Public Health Implications of Gulf Water Contamination: Risks, Monitoring, and Response

This article is the part of “Policy Pathways for Food and Water Security in the MENA Region“

Safeguarding health in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman is centred on understanding what is in the water, where it moves, and how people are exposed to harmful contamination. As populations grow and coastal industries expand, the Gulf’s semienclosed waters are under increasing pressure from industrial discharges, wastewater effluents, and desalination by-products. These exposure risks are highly differentiated across populations and pathways.

Coastal labour communities and marine-dependent populations, such as fisherfolk, experience elevated risks due to direct and prolonged contact with contaminated seawater, sediments, and bioaccumulated pollutants in seafood, as documented in recent occupational and coastal exposure studies by Halder et al.^[1] Urban residents, meanwhile, are exposed primarily through indirect pathways such as drinking water, air, and food, usually at lower levels but over long periods. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable because of higher intake relative to body weight and greater sensitivity to neurodevelopmental and endocrine-disrupting contaminants.^[2] Occupational groups, including desalination workers, face elevated risks from repeated exposure to process waters, aerosols, and by-products, underscoring the importance of targeted monitoring of desalination systems and effluents.^[3]

Protecting communities across the region requires an integrated, evidence-based monitoring framework that connects environmental science to public health. The rest of this article outlines the key contamination risks, the need for harmonised monitoring, and the pathways to build resilient water and health systems in the Gulf.

Water Quality in the Gulf Region

The Arabian Gulf faces various environmental stressors. It is shallow, warm, and semienclosed with limited circulation, which can allow contaminants to persist longer than in open seas. Rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, and dependence on desalination have intensified pollution pressures. While desalination is essential for water security, it can return concentrated brine, trace metals, and chemical residues to the sea, affecting salinity and ecological balance. Similarly, wastewater reuse and aquifer recharge projects, though vital for sustainability, can introduce microbial and chemical contaminants if not properly managed.

Climate change complicates these dynamics. Rising sea temperatures and evaporation rates exacerbate salinity, while dust storms increase the atmospheric deposition of metals and organics.^[4] Across the wider Gulf, similar pressures are evident. In Kuwait Bay, continuous wastewater discharge has degraded recreational water quality and increased public health risks.^[5] These findings highlight that pollution challenges are not confined to one country but are shared across interconnected Gulf waters. Recent studies in the UAE have documented how these combined stressors alter microbial communities and nutrient cycles. A study published in 2025 in Frontiers in Marine Science found that urbanisation and climatic variation significantly affected microbial and chemical water quality in Khalid Khor, Sharjah.^[6] Such findings highlight how environmental and anthropogenic factors intersect, shaping health risks in the region.

The Human Health Connection

Water contamination in the Gulf translates into tangible public health concerns. Chemical pollutants such as mercury, lead, and cadmium bioaccumulate through seafood consumption, impairing neurological and renal functions. Studies of stranded marine mammals in the UAE have found high levels of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants in their tissues, indicating broader ecosystem contamination.^[7] Emerging contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a large class of persistent, human-made “forever chemicals”,a along with pharmaceutical residues and microplastics, are now being detected in coastal waters and sediments, raising questions about long-term exposure and its endocrinedisrupting effects. Microbial contamination is also an important concern. Discharges from treated wastewater can introduce pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria into marine environments, which may increase health risks for coastal labour communities, particularly where access to adequate storage and hygiene infrastructure is limited.

Indeed, faecal contamination of groundwater and surface water was previously documented in Sharjah’s Al Wasit Nature Reserve, illustrating how microbial pathways can extend inland.^[8] Additionally, the modern desert dust storms carry anthropogenic particle loads that deposit onto Gulf coastal waters and desalination intakes, reinforcing the need for integrated air–sea monitoring and rapid public-health response.^[9] During the storm in the UAE in mid-April 2024, floodwaters around Sharjah, UAE contained tire-derived chemicals,b underscoring the need to integrate stormwater and drinking-water monitoring into Gulf public health response.^[10],^[11]

A ‘One Health’ approach that integrates environmental, animal, and human health data is therefore essential to trace these linkages and manage risk comprehensively. In the GCC region, existing water limitations and climate conditions shape agricultural productivity, and environmental contamination can further influence food security alongside food safety. Declines in water quality can affect fisheries and aquaculture, which are important regional protein sources, while contaminated irrigation water and soils may reduce crop yields. In a region that imports approximately 85 percent of its food, these pressures can increase reliance on external supply chains and sensitivity to global food price changes and disruptions.^[12]

