Evaluation of Radon Pollution in Underground Parking Lots by Discomfort Index

Introduction Recent studies of public underground parking lots showed the influence of radon concentration and the probable discomfort caused by parking cars. Materials and Methods Radon concentration was measured in semi-closed public parking lots in the six governorates of Kuwait, using Durridge RAD7radon detector (USA). Results The peak radon concentration in the parking lots of Kuwait governorates was relatively higher during winter (63.15Bq/m3) compared to summer (41.73 Bq/m3). Radon in the evaluated parking lots revealed a mean annual absorbed dose (DRn: 0.02mSv/y) and annual effective dose (HE: 0.06mSv/y).  Conclusion This study validated the influence of relative humidity and temperature as the major components of discomfort index (DI). The mean annual absorbed and effective dose  of radon in the evaluated parking lots were found below the permissible limits. However, high radon DRn and HE were reported when the assessment included the parking lots, the surrounding residential apartments, and office premises. Furthermore, the time-series analysis indicated significant variations of the seasonal and site-wise distribution of radon concentrations in the indoor evaluated parking lots of the six Kuwait governorate

Trace Metals Toxicity to the Body Structures of Mullet Liza Klunzingeri (Mugilidae: Perciformes)

Rapid industrialization, installation of mega-desalination plants and suspected trace metals discharges in the Kuwait marine environment instigated us to determine the trace metals toxicity on the body structures (first dorsal fin, otolith and scales) of the commercially relished mullet fish, Liza Klunzingeri . 96 h toxicity test with Fe, Cd, Ni, As, showed the body structure of L. klunzingeri to attain LOEC (lowest observed effective concentration) at test concentrations of 10μg/L, 4.0μgL, 8.0μg/L and 2.0μg/L, respectively. Observation revealed high metal concentrations in scales followed by first dorsal fin and otolith irrespective of the sampling sites. Mean bioaccumulation factor (BAF) in body structures was high in the sequence of Ni> Fe > As >Cd. Trace metals bioaccumulation was high in samples reared in Kuwait Bay than in the Kuwait coastal waters. These findings supported evidences to body structures of L. klunzingeri as an indicator to trace metal pollution besides its use for species aging