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Fish constitutes an essential source of high-quality protein and is, at the same time, the source of exposure to many hazardous contaminants, namely mercury and methyl mercury (MeHg). This study aims at assessing the risk that MeHg poses to the health of adult Qatari residents through fish consumption. Data on fish consumption were collected using a self-administered online survey composed of three sections that collected information about the fish-eating patterns of the participants. The fish species that were reported to be consumed by ≥ 3% of the respondents were sampled and analyzed for their total mercury (T-Hg) content levels. MeHg concentrations were derived from T-Hg content levels using a scenario-based approach. Disaggregated fish consumption and contamination data were combined using the deterministic approach to estimate MeHg intakes. The average, 75th, and 95th percentiles of the MeHg intake estimates were determined and compared to the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) set by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) (1.3 μg·kg−1·w−1). All fish samples contained T-Hg at levels ˂ 0.3–0.5 µg/g with a mean value of 0.077 µg/g. The study population had an average fish consumption of 736.0 g/week. The average estimated weekly intakes of MeHg exceeded TWI for some fish consumers including females of childbearing age and those following a high-protein diet. Our study highlights the need to establish regulatory guidelines and dietary advice based on risk/benefit ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air-conditioning systems make the most significant part of energy consumption in the residential sector. There is no denying that it is essential to produce a comfortable indoor thermal environment for residents in a building. The actual goal is to achieve thermal comfort level without putting too much cost on the ecological system by trying to conserve the amount of energy consumed. An effective way to help achieve such a goal is by incorporating thermal insulation in buildings. Thermal insulations help reduce thermal energy gained during the implementation of a desired thermal comfort level. This study aims to use an environmentally friendly nanoparticle of date pits to create thermal insulations that can be used in buildings. Different ratios of the nanoparticle of the date pits and sand composite were investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the new materials. The material with nanoparticles of date pits and 50% by-volume epoxy provided good thermal insulation with thermal conductivity of 0.26 W⁄mK that could be used in the existing buildings. This has the potential to reduce the overall energy consumption by 4,494 kWh and thereby reduce CO2 emissions of a 570 m2 house by 1.8 tons annually. In conclusion, the future of using nanoparticles of date pits in construction is bright and promising due to their promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prosperity in Qatar and the consequent stresses on water resources resulted in a sustainable increase in the bottled drinking water market. Reports on health concerns and possible migration of chemicals from the plastic material into the water have driven the current investigation. This study aims to address the extent of antimony (Sb) leaching from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles subject to temperature variations (24-50 °C) due to Qatar's hot climate and improper storage conditions. A representative basket including 66 different imported and locally produced water bottles was considered. The concentrations of Sb in bottled water ranged from 0.168 to 2.263 μg/L at 24 °C and from 0.240 to 6.110 μg/L at 50 °C. Antimony concentrations in PET bottles at 24 °C was significantly lower than those at 50 °C ( p = 0.0142), indicating that the temperature was a principal factor affecting the release of Sb from the plastic into the water. Although the detected Sb amounts were below the guidelines endorsed by WHO and Qatar (standard 5 μg/L) at 24 °C, the concentration measured at 50 °C was higher than the recommended WHO values (6.11 μg/L). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of chlorine dioxide (ClO 2 ) disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water, namely, chlorite, chlorate, and trihalomethanes (THMs), was investigated. Two-hundred-ninety-four drinking water samples were collected from seven desalination plants (DPs), four reservoirs (R), and eight mosques (M) distributed within various locations in southern and northern Qatar. The ClO 2 concentration levels ranged from 0.38 to <0.02 mg L −1 , with mean values of 0.17, 0.12, and 0.04 mg L −1 for the DPs, Rs, and Ms, respectively. The chlorite levels varied from 13 μg L −1 to 440 μg L −1 , with median values varying from 13 to 230 μg L −1 , 77–320 μg L −1 , and 85–440 μg L −1 for the DPs, Rs, and Ms, respectively. The chlorate levels varied from 11 μg L −1 to 280 μg L −1 , with mean values varying from 36 to 280 μg L −1 , 11–200 μg L −1 , and 11–150 μg L −1 in the DPs, Rs, and Ms, respectively. The average