Contaminated coastal waters can reduce local fish stocks through increased salinity, temperature stress, and chemical pollution, leading to fish mortality and loss of biodiversity. These altered conditions also threaten aquaculture viability by impairing the growth and survival of cultured species. The buildup of contaminants in marine organisms can affect the safety and quality of seafood exports, with possible trade and economic impacts. At the same time, concerns about seafood safety may reduce consumer confidence and demand, affecting coastal livelihoods and regional food systems.^[13]

The Importance of Baseline Data

Effective monitoring begins with robust baseline datasets. Yet, across the Gulf, data are often fragmented among ministries, municipalities, and research institutions. Without harmonised methods and multi-year records, it becomes difficult to discern whether observed changes represent genuine deterioration or natural variability. Building regional baselines for chemical, microbial, and ecological indicators would allow authorities to detect shifts early and coordinate responses.

These baseline data should include the following:

Chemical profiles: metals, nutrients, hydrocarbons, and organic pollutants measured seasonally across representative coastal and offshore sites.

Microbial indicators: coliform counts, antibiotic resistance genes, and pathogen diversity tracked over time.

Biomonitoring data: sentinel species such as oysters, fish, and seagrass to capture bioaccumulation and ecological stress.

Previous research by P. S. et al. has demonstrated that remote sensing of oyster habitats in the northern UAE can serve as an early indicator of ecological change.^[14] Such integrative approaches exemplify how technology can support baseline development. Shared baselines, published transparently, enable authorities to map hotspots, evaluate interventions, and align national efforts under a common framework. Recent analyses of large-scale desalination in Gulf Cooperation Council states indicate that weak brine-management policies in some areas, particularly Qatar and Bahrain, have intensified salinity and chemical stress in coastal waters, highlighting the urgent need for region-wide regulation.^[14]

Strengthening Monitoring Systems

In the GCC, contamination monitoring and response are implemented through a coordinated multi-agency framework. National emergency management authorities (for example, the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority – NCEMA in the UAE) provide overall coordination for major incidents, while environmental, health, and municipal authorities carry out complementary roles in pollution control, public health protection, and local enforcement, in line with established mandates. Regional coordination is supported through existing cooperation platforms and can be further strengthened through shared data protocols, interoperable monitoring systems, and joint preparedness exercises.^[16]

To support this governance structure and move from periodic sampling toward more timely environmental intelligence, the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman would benefit from a unified monitoring network integrating four complementary components:

1. Routine chemical testing of metals, organic pollutants, and nutrients in coastal and desalination intake waters.
2. Microbial surveillance for pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes, leveraging genomic sequencing.
3. Biomonitoring of sentinel species and seafood to assess pollutant accumulation across the food chain.
4. Remote sensing and in-situ sensors to detect algal blooms and contamination plumes, with data feeding AI-based early warning systems.

Such an integrated approach aligns with established international frameworks, such as the EU Water Framework Directive, and can be adapted to the Gulf’s environmental conditions. The Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME) has initiated efforts to promote regional data sharing, providing a foundation on which broader coordination and information integration can continue to build.^[17]

Linking Monitoring to Health Outcomes

Environmental data, on its own, cannot accurately reflect health risks without context. To understand exposure pathways, water quality measurements must be linked to human behaviour and health outcomes. This requires integrating environmental, dietary, and medical data within a unified analytical framework. Research should connect contaminant levels in water and seafood with biomarker studies, hospital surveillance records, and broader population health indicators.

The UAE’s Water Security Strategy 2036 acknowledges this connection by emphasising health-based standards for desalinated and recycled water.^[18] Expanding similar frameworks across the Gulf would promote consistent risk assessments and enable more targeted health advisories. These initiatives are informed by global guidelines such as the World Health Organization’s Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality.^[19] For instance, comparing hospital data on gastrointestinal illnesses with environmental contamination trends could uncover unreported outbreaks or chronic exposure patterns. Likewise, analysing seafood consumption alongside evidence of bioaccumulation helps support scientifically grounded dietary recommendations.

