The producing oil and gas countries are keen, eager and anxious to look at the impact of the industrial wastewater (IWW) spilled during the production and processing on various aspects of life including the public health, economy, agriculture and wild life. Arab Gulf States, including Qatar, have enacted laws and regulations by which Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) should be implemented for any plan to conduct projects by oil and gas companies that might change the natural habitats. This review aimed to clarify the objectives and principles that should be considered and implemented for any future studies concerning the use of IWW in various aspects of agriculture after removing the contaminants. Therefore, any investigations, studies and researches in the State of Qatar concerning the impact of IWW in soils and waters should cover the following aspects: (1) recognize the native plants and the associated microbes, like bacteria and fungi, that prove efficient in phytoremediation and bioremediation, (2) analyze IWW periodically to monitor the changes in its chemical contents (organic and inorganic) such as petroleum hydrocarbons, nutrient elements, heavy metals as well as other compounds that might be added during the extraction and processing, (3) set up systems of soil, sand and water cultures suitable for the local plants in Qatar to conduct successful experiments about the phytoremediation techniques, (4) study the physiological and biochemical parameters that might be affected in plants proved efficient in phytoremediation. The outcomes of such studies can be used latter on in more advanced investigations, and (5) implement ambitious advanced plans to use modern technology to develop genetically modified plants that are efficiently remove, degrade, metabolize various types of pollutants.
