Marine environment of the Arabian Gulf is naturally stressed due to marked fluctuations in sea temperatures and high salinities. Anthropogenically induced stresses including waste water discharges from desalination pl...Marine environment of the Arabian Gulf is naturally stressed due to marked fluctuations in sea temperatures and high salinities. Anthropogenically induced stresses including waste water discharges from desalination plants could pose additional threats to the coastal and marine ecosystems in the Arabian Gulf. Macrobenthic assemblages in the proximity of two major desalination plants that use Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) and brackish water Reverse Osmosis (RO) technologies in Bahrain were investigated. Reduced levels of biodiversity and abundance were recorded in sampling stations adjacent to the outlet of MSF reflecting severe impacts on macrobenthic assemblages caused by brine effluents that associated with high temperatures, salinities, and a range of chemical and heavy metal pollutants. Although localized severe impacts on macrobenthic assemblages were detected, collective discharges of desalination effluents, may synergistically contribute to the degradation of the naturally stressed marine ecosystems and natural resources in the Arabian Gulf.展开更多
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was formally adopted as a measure to protect the environment in Bahrain in 1998. A decade after its implementation, this paper evaluates the current EIA system in Bahrain using a ...Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was formally adopted as a measure to protect the environment in Bahrain in 1998. A decade after its implementation, this paper evaluates the current EIA system in Bahrain using a set of criteria. The evaluation was based on review of literature, investigation of legislative and administrative framework and interviews with EIA practitioners. Several measures are required to further strengthen the EIA system in Bahrain including amending EIA laws to include whole aspects of EIA process, developing comprehensive guidelines on procedural EIA, increasing public participation, improving capacity building and integrating environmental concerns to higher-level policy making through existing national environmental strategies. Findings of this study could contribute to wider international experience of EIA performance in developing countries.展开更多
文摘Marine environment of the Arabian Gulf is naturally stressed due to marked fluctuations in sea temperatures and high salinities. Anthropogenically induced stresses including waste water discharges from desalination plants could pose additional threats to the coastal and marine ecosystems in the Arabian Gulf. Macrobenthic assemblages in the proximity of two major desalination plants that use Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) and brackish water Reverse Osmosis (RO) technologies in Bahrain were investigated. Reduced levels of biodiversity and abundance were recorded in sampling stations adjacent to the outlet of MSF reflecting severe impacts on macrobenthic assemblages caused by brine effluents that associated with high temperatures, salinities, and a range of chemical and heavy metal pollutants. Although localized severe impacts on macrobenthic assemblages were detected, collective discharges of desalination effluents, may synergistically contribute to the degradation of the naturally stressed marine ecosystems and natural resources in the Arabian Gulf.
文摘Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was formally adopted as a measure to protect the environment in Bahrain in 1998. A decade after its implementation, this paper evaluates the current EIA system in Bahrain using a set of criteria. The evaluation was based on review of literature, investigation of legislative and administrative framework and interviews with EIA practitioners. Several measures are required to further strengthen the EIA system in Bahrain including amending EIA laws to include whole aspects of EIA process, developing comprehensive guidelines on procedural EIA, increasing public participation, improving capacity building and integrating environmental concerns to higher-level policy making through existing national environmental strategies. Findings of this study could contribute to wider international experience of EIA performance in developing countries.