Funding and Capacity Building

None of these advances are possible without sustained investment. Monitoring programmes across the Gulf often rely on short-term grants, limiting continuity and comparability. Establishing a regional water quality and health fund co-supported by governments, industry, and international partners would secure long-term capacity.

Priority investments should include the following:

• Upgrading laboratories and ensuring inter-laboratory proficiency testing.
• Expanding training in environmental chemistry, epidemiology, and data science.
• Maintaining sensor networks and field logistics.
• Developing open-data platforms that integrate chemical, microbial, and health metrics.

Steady funding signals political commitment and builds resilience. It also enables cumulative datasets that move policymaking from assumptions to evidence.

Collaboration, Transparency, and Policy Integration

The Gulf’s waters are shared, not divided. Pollution in one area inevitably affects another. This demands cooperative monitoring and open data sharing. A regional State of the Gulf Waters annual report, modelled on the European Environment Agency’s water-quality assessments, could strengthen transparency and accountability.^[20] Partnerships between national laboratories, universities, and regional organisations such as ROPME would help harmonise protocols and improve inter-laboratory calibration.^[21]

Desalination is a pillar of water security in the GCC and accounts for approximately 46 percent of global desalination capacity, reflecting the region’s long-standing investment in desalination to meet water demand under arid conditions.22,23 Recent reviews by D’Agostino et al. show that although desalination research in the region has expanded rapidly, much of the operational data and infrastructure remain with private operators, highlighting the need for closer collaboration between industry, regulators, and researchers to support effective environmental safeguards.^[22] In addition to domestic use, desalinated water increasingly supports food-system resilience through irrigation, food processing, and controlled-environment agriculture such as hydroponics, strengthening the regional water–energy–food nexus.^[23]

While regional mechanisms support cooperation, monitoring and response across the GCC are mostly carried out through national programmes that use different indicators, sampling frequencies, and data systems. This can delay the detection of transboundary contamination or harmful algal blooms, creating blind spots for desalination intakes in shared waters and complicating coordinated assessments of fisheries and seafood safety. Existing platforms provide a strong basis for cooperation and could be further enhanced through improved data interoperability and aligned monitoring outputs.22,23,^[24]

Transparency also enhances public engagement. Making water quality information accessible encourages industries and citizens to support preventive measures. When communities understand the health implications of pollution, they can act as partners in protecting water sources.

Towards a Health-Centred Water Policy

True water security depends not only on availability but also on safety. Placing health at the centre of water policy shifts the focus toward well-being, resilience, and preparedness. Developing risk-based standards that reflect the unique conditions of Gulf ecosystems can safeguard vulnerable communities while supporting sustainable development. Integrating One Health data with AI-driven early-warning systems could further enhance the region’s ability to anticipate and respond to contamination incidents.

The Gulf has the expertise and innovation capacity to lead in this field. Its experience in desalination, smart infrastructure, and data analytics can be channelled into comprehensive environmental-health governance.

Conclusion

Protecting the Gulf waters is about protecting people. By strengthening integrated monitoring, establishing shared baselines, and linking environmental data with public health, the region can detect risks early and respond effectively. Collaboration, transparency, and sustained investment will determine whether the next generation inherits a Gulf defined by resilience or risk. Science-driven, cooperative policy action offers the surest pathway to safeguard both water and health.

Endnotes

^[1] C. E. Halder et al., “Occupational Hazards and Risks among Women in Fisher Communities in Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram, Bangladesh,” PLOS ONE 19 no. 7, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0297400.

^[2] A. J. Burbank et al., “Community- and Neighborhood-Level Disparities in Extreme Climate Exposure: Implications for Asthma and Atopic Disease Outcomes,” Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 152 no. 5, 2023: 1084–1086, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci^[4].2023.09.015.

^[3] A. E. Al-Rawajfeh et al., “A Review on Harmful Algal Blooms in the Arabian Gulf: Causes and Impacts on Desalination Plants,” Desalination and Water Treatment 290, 2023: 46–55, https://doi.org/10.5004/ dwt.2023.29482.

^[4] F. Mahroos et al., “Characterization and Health Risk Assessment of Chemical and Microbial Pollutants in Particulate Matter from Dust-Prone Regions,” Scientific Reports 15, no. 1 (2025), https://doi.org/10.1038/ s41598-025-09047-2.

