Published July 2002 | Version v1
Journal article

The impact of phosphate loading activities on near marine environment: The Syrian coast

  • 1. Atomic Energy Commission, Damascus (Syrian Arab Republic), Dept. of Protection and Safety

Description

The impact of loading cargoes of phosphate ore into ships on the near marine environment at the Syrian coast has been evaluated. Results have shown a significant enhancement of 210Po, 210Pb and other natural radionuclides in sediment and surface water inside the port area. The highest 210Po and 210Pb concentrations observed in sediment were found to be 170 Bq kg-1 respectively, while 210Po concentrations in surface water ranged from 5 to 20 mBql-1. In addition, comparable values of 210Po and 210Pb for all marine organisms (algae, crab and fish) suggest that their use as indicators for phosphate pollution is not recommended. However, the effect of loading cargoes on Tartous port marine environment of Tartous was found to be mainly related to wind direction where radioactive air particulate are either being dispersed to land or sea. (author)

Additional details

Publishing Information

Journal Title
Aalam Al-Zarra
Journal Issue
80
Journal Page Range
p. 69-73
ISSN
1607-985X
CODEN
AAALE5

Optional Information

Notes
Translated from Environmental Radioactivity (2001), 23 refs., 6 tabs., 1 fig.