Trace Metals Contamination of Bottom Sediments of Abu Dhabi Area, UAE

M. El Tokhi, B.M. Amin and S. Alaabed UAE University, Geology Department, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

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Seventy nine bottom sediment samples were collected from Abu Dhabi area from Ghantoout area in the north east from Abu Al Abyad island to determine the regional distribution of concentration of trace metals and pollution levels in the studied area. In general, a negative correlation has been reported between trace metals concentration and total organic matter with the exception of Cu, Zn, Co and Cr. A negative relation between trace metals concentrations and carbonate content was also found in the area of study. The present study focuses on the levels of copper, lead, iron, manganese, nickel, cadmium, zinc and vanadium in order to assess the extent of the environmental pollution and to discuss the origin of these contaminants in the sediments. The average concentrations of copper, zinc, lead, iron, manganese nickel, cadmium and vanadium are 4.65, 11.94, 1.91, 2800, 92.26, 10.55, 0.082 and 11.43 μg/g respectively. These values are within the permitted levels in the marine activity areas and industrial activity areas, which means that trace metals are not derived from the pollutant sources.

DOI: 10.12693/APhysPolA.130.138 PACS numbers: 91.62.Rt, 92.20.Ny