Assessment of tar pollution on the United Arab emirates beaches

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1993 · Environment International; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-4120(93)90310-E· OSTI ID:5208212

Abu-Hilal, A H; Khordagui, H K ^[1]

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1. United Arab Emirates Univ., Al-Ain (United Arab Emirates)

In light of the inadequate information concerning stranded tar on the southwest beaches of the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, particularly following the massive oil releases during the Gulf War, the present investigation was designed to provide reference-integrated information on the nature, location, and levels of stranded tar balls on the beaches of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The recorded levels appeared to be higher than expected or previously reported. The tar distribution pattern, in addition to the degree of weathering, indicates that the massive oil release during the Gulf War did not reach the UAE shorelines. The highest reported levels of stranded tar ever recorded in the Arabian Gulf at Jabal Dhannah apparently originated from oil spills and tankers' ballast water at the main oil terminal at the Al-Ruwaiss oil refinery some 10 km to the east. The surprising, relatively high levels of stranded tar on the beaches of the Gulf of Oman were solely attributed to the heavy navigation traffic close to the shorelines. 19 refs., 2 figs., 3 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 5208212
• Journal Information: Environment International; (United States), Journal Name: Environment International; (United States) Vol. 19:6; ISSN ENVIDV; ISSN 0160-4120
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020900* -- Petroleum-- Environmental Aspects
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540220 -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
ARAB COUNTRIES
ARABIAN SEA
ASIA
COASTAL REGIONS
COASTAL WATERS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
EVALUATION
INDIAN OCEAN
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
LAND POLLUTION
MANAGEMENT
OIL SPILLS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
POLLUTION
POLLUTION SOURCES
SEAS
SHIPS
SHORES
SURFACE WATERS
TANKER SHIPS
TAR
TERMINAL FACILITIES
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT