Determination of some trace metals in water of Shatt Al-Arab River during 2007-2008

Abstract

The present study is an attempt for assessment the aquatic ecosystem of Shatt Al- Arab River
by measuring the trace metals ( Cd , Co , Ni , Pb , Cu and Fe ) in water collected in four
locations (Qurmat-Ali , Al-Muftiya , Al-Seba and Rass Al-Besha) which represent different
levels and sources of human impact., the results showed that the highest concentration of the
trace metals in the Rass Al-Besha location ( 14.48 , 84.24 , 38.74 , 41.09 , 10.55 , 145.49 ) μg ⁄ l
for trace metals (Cd , Co , Ni , Pb , Cu and Fe) respectively , the highest concentration of the
trace metals is Cadmium in all locations , Cobalt was the highest in two locations ( Rass Al-
Besha and Al- Seba ) comparing with the concentrated standard allowed by the system of
maintenance of River pollution form No. 25 of 1967 (Service Specifications Iraqi and
standards) , and levels in the international determinate of draft drainage from world health
organization WHO, 1993 and Japan specification EQS ,2001. While the lowest concentration (
4.25 , 39.76 , 11.80 ) μg ⁄ l for trace metals (Cd , Co , Ni ) respectively in the Qurmat-Ali
location , ( 21.60 , 64.44 ) μg ⁄ l for Pb and Fe respectively Al-Muftiya location , 5.25 μg ⁄ l
for Cu in the Al- Seba location . Thus, this study allows to validate the use of trace metals as
an indicator for assessment the aquatic ecosystem of Shatt Al-Arab River