Hypertension and the Metabolic Syndrome in Oman
Intervention Clinical Trial and Mapping of Genes
Project Code:
Funds:
Funding Source:
Start Date:
Duration:
Team Members:
(SR/MED/PHYS/04/01)
190,000 OMR
His Majesty Trust Fund and NIH, USA
02 May 2004
4 years
Researchers
Prof. Mohammed Osman Hassan, P.I
Prof. Riad Bayoumi, Co P.I
The Hon. Dr. Sulayma Amur Albarwani
The Hon. Dr. Ali Talib Al Hinai
The Hon. Dr. Ali Jaffer Mohammad
Mr. Saleh Said Al-Hadabi
Dr. Jawad Ahmed Al Lawati
Dr. Deepali Jaju
Dr. Syed Rizvi
Dr. Anthony G Comuzzie
Research Assistants
Graduate Students
Mr Mohammed Nasser Al- Kindi
Ms. Hameeda Sarhan Al Barwani
Dr. George Khaukha
Ms. Zahra Khalfan Al Busaidi
Mr. Abdullah Hamed Al Harasi
Ms. Johara Ali Salim Al Harasi
Ms. Zaina Salam Al Hadhrami
Mr. Hamad Saif Al Mundhari
Ms. Saada Said Ali Al Riyami
Mr. Fahad Mahmoud Al Zadjali
Ms. Sawsan Salim Al Sinani
Ms. Ghalia Mohammed Al Kasbi
Ms. Fatma Jaffer Al Lawati
Executive Summary
Objectives
The aim of this study was to find the prevalence of hypertension and the metabolic syndrome,
identify known and other emerging risk factors and establish lifestyle protocols. Use the model of
homogenous, consanguineous and large extended pedigrees to increase the statistical power of
the heritability and linkage. Collect the maximum possible number of phenotypes (disease
parameters) involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension and the metabolic syndrome using
state-of- the art technology. Estimate heritability of all phenotypes to determine genetic and
environmental contribution of each of the phenotypes in the pathogenesis of hypertension and the
metabolic syndrome. Genotype all cohort subjects using modern human genome maps and
Perform Linkage analysis of genotypes and phenotypes of each individual to detect quantitative
trail loci ( QTLs) Perform fine genetic mapping for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in
QTLS with high LOD scores using modern microarray methods .
Methods
Six large, extended and highly consanguineous families were selected. The numbers of subjects
in these 6 pedigrees were 310, 145, 226, 275 and 250, 293 totaling subjects. With the exception
of pedigrees from Al Jabal Al Akhdar, All other 5 pedigrees sampled live within a perimeter of 20
km around Nizwa Anthropometric data, fasting and 2-hour glucose and insulin, fasting lipids,
hormones profile, blood chemistry, liver enzymes were collected. Detailed haemodynamic and
cardiac parameters and their indices were obtained during rest, cold pressor, mental (word
conflict) stress tests and their reactivity using non-invasive beat-to-beat B.P measurements and
impedance cardiography incorporated in the Task Force Monitor Unit (TFM, CNS systems). The
following tests were performed after 10 minutes of rest, after 3 minutes of a Stroop word conflict
and cold pressor tests. 24-hour Ambulatory blood pressure was recorded (Schiller BR 102). DNA
samples for 1277 participants were initially genotyped using 10 cM genome-wide scan by the
Mammalian Genotyping Services at Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation. The mean sexaveraged distance between adjacent markers was 8.6 + 6.5 cM with a predicted marker
heterozygosity of 0.74 + 0.11. Linkage of the genotypic information and their statistics were
conducted in the department of Genetics, Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research
(SFBR), San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Results
Prevalence of diseases and the population of the 5 Nizwa village the prevalence of hypertension
was 31%, diabetes 5.5 %, high cholesterol 44% and the metabolic syndrome was 22%. In
contrast the prevalence of the same parameters in the population of Al Jabal Al Akhder was
4%,2%,,35%, and 2%, respectively One of the most important findings of this study were the
prevalence of prediabetes or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was 12% The prevalence of
borderline in young offspring of one or two hypertensive parents is 31% The prevalence of the
metabolic syndrome in females was twice as much than in males. Heritability of high cholesterol,
body fat and body mass index was mainly due to genetic factors while that of blood sugar and
waist circumference were mainly due to environmental factors. Gene Loci (QTLs) detected were
14 signals with LOD score above 3.00 and 58 signals with LOD scores 2.00 -3.00
QTLs with LOD scores above 3 for body mass index, weight, leptin and body fat and insulin were
found in the same areas in chromosomes 1 and 3. QTLs with LOD scores above 3 were found
for heart rate, cardiac index stroke index and cardiac contractility were detected during mental
stress in different chromosomes.
