Kuwait Oil-Based Pollution: Effect on Building Material

The Kuwaiti environment was contaminated with oil residue, gaseous pollutants, soot, and smoke resulting from the destruction of oil wells by Iraqi forces. This study investigated the effects of oil-based pollutants on the strength and integrity of building materials. The investigation was initiated as soon as the oil-well fires were put out and the visible pollutants had settled to the ground. Samples were collected from all over Kuwait and were subjected to physical, chemical and mineralogical [x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF)] testing. The physical testing program indicated a positive effect with regard to compressive strength and slump of concrete made from contaminated aggregate. The chemical and mineralogical testing program indicated that the hydrocarbon concentration and penetration in building materials depends on the type of building material, and showed that the pollutants reduce the integrity of the building materials when comparing the exposed surface with the interior. Overall, the dry environment reduced the extent of deterioration, because harmful chemical compounds were not developed.