concentration of THMs was 5 μg L −1 , and the maximum value reached 77 μg L −1 However, all of the DBP concentrations fell within the range of the regulatory limits set by GSO 149/2009, the World Health Organization (WHO), and Kahramaa (KM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated biosolid quality over time and the efficiency of using amounts (5 and 7 kg/m2) of municipal class A biosolids in Qatar to fertilize tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). Random samples were subjected to physical and chemical analysis, which revealed excellent particle uniformity and stability with minor odor defects. The analysis confirmed the product was nutrient-rich while pollutant levels were below the international standards. The nominated rates were used to fertilize tomato plants in pots grown in a greenhouse for four months with a control treatment of manure and Peat-Moss, before measuring the plant biological characteristics. Plants were examined via chemical analysis of nutrients and pollutants both for the whole plant and for stems, fruits, and leaves. Results indicated that both experimental treatments enhanced plant growth and development as compared to the control treatment. However, the chemical analyses also revealed levels of zinc, copper, and manganese in the plant fruits that were well in excess of the maximum acceptable levels, as defined by international health organizations. This study found that while the application of class A biosolids as organic fertilizer for tomato plants greatly enhanced the overall plant growth, the plant fruits contained toxic levels of trace heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brine released from desalination plants is extremely high in salinity and contains various chemicals, which are harmful to the ecosystem. The disposal of brine has raised great concerns for the desalination industry around the world due to its detrimental impact on fauna and flora. This review complies with various zero liquid discharge technologies that have been proposed for successful brine disposal which aims to minimize the impact of brine discharge. Moreover, it highlights some of the detrimental impacts of brine discharge on marine fauna and Flora. It also discusses both thermal and membrane technologies for recovering freshwater, energy, and minerals from waste brine, in addition to the recent advances in a solar pond, membrane distillation, pressure retarded osmosis, etc. In Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework was used in this review to analyze the water resource system in Qatar. This review also facilitates and provides a comprehensive approach in minimizing the potential impact of brine discharge which can be practiced and applied in countries where desalination plants are set up. This promotes cleaner production, sustainability, and recycling of waste that will help protect and preserve the country's natural water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempted to use produced water (PW) to irrigate turfgrass species, Cynodon dactylon and Paspalum sp. Assessment on established grasses, heavy metal accumulation and germination tests for weeds and turf grass seeds were conducted to evaluate the impact of PW irrigation. C. dactylon depicted lower tolerance while Paspalum sp. showed better tolerance capacity towards PW. C. dactylon grown from seeds under greenhouse conditions were not able to tolerate more than 30% concentration of PW (4.5% salinity). In comparison to tap water irrigated turf grass, Paspalum sp. was found to accumulate higher concentrations of V and Pb in shoots and Cr, Ni and As in roots. The results of seed germination tests recommended that irrigation with PW is to be performed after turfgrass establishment. Germination tests also revealed that PW could encourage growth of the weed—Chloris virgata while it could discourage growth of Amaranthus viridis and Launaea mucronata. This study suggests that PW could be used for turfgrass as an alternative water resource but only after further research on the long-term scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the interactions of seawater microorganisms with scalants (minerals like calcium sulfate) and antiscalants in the reverse osmosis (RO) systems were investigated. The interaction of seawater microorganisms with antiscalants was investigated by measuring the growth of bacteria in an antiscalant containing growth medium, which was added as a sole source of carbon and energy. Moreover, the interaction of microorganism with calcium sulfate (selected as a model scalant) was also investigated using scanning electron microscopy – energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopic technique. It was found that several Pseudomonas strains isolated from the marine water of Qatar are capable of using antiscalants as an energy or carbon source. It was noted that the growth curves of the strains vary with the type of the antiscalant studied. Furthermore, the results of microorganism-scalant interaction showed that the presence of bacteria induced/mediated precipitation of calcium sulfate on the RO membranes, whereas, no