POST-GULF-WAR NUTRIENTS AND MICROBIAL ASSESSMENTS FOR COASTAL WATERS OF DUBAI, SHARJAH, AND AJMAN EMIRATES (UAE)

Post-Gulf-War water pollution at the shores and in the creeks of Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman in the UAE was assessed through monitoring selected chemical nutrients and microbial communities, The levels detected were generally similar to previous pre-war records. Dubai Creek had occasional high nutrient levels with some fluctuations and wide spatial and temporal variations, suggesting the presence of anthropogenic sources of pollution, creating these conditions, near the sampling sites. Sharjah and Ajman Creek had much lower nutrient levels. The microbial counts in the three creeks had distinct patterns, peaking in spring and summer and diminishing during winter. Total and faecal coliform counts fluctuated depending on the presence of nearby recreation and commercial areas; however, they were at no time consistently high. The predominant genera of microbial communities were determined, and it was generally concluded that there were no significant nutrient or microbial pollution problems in the creeks.