RESEARCH

Scientific studies and research on mangroves

Effect of Human Impact and Environmental Parameters on the Mangrove Ecosystem in Eastern Region, Arabian Gulf, SA.

The effect of physico-chemical characteristics and human impacts on the Mangrove ecosystem were studied in the Eastern Region, Arabian Gulf, SA, (through 6 sites), during Spring and Autumn 2010. The values of physico-chemical characteristics in water and sediment were recorded. Most of environmental parameters showed higher concentrations at sites IV and V than other sites. The concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) in sediment were higher than that recorded in water. There is a high cover of algae at site 3 than other sites due to high values of nutrients, thus, the Herbivorous fishes were abundant at this site.

Avicinia marina ecosystem showed high biodiversity (infauna and epifauna) in sites II and IV than other sites, while the lowest abundance of fauna was obtained at site I. Human impact was recorded at all sites except site 6. This study provides a preliminary assessment of coastal pollution and biodiversity in the mangrove ecosystem and as data base for future investigation and monitoring on the Gulf coast that facing tremendous pressures due to coastal development activities.