Conclusions
The important findings in this study were that the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was
twice as high in females than males. In the whole study population the prevalence of pre-diabetes
and borderline hypertension was significantly higher than that of diabetes and hypertension,
respectively. While heritability of high cholesterol , body mass index and body fat was mainly due
to genetic factors, that of blood sugar, triglycerides and waist circumference were mainly due to
environmental factors The Significant QTLs for cholesterol and body mass index were replicated
in other studies. QTLs for blood pressure for its intermediate phenotypes were not reported
before and were obtained during laboratory stress tests. Laboratory mental stress, which
revealed the only significant blood pressure QTLS, may represent a replay of the environmental
conditions that contribute to the development of essential hypertension may help identify the
genes of this complex condition. In addition, the different loci detected during rest, mental,
physical stress and during reactivity in the whole genome further confirm the complexity of BP
control as well as the oligogenic epistatic nature of the genetic components of blood pressure
determination.
Al Jabal al Akhdar Initiative – Conservation and Sustainable Development
in a fragile mountain ecosystem in northern Oman
Project Code:
Funds:
Funding Source:
Start Date:
Duration:
(SR/AVP/CESR/04/01)
65,850 OMR
His Majesty’s Trust Fund
1 September 2004
3 years and 4 months
Team Members
Researchers
Prof. Reginald Victor (PI)
Dr. Michael Robinson(Co PI)
Dr. Osman Mahgoub Gaafar
Dr. Annette Patzelt
Dr. Atsu. Dorvlo
Dr. Jens Eriksen
Dr. A. Pillay
Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed
Dr. Malik Mohamed Al-Wardy
Dr. David Ampratwum
Dr. Dipak Chaudhuri
Dr. Ramanathan
Dr. Geetha Subramanian
Dr. Andy Kwarteng
Research Assistants
Mr. Mansour Hamed Al-Haddabi
Mr. Juma Khalfan Al-Handhaly
Mr. Abdulla Mohammed Al-Shuraqi
Mr. Hamed Hareb Al-Riyami
Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al-Wahaibi
Mr. Abdurahman Suleiman Al-Hinai
Mr. Tamim Hamed Al-Haddabi
Ms. Leila Said Al-Harthi
Executive Summary
Objectives
Al Jabal Akhdar Initiative was a strategic research project that addressed a major issue of wise
natural resource utilization and sustainable development under the guiding principle of the
National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) Oman. This multidisciplinary project built
together a foundation of core environmental and socioeconomic issues to promote a synthesis of
conservation and sustainable development in this area, at present under severe stress caused by
urban and tourism development.
Methods
Since this project was made up of nine subprojects: climate, biodiversity inventory, flora and
vegetation, water resources, soil resources, livestock diet and range conditions, goat husbandry
systems, ecotourism development and socioeconomic impact assessment of tourism
development, a wide variety of scientific methodologies depending on the issues investigated
were used. These included collection and analysis of data from primary and secondary sources
for climate and biodiversity inventory, ecological methods for assessment of vegetation, analytical
methods for estimating physical and chemical parameters in soil and water, evaluation of
livestock diets, standard methods used in animal husbandry, survey methodology for
socioeconomic studies and mathematical modeling.