precipitation was noted on the control RO membranes (i.e. without bacteria) under the studied conditions. Therefore, the results of this research showed that the presence of microorganisms in seawater reverse osmosis not only causes biofouling but also enhances mineral scaling through biodegradation of antiscalants and precipitation of minerals (calcium sulfate). Unlabelled Image • Investigated the interaction of seawater microorganisms with scalants in RO • Investigated the interaction of seawater microorganisms with antiscalants in RO • Pseudomonas fragi and Pseudomonas stutzeri were isolated from Qatar's marine water. • Pseudomonas biodegraded antiscalants and utilize them as a source of energy/carbon. • The presence of bacteria induced precipitation of calcium sulfate on RO membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Qatar and other countries of Gulf Cooperation Council are among the most water scarce countries in the world and are being characterized as "high‐water risk" countries by Water Resource Institute. Therefore, it is important to implement sustainable water resource management that encompass economic, societal, and environmental aspects. In this review article, the Driver‐Pressure‐State‐Impact‐Response framework was used to analyze the water resource system in Qatar in terms of drivers, pressures, change in state, impacts, and responses. It was noted that both economic and population growth together with unsustainable water consumption are major driving forces that are pressurizing the Qatar's water resources (desalinated seawater and renewable groundwater). Currently, desalination plants using Multi‐Stage Flash (MSF) techniques are predominantly being used to meet the rising water demands. However, widespread use of MSF techniques poses several environmental and economic impacts. Therefore, in addition to other management and corrective measures, reverse osmosis (RO) technique has also been suggested to be utilized in desalination industry as a "response" to mitigate those impacts. Since, the performance of RO is mainly affected by biofouling and mineral scaling, the paper also highlights the recent materials (polymers and nano‐materials) used to tackle these problems. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38:e13081, 2019 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the high production of oil and gas in Qatar, the likelihood of oil spill occurrence is most probably susceptible to happen. Contaminated soil treatment is very expensive. Cost effective mechanisms are investigated to treat this threatening issue. For that reason, bioremediation and biotechnology tools are introduced to help accelerate and remove the pollution caused by the contamination process. This paper demonstrated the importance of optimising the treatment conditions to the indigenous bacterial strain to obtain the highest biodegradation efficiency rates. The usage of biopile system technology was used with biostimulation and bioaugmentation processes. The indigenous Bacillus sonorensis (B. sonorensis) D1 bacterium played a crucial role in the biodegradation process when introduced to optimized conditions; carbon/nitrogen/phosphorus (C/N/P) (100/10/1), temperature (37 °C), surfactant tween 80 (0.12% (v/w)), and moisture (10%). Gas chromatography (mass spectrometry/flame ionization detector) (GC- (MS/FID)), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and colony-forming unit (CFU) analyses were performed. The diesel range organics (DRO) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) removal (%) of the weathered oil contaminated soil reached, after 160 days, 39.2% and 32.4% simultaneously when ammonium nitrate was used as a nitrogen source. Whereas urea inhibited the oil degradation process and caused the pH to rise to 9.55. Image 1040 • Urea inhibited oil degradation process and caused pH to rise to 9.55 • Adding the surfactant tween 80 to urea enhanced bacterial growth with urea. • The bioavailability of the hydrocarbons is not always related to bacterial growth. • B. sonorensis D1 was able to biodegrade weathered oil at optimized conditions. • Using ammonium nitrate as a nitrogen source improved the biodegradation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study determines the mercury levels distribution in fish and fish products. • PCA analyzed the relationships with fish types, weight, protein, and lipid contents. • Hg range in fish species was between 0.001 mg/kg ww and 0.406 mg/kg ww. • Hg had a positive correlation with protein but a negative correlation with lipid. • Predatory fish species that contain higher lipids contained lower Hg levels. This study investigates the mercury (Hg) levels distribution in fish and fish products and their relationships with fish types, weights, protein, and lipid contents in Qatar. