Date of Award
8-1984
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Biological Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. Clarence J. Goodnight
Second Advisor
Dr. Joseph Engemann
Third Advisor
Dr. William Van Deventer
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
A study of the effect of oil pollution on two intertidal areas of the Saudi Arabian Gulf coast was undertaken. One area was severely impacted by oil; the other was relatively clean. The organisms studied also indicated the effects of pollution were diatoms and blue-green algae.
Members of the diatom genus Amphora were more numerous in the clean water area than in the polluted section, confirming their preference for relatively clean habitats. Members of the diatom genus Asterionella, a more resistant group, were much more abundant in the polluted area.
Blue-green algae which also tolerate pollution were also more abundant in the polluted waters. Together these organisms are excellent indicators of the quality of the environment in which they are found.
Due to the fact that information regarding the dynamics of the biota of the Arabian Gulf is relatively scarce, it is impossible at this time to make recommendations for improving the situation. There is a serious need for the development of methods and laws for controlling this problem of pollution. Unfortunately, at present/ political problems are such that there is little hope of such agreements being developed.
Recommended Citation
Al-Ghamdi, Hamdan S., "Studies on the Phytoplankton of Littoral Waters of the Arabian Gulf as Impacted by Oil Spills" (1984). Masters Theses. 1460.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1460