Results
Climatic changes on Saiq Plateau were evaluated using meteorological data for the period 1987
to 2004. The data were analyzed for trends and, changes in pattern. Models were developed for
some parameters. There is a temperature increase and the indirect precipitation is reducing. If
these conditions persist, the ecosystem on the Plateau would be affected adversely. The
biodiversity inventory recorded 437 species excluding the flora and birds. A total of 77 bird
species were recorded including nine species new to areas bringing the total number of recorded
species to 129. About one-fourth of the total flora of the country is found in Jabal Akhdar range
above 1500m in the Olive-Juniper woodlands (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata-Juniperus
excelsa subsp. polycarpos). The mountains exhibit high species diversity and represent a key
biodiversity region in the Arabian Peninsula. The water resources of the area were investigated
specifically addressing the water quality and water use efficiency. Eutrophication is a common
phenomenon and the surface water is not fit for human consumption. The groundwater resources
are over exploited. Soil samples were analyzed for soil texture, pH, electrical conductivity (EC),
and water soluble and aqua regia digestible elements. Results recommend appropriate land use
for agriculture and sustainable exploitation of the natural vegetation for the benefit of local
communities. The Saiq Plateau is probably the most intensely used animal grazing area in the
western Hajar Mountains of Oman. This study has quantified the livestock diets and the degree of
plant resource sharing. The grazing intensity in these mountains is beyond sustainable levels.
The evaluation of goat husbandry systems recommends pen feeding as opposed to free ranging
to increase animal productivity. This study also focused on optimizing the benefits of ecotourism
in Jabal Akhdar and the results provide general guidelines to the decision makers for enhancing
the ecotourism activities in the region. The socio-economic impact assessment (SEIA) due to
tourism development identified socio-economic costs and benefits for the region and
quantitatively estimated the impacts in some cases. A comprehensive Socioeconomic
Environment Management Plan (SEEMP) that would minimize the negative impacts and
maximize the positive impacts is developed.
Conclusions
Al Jabal al Akhdar is a fragile arid mountain ecosystem experiencing the effect of increasing
temperature and decreasing precipitation. It is severely stressed by the rapid urban development
including tourism. All natural resources including biodiversity, vegetation, water, soil, and
agricultural and animal resources are impacted. Ecotourism in the region need to be optimized
and socioeconomic impacts of tourism need to be mitigated. Strategies for the conservation of
this ecosystem need to be developed and unsustainable activities affecting ecosystem services
must be checked. Otherwise, this biodiversity hotspot in the Arabian region will be lost
irretrievably.
Development of Information Technology Training and Research
Infrastructure
Project Code:
Funds:
Funding Source:
Start Date:
Duration:
Team Members:
(SR/ENG/ECED/04/01)
184,100 OMR
His Majesty’s Trust Fund
01 December 2003
5 years
Researchers
Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Al-Naamany
Dr. Hadj Bourdoucen
Dr. Joseph A. Jervase
Research Assistants
Graduate Students
Mr. Mohamed M. Elzain
Ms. Aamna Abdullah Al-Sinani
Mr. Mohamed Teirab
Mr. Wadeh Hafidh Al-Menthari
Mr. Ali Amer Al Shidhani
Mr. Ahmed Hammad Al-Kalbani
Mr. Salim Ali Al-Nasseri
Mr. Adel Said Al-Balushi
Executive Summary
Objectives
The main objective is to develop an infrastructure for dissemination of IT know-how in Oman by
training the trainers, for the advancement of the nation’s overall manpower development in the
public and private sector. The secondary objective is establishment of an IT research base at
SQU to eventually serve the specific needs of Oman in all related aspects of IT.
Methods
A literature review for assessment of state-of-the-art networking technologies, including
integrated networking and converged networking was initially undertaken. This was followed by a
study of the existing national IT Infrastructure. The sectors of the economy where IT serves as a
productivity multiplier were identified and means to increase IT training for these sectors was
proposed. Furthermore, the segment of the population, which is in a position to transfer IT knowhow to others was identified. A training plan based on the Sultanate's needs was subsequently
laid out. This involved setting of IT courses and offering special training to the identified sector of
the population.
Results
Individuals that will have an impact on the nation overall manpower development in the public and
private sector are the teachers. Based on this, over 250 primary and secondary teachers from
the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education were trained. The courses undertaken
were two (1) Information Technology Essentials I: PC Hardware & Software (2) Information
Technology Essentials I: Network Operating Systems. Raising the level of the teachers in the IT
field, will have impact on quality and level of education.