^[5] O. Bushaibah et al., “Wastewater Effluent from Outfalls in Kuwait Bay: A Threat to Recreational Water Quality,” Migration Letters 21, no. 7 (2024): 84–103, https://migrationletters.com/index.php/ml/article/ view/10467.

^[6] N. Ahmed et al., “Evaluating Temporal Changes in Water Quality due to Urbanisation: A Multi-Year Observational Study in Khalid Khor, Sharjah, UAE,” Frontiers in Marine Science, 2025, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2025.1538897.

^[7] F. Yaghmour et al., “Analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants and Heavy Metals in Mysticetes from the United Arab Emirates,” Regional Studies in Marine Science 68, 2023: 103276, https://doi.org/10.1016/j. rsma.2023.103276.

^[8] F. Samara et al., “Investigation of Fecal Contamination of Groundwater and Surface Water at Al Wasit Nature Reserve,” Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Sciences, 2016.

^[9] C. G. Williams and F. Samara, “Changing Particle Content of the Modern Desert Dust Storm: A Climate × Health Problem,” Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 195, 2023: 706, https://doi.org/10.1007/ s10661-023-11287-6.

^[10] J. Navarro Ramos et al., “Emerging Contaminants in Stormwater: Tire-Derived Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, and Heavy Metals Detected in a United Arab Emirates Extreme Weather Event,” Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters 6, 2025: 100162, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazl.2025.100162.

^[11] D. S. Aga et al., “Rising Water, Rising Risks: The Hidden Dangers of Emerging Contaminants in Climate- Intensified Storms,” ACS ES&T Water 4 no. 7, 2024: 2785–2788, https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestwater.4c00457.

^[12] L. G. Moussa et al., “Impact of Water Availability on Food Security in the GCC: Systematic Literature Review- Based Policy Recommendations for a Sustainable Future,” Environmental Development 54, 2025: 101122, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2024.101122.

^[13] H. Hosseini et al., “Marine Health of the Arabian Gulf: Drivers of Pollution and Assessment Approaches Focusing on Desalination Activities,” Marine Pollution Bulletin 164, 2021: 112085, https://doi.org/10.1016/j. marpolbul.2021.112085.

^[14] P. S. P. et al., “Advancing Oyster Habitat Mapping: Integrating Satellite Remote Sensing to Assess Coastal Development Impacts in Northern United Arab Emirates,” Marine Pollution Bulletin 215, 2025: 117861, https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117861.

^[15] M. Al-Saidi et al., “The Perils of Building Big: Desalination Sustainability and Brine Regulation in the Arab Gulf Countries,” Water Resources and Industry 32, 2024: 100259, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wri.2024.100259.

^[16] Redlog Environmental, “HSE Regulatory Requirements across the GCC – Part 4A: UAE Competent Authorities,” 2023, https://www.redlogenv.com/general/hse-regulatory-requirements-across-the-gcc-part- 4a-uae-competent-authorities.

^[17] Regional Organization for the Protection of the Marine Environment (ROPME), State of the Marine Environment Report for the ROPME Sea Area (2023), https://ropme.org/publications/technical-reports/.

^[18] UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, 2020, https://u.ae/en/aboutthe- uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/environment-and-energy/the-uaewater- security-strategy-2036.

^[19] World Health Organization, Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality, 4th ed. with 2022 addendum, https://www. who.int/publications/i/item/9789240045064.

^[20] European Environment Agency, Water Quality in Europe: Status and Trends, 2023, https://www.eea.europa. eu/themes/water/european-waters.

^[21] United Nations Environment Programme, “Regional Seas Programme: Protecting the Marine Environment of the ROPME Sea Area,” 2023, https://ropme.org/about-ropme/unep-regional-seas-programme-newsletter/.

^[22] D. D’Agostino et al., “Evolution of Desalination Research and Water Production in the Middle East: A Five- Decade Perspective,” Frontiers in Water 7, 2025: 1672360, https://doi.org/10.3389/frwa.2025.1672360.

^[23] B. Moossa et al., “Desalination in the GCC Countries: A Review,” Journal of Cleaner Production 357, 2022: 131717, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.131717.

^[24] A. K. Alhowaish, “The Blue Economy in the Arabian Gulf: Trends, Gaps, and Pathways for Sustainable Coastal Development,” Sustainability 17, no. 19 (2025): 8809, https://doi.org/10.3390/su17198809.