds present were removed and concentrated by using Grobs closed-loop stripping technique. The concentrated extract was analyzed by gas chromatography using ECD. The results indicated that chlorinated VLHs were ubiquitous in the coastal waters of Kuwait. The levels of total HVLHs in the seawater were significantly higher in the north in the vicinity of the Al-Zor power plant. The distribution of these compounds indicated that the main contributors were the cooling water discharges from the power/desalination plants. Trihalomethane compounds generally constituted the bulk of the total HVLHs. Among the trihalomethanes, bromoform dominated (about 87% of trihalomethanes). The concentration of HVLHs was significantly higher at the outlets as compared to the inlets. The levels were consistently higher in Sulaibekhat Bay, which receives the cooling waters of the Doha West power plant. Halogenated aromatic compounds were present in low levels in the inlets and slightly higher levels in the outlets of the power plant.

Chlorinated pesticide residues in the total diet of Kuwait

Abstract Total diet of Kuwait was assessed for the residues of chlorinated pesticides. 140 core samples along with 90 additional samples (collected during 1995–96) were analyzed following US FDA multiresidue procedures. The results showed that 17.6% of the core samples contained detectable residues. Chlorpyrifos-methyl was present (ranging from 0.05 to 0.72 mg/kg) in most of the positive samples. Wheat flour was the single important source of this residue in the diet. Residues of chlorpyrifos, vinclozolin, procymidon and captan were also detected in some fresh fruits and vegetable. In general, residue levels were quite low and were significantly below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established for these pesticides in food.

Screening for β-agonists in sheep urine and eyes by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the state of Kuwait

Abstract Data are reported here on the assessment of the potential use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to monitor the presence of the β-agonist, clenbuterol in 142 samples of sheep urine and 53 samples of eye tissues from the same sheep. Data obtained showed that the clenbuterol levels ranged in the urine and eye tissues from not detected to 0.272 ppb and not detected to 1.54 ppb tissue, respectively. For confirmation, all samples that showed to be ELISA positive for clenbuterol residues were analyzed by GC–MS and were all found to be negative.

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.