An IT facility was developed by purchasing, installing and testing hardware equipment and
simulation packages for the IT facility. This facility currently provides training for SQU students as
well as for public and private sectors in the field of IT research and testing of new systems.
Conclusions
Over 250 school teachers from the public schools covering the various regions of Oman have
been successfully trained on modern Information Technology techniques. A high quality IT facility
has been developed and established at SQU for training as well as research.
Surfactants for Enhanced Oil Recovery in Yibal Reservoir conditions:
Product selection and Evaluation
Project Code:
Funds:
Funding Source:
Start Date:
Duration:
Team Members:
(SR/SCI/CHEM/04/01)
35,950 OMR
His Majesty’s Trust Fund
02 December 2004
4 years
Researchers
Dr. Mohamed Hassen Aoudia (P.I)
Dr. Rashid Salim Al-Maamari
Research Assistants
Mr. Moein Nabipour
Ms. Badria Yahia Al-Busaidi
Mr. Aadel Awadh Al Dukhli
Mr. Hamdan Saif Al-Amri
Mr. Nayar Al-Afzal
Mr. Ike Siruno
Mr. Mohamed Nasser Al-Shibli
Mr. Ali Rashid Al-Hinai
Graduate Students
Ms. Amal Hilal Al-Sabahi
Ms. Zuleikha Said Al-Harthi
Mr. Said Mohamed Al-Faraji
Ms. Zakia Hilal Al Maawali
Executive Summary
Objectives
Many Omani oil fields reached the second stage of production (water injection) and evidence is
that enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques may be needed to increase oil production in the
future. Therefore, the main objective of this project is to formulate and optimize surfactant
systems suitable for Yibal field conditions. A rigorous approach in selecting suitable modified
nonionic surfactants was undertaken, based on extensive empirical correlations between
surfactant structure on one hand, and reservoir conditions on the other. Clearly, this crucial issue
to extend Omani oilfield life is of paramount significance to the economy of Oman and therefore
may contribute to the energy supply in the future.
Methods
The design of surfactant flood system depends on the following reservoir characteristics: brine
composition, crude oil nature, reservoir temperature, reservoir rock, porosity, and permeability.
Because of their excellent tolerance to high salinity, modified nonionic surfactants were
considered in this investigation. Surfactant selection was based on the following screening criteria
in reservoir conditions (salinity and temperature): i) Compatibility between brine and surfactant, ii)
–3
-2
Ultralow interfacial tension at the brine-10 dynes/cm) to capillary forces
between brine and entrapped droplet of oil, iii) Long term stability of the surfactant slug in the
reservoir, iv) low surfactant adsorption on reservoir rock, and v) Additional residual oil recovery by
surfactants.
Results
A series of modified nonionic and amphoteric surfactants showed excellent compatibility with
reservoir conditions (salinity and temperature) and can therefore be safely injected in Yibal
reservoir.(IFT) measurements were carried out at different surfactants concentrations in reservoir
tr
eq) in a
low and wide range of surfactant concentrations. These two properties are highly desirable in
enhanced oil recovery field applications. The selected surfactants can therefore be potential
candidates for actual surfactant flood in Yibal oil field. IFT between crude oil and reservoir brine
for a freshly prepared surfactant system as well as for the aged surfactant solution (five months)
were measured.. Both systems display the same IFT behavior, suggesting that no degradation of
the surfactant is occurring during the duration of the laboratory test (5 months). Adsorption
isotherms were measured for AES-802, AES-805, and AES-808 surfactants in reservoir
conditions (salinity and temperature). The adsorption was found to be 20 mg/g, 5 mg/g, and 5
mg/g, respectively. To make the surfactant flood process economically viable, surfactant
adsorption must be reduced to around 0.1-0.5 mg/g. Current research is on progress in order to
achieve this condition. Surfactant injections after waterflooding were conducted (tertiary
surfactant injection). In all cases additional increase in oil recoveries between 1% and 7% of
OOIP were achieved. Highest additional oil recoveries were generated with 7-58 (7%), AES-506
(6%), AES-208 (7%), and 6-105 (4%) surfactants, whereas relatively lower additional oil
recoveries were obtained with AES-218 (1%), and AES-128 (1%) surfactants.
