Temporal and spatial assessment of pollen, radionuclides, minerals and trace elements in deposited dust within Kuwait

摘要: Sixty-seven dust collectors were installed in 47 sites all over Kuwait. Nine of these contain four for radionuclide collection. The monitoring fallout and associated pollen was conducted 2 years from August 2009 to 2011. highest depositional rates detected within the western areas annual amount Kuwait varies 10 1065 unit with an average 278 t/km2. year 2010–2011 found dustier compared 2009–2010 by 43 %. analysis leads a conclusion that northwestern, western, northern winds play key role producing Regional represent dominant sources fallout, while local contribute appreciable amounts. very fine sand particles originate as they move form saltation short distance 37 % percentages There is trend fining mean size towards east northeast. Mineralogically, carbonates quartz are major components Kuwait, feldspars considerable Other minerals gypsum, anhydrite, bassonite heavy minerals. Carbonates more less coastal desert areas. Natural 40K 210Pb, man-made (anthropogenic) 137Cs, cosmogenic 7Be radionuclides determined. monthly 35.4, 11.2, 13.2 0.3 Bq m−2 7Be, respectively, which comparable similar climatologically around globe. Pollen originates predominantly regional sources. However, presence large Haloxylon sp. Cyperus indicates close-by contributor fallen dust.