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to analyze the influence of lipids and protein content on Hg accumulation in the fish tissues. Additionally, the impact of Hg concentration and fish consumption on the estimated weekly intake (EWI). The PCA results showed that Hg contamination levels are primarily affected by protein-lipid content in predatory species. The results showed that high lipid content reflected lower Hg levels and that high Hg levels in fish with high lipid content indicated a polluted environment. The finding of the PCA of EWI, consumption, and Mercury concentration indicate that EWI is highly correlated to Mercury concentration except in the case of low Mercury concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to prepare a novel low-cost and environmentally friendly adsorbent by using date pits (DP) impregnated with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and ionic liquid (IL), named IL-CNC@DP. The batch adsorption of lithium onto IL-CNC@DP and DP were studied at different pH values, initial lithium concentrations, and temperatures. The thermodynamics constants of the adsorption process showed that the IL-CNC@DP was exothermic, did not favor a high level of disorder, and spontaneous in nature. At pH 6, there is a significant increase in the removal efficiency where it increased to 90%. This also could be explained by the fact that electrostatic attraction forces and hydrogen bonding existed between the protonated Li+ and the less protonated IL-CNC@DP adsorbent surface, which enhanced the percentage of Li+ removal. A strong inter- and intra-hydrogen bonding (O-H) stretching absorption is seen at 3311 cm−1 that occurs in cellulose components. In conclusion, the IL-CNC@DP in comparison to the DP confirmed exceptional results proving that the modification enhanced the remediation of the Li+ from water. Furthermore, the selectivity of IL-CNC@DP towards real groundwater samples isolated in Qatar depends upon the physicochemical characteristics of each element. [Display omitted] • Cellulose nanocrystals were effectively extracted from date pits using H 2 SO 4. • Date pits impregnated with cellulose nanocrystals and ionic liquid was prepared. • Significant removal efficiency of Li+ of around 90% was achieved. • Highly selectivity towards Li+ and a wide range of cations. • It offered a future reference in developing bio-based nanoscale products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global plastic waste production has increased dramatically in recent years, both globally and regionally, having a multitude of adverse effects on the environment and human health. However, little attention has been directed to this problem in the Arabian Gulf region. This study aims to delineate and map the status of the plastic waste problem in the Gulf Co-operation Countries (GCC), with a focus on Qatar. The study focuses on the plastic waste in the marine environment, depicting the different types, sizes and shapes of plastic particles found in the Arabian Gulf. To depict the flow of plastic waste, a generic material flow diagram was built using a material flow analysis software named STAN, in which transfer coefficients were assigned based on existing scientific literature and estimations built on data from local industries and recycling facilities. The recovery and recycling efforts that have been made by the different GCC countries, in efforts to reduce plastic waste and minimize the risk of plastic on the environment are analyzed, too. Our analyses indicate that approximately 11.9 Mt ± 595.395 Kt of plastic waste is produced annually in the GCC region, of which only 23 ± 15% is recycled, indicating that improvements are yet to be made in the recovery, recycling and treatment of plastics in the region. However, in Qatar, a higher percentage of plastics (40 ± 10%) is recovered-recycled with efforts to treat plastics and reuse it to generate energy., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Lead (Pb) is the second most toxic metal on Earth and is toxic to humans and other living things. In plants, Pb commonly inhibits growth when it is at a concentration in the soil of 30 mg/kg or more but several Pb tolerant plants have been reported. However, few studies have focused on plant response to Pb exposure, particularly at concentrations higher than 30 mg/kg. The assessment and evaluation of metal dose-dependent plant responses will assist in future phytoremediation studies. Therefore, this work documents the Pb concentration-dependent antioxidative response in Tetraena qataranse. Young seedlings were irrigated with 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L Pb every 48 h for seven weeks under greenhouse conditions. A phytotoxicity test showed that at the lowest treatment concentration, Pb stimulates growth. However, at 100 mg/L (1600 mg/kg Pb in the growth medium at harvest), the metal disrupted healthy growth in T. qataranse, particularly root development. Metal accumulation in the root was higher (up to 2784 mg/kg) than that of the shoot (1141.6 mg/kg). Activity assays of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GR) showed a progressive increase in enzymatic activities due to Pb treatment. Together, the results of this study suggest that T. qataranse is a Pb hyperaccumulator. Increased antioxidant enzyme activity was essential to maintaining cellular homeostasis and assisted in the arid plant's tolerance to Pb stress.

