Spatial and seasonal variations in suspended particulate matter concentration and composition in the Persian Gulf: From dust deposition and sediment resuspension to biological production in the regulation of the particulate trace elements

The present document is intended to fill the knowledge gap on spatiotemporal variation of suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentration and composition by collecting samples from 26 stations during two contrasting seasons of summer and winter. The horizontal distribution of surface SPM is characterized by hotspots (up to 4.0 mg/l) along the river estuaries which sharply declined to Mn ≈ Zn > Ni ≈ Cr ≫ Pb > Cd. The non-crustal portion is the predominant fraction for most trace metals and shows enrichment relative to the upper continental crust, local soil background, and deposited dust that is highest for Cd and lowest for Mn. •Hotspots of SPM concentration near the river estuaries which declined to >Zn>Ca>Pb>Ba>Cr>Ni>Fe>Mn