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Volume :29 Issue : 1 2002
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Biomonitoring studies on the lead levels in mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) in the arid ecosystem of Kuwait.
Auther : A. H. BU-OLAYAN and B. V. THOMAS
Department of Chemistry, P.O. Box 5969, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
e-mail : buolayan@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Bio-monitoring studies on lead (Pb) levels were determined from 12 locations of the Kuwaiti arid ecosystem in mesquite leaves, barks and fruits and in soil. Pb levels in the samples were observed to follow the order of: Industries > Express highways > City areas. Observations in the industrial area showed the highest mean Pb concentrations in mesquite leaves (3.86ىg/g) followed by bark (3.22ىg/g) and fruit (2.57ىg/g). The Pb level in surface soil (6.86ىg/g) was found to be higher than in plant samples. An increase in the Pb levels was anticipated due to rapid industrialization over recent years. Hence, the present study would instigate researchers to study the human health risks factors associated with high Pb levels, and to create awareness to environmentalists to control Pb pollution.
Key words: Kuwait, lead; mesquite; pollution.