Conclusions
Modified nonionic surfactants were selected and evaluated for their potential use in enhanced oil
recovery by surfactant flooding in Yibal oil field. A series of suitable surfactants showed a
-2
complete compatibility with reservoir conditions, an ability to reduce the IFT to less than 10
-1
mNm , to be stable during reservoir flooding, and to generate residual oil recovery. However, the
adsorption of surfactant onto the reservoir rock was found to be relatively high. Our efforts will
focus on hoe to reduce this adsorption.
Improving Production of Vegetable Crops by Development of Stress
Tolerant Germplasm and Farming Systems Research
Project Code:
Funds:
Funding Source:
Start Date:
Duration:
Team Members:
(SR/AGR/PLNT/04/01)
74,800 OMR
His Majesty’s Trust Fund
02 May 2004
5 years
Researchers
Research Assistant
Dr. Fahad Aljulanda Al-Said (P.I.)
Dr. Iqrar Ahmed Khan (P.I)
Dr. Mike Deadman
Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Al-Sa'di
Dr. Amnat Ali
Dr. Slim Zekri
Dr. Sanmugam Prathapar
Dr. Nerru B. Bhat
Mr. Khamis Ahmed Al-Habsi
Mr. Yusaf Mohammed Al-Maqbali
Mr. Aziz Hmaed Al-Rawhai
Mr. Khalid Abdullah Al-Kaf
Mr. Murie Salim Al-Barhi
Mr. Khalid Abdulaziz Al Farsi
Mr. Ali Said Al- Nabhani
Mr. Issa Saleh Al-Forqani
Mr. Ali Naifer
Mr. Shafat Ali Sadiq
Graduate Students
Mr. Khalid Abdulaziz Al-Farsi
Ms. Tina George
Mr. Mahmood Al-Nabhani
Ms. Akino Ohashi
Mr. Abdullah Mohammed Al-Sa'di
Executive Summary
Objectives
This project aims to improve vegetable production in Oman and break the stagnation in
production by expanding vegetable production, extending seasons of production and generating
higher yields through international collaboration for germplasm acquisition and testing for local
adaptations, quality characteristics and seed multiplication with emphasis on tomato and melon,
and transfer this technology to farmers through Ministry of Agriculture (MA). It also looks at
management of late season vine decline of melon and other cucurbits, and to determine the
specific nature of diseases limiting production. The project encompasses establishment of a
database on farming systems of Oman including costs of production, and identifies system-based
handicaps to temporal expansion of production including water-use efficiency by different
vegetables compared with hey grass.
Methods
In the first phase of the project, seed/germplasm was acquired from the Asian Vegetable
Research and Development Center, Taiwan and the University of California, Riverside through
material transfer agreements (MTAs). Experimental work was performed in order to: 1) study
yield and fruit characteristics of tomato and pepper lines, 2) investigate disease aspects of melon
and other cucurbits through field testing of varieties and disease control measures (crop rotation,
utilization of crop residues, solarization and chemical control) for late season vine decline (LSVD)
of melon crops and 3) determine the specific nature of diseases limiting production. The research
was undertaken at 3 locations: AES/SQU, Rumais/MA and Barka/commercial farm. Water-use
efficiency by different vegetables during different growing seasons was conducted with special
reference to year-round productivity and in order to compare field and greenhouse/shadehouse
produced vegetables. The study utilized water measuring devices (flow meters) in 24 field plots
where crops including potato, tomato, pepper, melon, cucumber, corn, beans and cabbage were
grown. Water use and yields were recorded for each crop in all growing seasons. Finally,
research was undertaken to investigate the farming systems of Oman including costs of
production, in order to compile a marketing database from a survey of 100 farms.
Results
Different germplasm lines of tomato showed varying levels of adaptability to cultivation conditions
in Oman. This indicates the potential for some varieties, in future, to be propagated in Oman as
part of a seed production industry. The farming system survey, including costs of production and
marketing analysis confirmed the pre-eminent status of vegetables, with tomatoes the most
important component, followed by melons. The analysis showed that the economic return from
vegetable production is higher than that from fruit crops, but lower than from fodder crops.
