Variability of total suspended solids, turbidity, temperature, pH, salinity and dissolved oxygen in Qatar’s coastal waters

Authors : Hammam Osama Tawfik Abdelghafar, Wisnu Prayogo, Saleem Mustafa, Abentin Estim

Pages : 80-88

Doi:10.51756/marlife.1790919

View : 75 | Download : 183

Publication Date : 2025-12-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The coastal waters of Qatar are vital for the environment, economy and health but they are impacted by anthropogenic and natural factors. Among other parameters, Total suspended solids (TSS), turbidity, temperature, pH, salinity and dissolved oxygen (DO) are important parameters in the determination of quality of coastal waters. This study aims to determine the spatial and temporal variations in these parameters in coastal waters of Qatar. The observations were conducted monthly between 2022 to 2023 and focused on selected sites, using multiprobe sensors to record temperature, pH, turbidity and salinity. The results showed that there were no significant differences (P<0.05) between the seven study sites with respect to temperature and TSS. The mean temperature range across all sites was 27.22±5.96°C to 28.40±5.97°C, while the mean TSS range was 4.64±3.32 mg/L to 6.64±6.15 mg/L. Results also suggested that there were significant differences (P<0.05) in salinity, pH, DO and turbidity across these study sites. There were significant seasonal differences (P<0.05) in water quality parameters. Temperature and salinity levels were highest during the fall and summer seasons, while pH and DO levels were highest during the spring season. Turbidity was highest during winter. There are complex relationships between water quality parameters and changes in one parameter could impact others. These results have implications for the management of coastal resources in Qatar, as they highlight the need to consider multiple factors when assessing the water quality. This study suggests that the water quality parameters are influenced by multiple factors, including proximity to some Arabian Gulf regions, urbanization and coastal erosion. These observations highlight the need for comprehensive management strategies to address the pertinent issues and protect the coastal water quality in Qatar.
Keywords : Kıyı suyu kalitesi, Katar, tuzluluk, toplam askıda katı maddeler, bulanıklık

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