Coastal Land Reclamation Impacts on Marine Chemistry, and Microbial Biodiversity: A Case Study of Qatar

Reclaiming marine habitats can have severe ecological consequences, as it involves the loss of natural habitats in favor of artificial ones. This process leads to numerous negative impacts, including reduced space for tides, loss of beach areas, diminished wave dissipation space, and increased intensity and frequency of harmful algal blooms. Additionally, reclamation activities introduce contaminants and building materials that can pollute the surrounding marine environment, although the full extent of this pollution and its impact remains uncertain. Since the early 2004, Qatar has initiated big land reclamation projects to meet the demands of urban expansion, resulting in rapid urban evolution with the development of projects like Hamad International Airport, the Pearl, and the more recent Lusail city. By comparing the microbiome throughout the selected coastal region, we can gain insights into the dynamics of microbial communities in these reclaimed vs. natural areas. Through continuous monitoring and data correlation, recommendations will be developed and shared with policymakers to establish new rules and guidelines for sustainable reclamation and preservation of Qatar's natural resources. This pioneering research project will generate original and valuable data, benefiting not only Qatar and the region.

Qatar University