However, in terms of productivity relative to water consumption and tonnage of food produced per
unit land area and time, vegetables appear to perform better than other crop types. Field
examination of LSVD of sweet melon and other soil-borne diseases of cucurbits indicated that the
causal factors in the development of LSVD are complex, including physiological stresses imposed
on the crop. Research on soil-borne diseases of cucurbits revealed the presence in Oman of
three new fungal pathogens.
The incomplete management of LSVD led directly to a new
SQU/MA collaborative project on the use of grafting for the management of this disease as well
as of greenhouse cucumber diseases. In addition, the research showed the importance of
strengthened quarantine regulations in the management of crop diseases, indicating the potential
for imported potting mixes to bring into Oman new fungal pathogens.
Conclusions
Continuous introduction of new varieties through collaboration with international institutions like
the Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center, Taiwan and technology transfer in
vegetable production in Oman is necessary to improve vegetable production. Furthermore,
introduction of new technology such as grafting to farmers and strengthened quarantine
regulations in the management of crop diseases is an effective way to improve vegetable
production and to reduce the impact of wilt diseases in cucurbits and to prevent entry of new
disease to Oman. Finally, periodical updating of the developed database of Agricultural Farming
systems in Oman is critical to identify handicaps and future changes in the vegetable production
sector specifically and the crop production sector in general.
Coastal Erosion in Al Batinah
Project Code:
Funds:
Funding Source:
Start Date:
Duration:
Team Members:
(SR/ART/GEOG/04/01)
69,050 OMR
His Majesty’s Trust Fund
02 May 2004
4 years
Researchers
Dr. Salim Mohamed Al-Hatrushi (PI)
Dr. Andy Yaw Kwarteng (Co-PI)
Dr. Ahmed Sana
Prof. Anton MacLaclan
Dr. Khalid Hamed
Dr. Ali Said Al-Buloushi
Consultants
Research Assistants
Dr. G. T. Vijaya Kumar
Dr. Mohammed Aslam Abdul Khader
Mr. Abdulhameed Al-Riyami
Mr. Jamil Said Al-Yaqoubi
Dr. G. T. Vijaya Kumar
Dr. Mohammed Aslam Abdul Khader
Mr. Abdulhameed Mohamed Al-Riyami
Mr. Jamil Said Al-Yaqoubi
Graduate Students
Mr. Ahmed Hassan Al-Naabi
Mr. Ahmed Saif Al-Dhuhli
Mr. Saleh Ali Al-Hasani
Dr. Werner Kurt Illenberger
Executive Summary
Objectives
Al Batinah coastal area has been experiencing rapid development over the past three decades
including the construction of major engineering infrastructures such as harbors, corniches, roads,
etc. Coastal erosion is observed in some areas and the construction of engineering structures are
considered to be a contributing factor. This project aimed to assess the status of coastal erosion in
Al Batinah using a series of integrated studies and to suggest solutions.
Methods
A multidisciplinary approach was adopted in order to address the issue of beach erosion along Al
Batinah coast as holistically as possible. Accordingly, the study included the following sections: (1)
Literature review of existing knowledge, (2) Survey of the needs, problems and perceptions of local
communities concerning sandy beaches, (3) Use of aerial photos and satellite imagery to consider
large scale changes to this whole section of coast, (4) Regular surveys of beach profiles at selected
locations to initiate a monitoring system and to obtain measurements on a finer scale (temporal and
spatial) of changes, (5) Analysis of grain sizes and mineralogy of the sediments in order to
understand the origins of this material and to enable the use these properties as tracers in future, (6)
Estimates of the extent to which terrestrial sediment supply to these beaches may have been
reduced through sediment trapping in recharge dams on wadis draining the western Hajar
Mountains, and (7) Making provisional measurements of wave driven currents and nearshore
circulation and modeling the role of these processes in transporting sand.
