Anthropogenic Impacts on Sediment Quality in the Arabian Gulf: A Comprehensive Review of PAH, PCB, and TPH Contamination

The Arabian Gulf has experienced rapid industrialization, recurrent oil-related activities, and extensive coastal development over the past several decades, contributing to the accumulation of organic contaminants in marine sediments. This comprehensive study with quantitative synthesis examines the spatial and temporal distribution, potential sources, and ecological implications of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) in Arabian Gulf sediments based on published studies from 1991 to 2025. Reported contaminant concentrations were compiled, normalised to common units where appropriate, and compared across countries, sampling periods, and sedimentary environments. The compiled data demonstrate substantial spatial and temporal variability in PAH concentrations, with particularly elevated concentrations reported in some Iranian and Bahraini sediments, whereas generally lower concentrations were reported from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. PCB concentrations also showed pronounced spatial variability, including elevated levels in sediments from the north-western Arabian Gulf and Kuwait, consistent with the persistence of historical PCB inputs. TPH concentrations exhibited marked temporal and spatial variability, including elevated concentrations associated with historical oil contamination and industrialized coastal areas. Source indicators reported in the literature suggest contributions from both pyrogenic and petrogenic processes, although differences in sampling strategies, analytical methods, sediment characteristics, detection limits, and temporal coverage limit direct comparisons among studies. Ecological risk assessments reported across the compiled literature indicate that risk varies considerably among locations and contaminant groups, with PAHs and PCBs representing important contributors to potential sediment associated ecological risk. Overall, the available evidence highlights persistent contamination hotspots and substantial regional data gaps. Harmonized sampling and analytical protocols, improved spatial and temporal monitoring, and coordinated regional assessment are recommended to strengthen understanding and management of sediment contamination in the Arabian Gulf.