In this study, activated carbons prepared from the green and black olive stone (green OSAC and black OSAC) were used as adsorbents to investigate their removal efficiencies for oxidation products and polar compounds from used sunflower and corn cooking oils. The degree of oxidation level and polar compounds were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) with the principal component analysis and ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Two FTIR absorption peaks were used for the oil evaluation, namely 3007-3009 cm-1, which is related to C-H symmetric stretching vibration of the cis double bonds, and ~1743 cm-1, which is related to = CH and ester carbonyl stretching vibration of the functional groups of the triglycerides, C = O. The principal component analysis results showed significant variations in the oxidation level of the sunflower and the corn oils occurred after consecutive heating and French fries frying for 10 days. The oxidation products that are adsorbed on the surface of the OSAC forms π-complexes with the C = C parts of the OSAC system. It can be concluded that the prepared adsorbents can be promising, efficient, economically effective, and environmentally friendly alternative adsorbents for oil treatment applications., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

In this research, effect of soaking time, acidity and temperature on the removal of lead and cadmium from rice was investigated. Different rice treatments were involved i.e. three soaking times (0, 15, and 30 min), three temperatures (20, 25, and 30 °C) and four concentrations of glacial acetic acid (0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3%). Results showed that few samples have shown lead concentrations above the maximum limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of 0.2 mg/kg, whereas, all cadmium concentrations were below the limit of 0.4 mg/kg. A decrease in lead and cadmium concentrations were observed with increasing time of soaking. Lead had the lowest concentration at 20 °C, while cadmium had the lowest concentration at 30 °C. Cadmium concentration decreased with increasing water acidity, while the lead concentration reached the lowest concentration with 1% acidity., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Heavy metals constitute some of the most significant environmental contaminants today. The abundance of naturally growing Tetraena qataranse around Ras Laffan oil and gas facilities in the state of Qatar reflects its toxitolerant character. This study examined the desert plant's tolerance to Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb relative to soil concentration. Analysis by inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) showed that the plant biomass accumulates higher Cd, Cr, Cu and Ni concentration than the soil, particularly in the root. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of all metals in the root and shoot indicates the plant's capacity to accumulate these metals. Cd had a translocation factor (TF) greater than one; however, it is less than one for all other metals, suggesting that the plant remediate Cd by phytoextraction, where it accumulates in the shoot and Cr, Cu and Ni through phytostabilization, concentrating the metals in the root. Metals phytostabilization restrict transport, shield animals from toxic species ingestion, and consequently prevent transmission across the food chain. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis further corroborates ICP-OES quantitative data. Our results suggest that T. qataranse is tolerant of Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni. Potentially, these metals can accumulate at higher concentration than shown here; hence, T. qataranse is a suitable candidate for toxic metals phytostabilization.

Seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) is a commonly used desalination technique owing to its lesser environmental and economic impacts as compared to thermal desalination techniques. Antiscalants are used in SWRO to reduce membrane scaling caused by the supersaturation of salts present in feed water. However, to remain effective in reducing membrane scaling, antiscalants should be highly stable and resistant to biological degradation by seawater microorganisms. In this research, several bacteria from Qatar's seawater were isolated and screened for their ability to use antiscalants as a carbon and energy source. The biodiversity of antiscalant degrading seawater bacteria was demonstrated through combining the techniques of MALDI-TOF MS and principle component analysis. It was found that the bacteria isolated from Qatar's seawater such as H. aquamarina, H. elongata, P. fragi, P. stutzeri and others can degrade antiscalants and use them as a carbon and energy source. It was observed that the growth rates varied based on the type of antiscalant and the bacteria used. Among the tested strains, H. aquamarina, which is also known for its potential to cause biofouling, demonstrated the highest growth rates in antiscalants media. Thus, it was concluded that there is wide variety of bacteria in Qatar's seawater that can biodegrade the antiscalants; reducing their efficiency to combat membrane scaling. Since, these antiscalants will be used as a source of carbon and energy, microbial growth will increase resulting in enhanced membrane biofouling in SWRO., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)