Results
The questionnaire survey showed overwhelming dependence on marine resources and beaches,
more than 50% of respondents being directly involved in fishing for employment and 97% indicating
that beaches were very important for their subsistence and lifestyle. Aerial photos and satellite
images revealed that on the large scale and over several decades the soft shoreline of Al Batinah
coast was stable. Some local accretion and erosion had occurred on up- and down drift-sides of
major coastal engineering structures (especially Widam Sahel) and at the mouth of Wadi Hawasnah,
but otherwise stability was the norm. Most profiles showed some variability but overall there was
stability over two years of monitoring. The cases of accretion or erosion were all closely associated
with harbor and other coastal engineering structures and no cases were extreme. Grain size
distribution and mineralogy of sediment on Al Batinah coast showed a wide range of sizes, types and
origins, but the main source was terrestrial, from the western Hajar Mountains. Total wadi sediment
input to Al Batinah coast was estimated at 1,560,000 m³ per year historically, coming almost entirely
from the western Hajar Mountains. Recharge dams now trap 48% of this, significantly reducing
sediment input to the shore. The in situ nearshore measurements by ADCP recorded wave heights
in the range 0.2-1.4 m, wave periods generally 4-5 seconds, and current speeds up to 0.5 m per
second.
Conclusions
The overall conclusions from this integrated series of studies are that: (1) Al Batinah sandy shoreline
is generally stable, (2) Local interruption of longshore transport by coastal engineering structures has
caused limited erosion and accretion on short temporal and spatial scales, (3) Reduction of wadi
sediment supply does not yet seem to have had major effect, with the exception of Wadi Hawasnah,
(4) Further work on modeling will allow more accurate budgets to be compiled and it is desirable that
monitoring should continue, (5) Local people are dependent on good beaches and are keenly aware
of local erosion problems, (6) In most cases the local population can live with these problems but in
some areas nourishment could be tried. Sediment cleaned from dams could also be brought to the
coast, and (7) It is most important that a national body be set up to link all interested and affected
parties, disseminate information and continue monitoring.
Environmental Assessment of Selected Waste-Dumping Sites in Oman and
Risks on Populations Living in their Vicinity (Case Study: Barka and
Bowsher)
Project Code:
Funds:
Funding Source:
Start Date:
Duration:
Team Members:
(SR/ENG/CAED/04/01)
94,350 OMR
His Majesty’s Trust Fund
02 May 2004
4 years
Researchers
Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Al-Futaisi (P.I.)
Dr. Ahmad Jamrah
Dr. Saif Nasser Al-Bahry
Dr. Abdulgadir Elshafie
Dr. Salim Said Al-Wahibi
Dr. Majed Shahoo Al-Zedjali
Eng. Said Darwish Al-Alawi
Eng. Haitham Khalfan Al-Akhzami
Research Assistants
Dr. Natarajan Rajmohan
Mr. Said Mohammed Al-Touqi
Mr. Saif Muhana AL-Yaroubi
Graduate Students
Mr. Said Mohamed Al-Touqi
Executive Summary
Objectives
The main objective of this research is to develop a quantitative environmental risk assessment
strategy using the source-pathway-receptor framework for some selected waste dumping sites in
Oman and to identify possible contamination of the unsaturated zone and aquifers that exist
beneath waste dumping sites. Two landfill have been selected as case studies: Barka Dump and
Bowsher.
Methods
Detailed data collection was carried out from various public and private sources. Related data
were transferred to spatial maps using GIS. About five dumping sites were visited in order to select
two sites for more comprehensive investigation. It was decided that the project will concentrate on
Barka and Bousher dump-sites. During the study period, regular visits to the landfills were carried
out for monitoring and quantification of the wastes in the dump sites. Many waste samples were
collected and analyzed at SQU labs for diverse microbiological, chemical, and environmental
parameters. Observing great potential of groundwater contamination from Bark dumping site,
groundwater quality of the entire city was tested for any possible environmental pollution from the
dumping sites or other sources. The relation between rainfall and groundwater potential was
evaluated from the groundwater level and rainfall data related to Barka collected from 1984 to
2003. More than hundred samples were collected, analyzed and presented on GIS spatial maps to
show the contamination plumes observed in Barka aquifer. Geochemical Analysis was performed
on Barka groundwater for understanding the chemical processes involved in Barka aquifer. The
study implemented geophysical method using Time-Domain Electro Magnetic (TDEM) for
identifying possible migration of contaminants from the surface to the unsaturated zone below the
site and hence to groundwater. A total of five boreholes were drilled up to a depth of 80 meter in
order to obtain soil and groundwater samples from beneath Barka dumping site to investigate the
possibility of contamination of the groundwater in Barka aquifer.
