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Module Some pollutants not a problem at present but represent long term risk
5 Analyses of groundwater carried out in 2005 did not produce much evidence of pollutants other

than nitrate. The following are nevertheless potential problems in the long term:
? Pesticides: In a joint FEA/EAD study, over 200 groundwater samples were collected for pesticide
analysis. Only one sample contained pesticide residues, and this was at low concentration.
9-12 December, 2013 Hayer. The absence of elevated concentrations of dissolved organic matter in the groundwater
Dissolved organic matter: Groundwater samples were collected from a location near Al
?

indicates that agricultural landfills are not contaminating the groundwater at present. However,
the landfills represent a long term risk because they are unlined and underlain by very
permeable sandy soil, which floods periodically. Pollutants may seep into the groundwater over

Produced water from oil extraction: Produced water injected into deep saline aquifers can
? time.
potentially pollute fresher groundwater resources.

? Hydrocarbons: There is a potential for pollution from oilfield installations and petrol stations. It was
recommended that a monitoring system is established.

? Leakages from the sewer systems are un-quantified.

2. Impact

Nitrate affects health in short- and long term. For most people, consuming small amounts of nitrate is
not harmful.

Short term exposure to high levels of nitrate can cause health problems for infants. Their bodies
converts nitrate to nitrite, which can interfere with the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and lead
to a dangerous condition called methemoglobinemia, or "blue baby syndrome”. According to the EPA,

lifetime exposure to nitrates in the drinking water at levels above 10 mg per litre can potentially cause
diuresis, increased starchy deposits and hemorrhaging of the spleen.

3. Driving forces

Explosive growth in agriculture and oil sector. Government subsidies have promoted a significant
expansion in agriculture over the last 30 years. About 3000 new farms have been established each year
and there are currently around 25.000 private farms.

Oil was first discovered in 1958. In 1962, Abu Dhabi began exporting oil. About 9 percent of the
world's known extractable oil and gas resources are found here. Oil and gas production has promoted
rapid economic growth over the last 30 years.

24 Integrated Analysis of Environmental Trends and Policies