Results
Waste and soil samples collected from Bowsher and Barka dumping sites suggested that the soils
are heavily polluted with organics especially Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPHs), a range of
toxic metals and nutrients. The continuous discharge of effluents resulted in the creation of many
stagnant ponds and estuaries flowing towards the lower lands providing luxurious and favorable
breeding sites for mosquitoes, flies, worms, and other microorganisms. Results of Barka water
level analysis illustrated that groundwater wells in Barka exhibit distinctive interesting trend in the
long-term water level fluctuations. The long-term regional variation in water level revealed that
water level continuously dropped down in the coastal and centre part of Barka with an annual
decline in water level of 0.3 to 0.4 m/year. In Barka, groundwater chemistry showed large
variations in mean (or median) values and also expressed high standard deviations in TDS, Cl, Na,
Mg and SO4, which suggest the influences of distinguished contamination sources and/or process
on water chemistry. Trace metals expressed distinguished distribution pattern from upstream to
downstream. Elevated concentrations of metals such as Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu, Cd, and Pb were
observed near the dumping site and decrease along with groundwater flow. Bacterial population
was generally high near dumping site and coastal strip. Overall, 52% of samples exceeded anyone
of the inorganic parameters based on Oman standards while 98% of samples are unfit for domestic
usage based on EPA standards. Total coliform and E. coli were observed in 90% and 69% of
samples, respectively, which are not appropriated for regular uses. Plotted DRASTIC maps
indicated that the northern and central parts of Barka are more vulnerable to pollution than
southern part. Regional distribution pattern of nitrate, chloride, Total coliform and Fecal coliform
were well correlated with DRASTIC vulnerability maps. Geochemical study suggested that the
groundwater chemistry in Barka is principally influenced by saline sources, cation exchange,
anthropogenic pollutants and mineral dissolution/precipitation. Results of TDEM study suggested
that lower resistivity zone (<80 ohm m) encountered near the subsurface indicates plume migration
caused by liquid waste disposal activities. Combination of TDEM survey results with lithology of
peizometers indicated that higher resistivity is correlated with compacted/cemented gravels and
cobbles, especially medium dense to very dense gravels and cobbles. It was observed that the
some of the drilled wells at the site and close to the lagoons, contains elevated concentration of
TDS, Na, Ca, Mg, alkalinity, chloride and total hardness. This observation suggested that
groundwater below the dumping site is strongly affected by leachate originated from liquid lagoons
located inside the landfill.
Conclusions
Characteristics of waste materials collected from Barka and Bousher dumping sites imply that codisposal of untreated solid, sludge and liquid wastes in one site has resulted in a severe trade-off in
the eminence of environment. The solid waste samples collected from the dumping sites of both
landfills confirmed the presence of a wide range of organic and inorganic contaminants. The soils
are heavily polluted with organics especially TPH, a range of toxic metals and nutrients. Regional
groundwater sampling and analysis in Barka confirmed that groundwater level is continuous
declination and that groundwater chemistry is influenced by distinguished contamination sources
and process. Trace metal contents firmly reveal the effect of dumping site on groundwater
chemistry and most of the metals seem to be derived from liquid waste water disposal. GIS spatial
maps of groundwater quality parameters indicate that entire groundwater aquifer in Barka city is
bacteriologically contaminated and not fit for direct drinking or usage. Groundwater quality in Barka
was evaluated using Oman standards for drinking water (OSTD) and USEPA standards and
concludes that 98 % of samples are unfit for drinking based on salinity and bacteria. Impact of
anthropogenic activities on groundwater composition in Barka is apparently recognized from nitrate
concentration, originated from nitrification and/or organic matter decomposition, and increases
solute load indirectly in groundwater. Groundwater samples collected from drilled pizometers at
Barka landfill contains elevated concentration of TDS, Na, Ca, Mg, alkalinity, chloride and total
hardness suggesting that groundwater below the dumping site is strongly affected by leachate
originated from liquid lagoons located inside the landfill. Microbiological parameters show that
groundwater beneath Barka dumping site is largely influenced by bacterial contamination
especially Total coliform and E.coli.