An Assessment of Biological Pollution in Certain Sector of Lower AL-Zab and River Tigris Waters Using Bacterial Indicators and Related Factors in Iraq

Mohemid M Al-Jebouri,Muhsin H Edham

doi:10.4236/jwarp.2012.41005

Abstract

This study was conducted during 2004 utilizing selected sectors of River Tigris and the This study was conducted during 2004 utilizing selected sectors of River Tigris and the Lower Al-Zab River among Kirkuk and Salahaldeen Governerates of Iraq. Water samples from eight stations were analyzed for total coliforms, fecal coliforms, total viable counts of bacteria, Oxygen biological demand (BOD), water turbidity, electrical conductivity and temperature. The mean total viable counts (TVC,s) of bacteria isolated was almost 800 cells/ml. The means of total coliforms (TC) and faecal coliforms (FC) were almost 708 and 436 per 100 ml of water samples tested respectively.The oxygen biological demand was more than 8 mg/l. The mean of water tubidity was more than 35 ntu. The assessment of water electrical conductivity revealed almost 354 us/cm. The present study revealed a wide variation in the water quality due to different pollution pressures affected the different sites of River Tigris and Al-Zab River waters. These water sources are used for drinking and other human activities. The Lower Al-Zab River was less affected by the mentioned factors compared to River Tigris The analysis of variance showed a significant difference between BOD values re- corded at different months and the P value was less than 0.5. The overall mean of BOD was 2.4 mg/l which is suitable for human consumption after drinking water purification process with reference to European characterizations 74/ 464/EEC of waters used as sources for drinking waters.

Highlights

Fresh water bodies rivers always considered as a main source of drinking and relevant human uses for maintenance of life
The present study showed that the total coliforms were different according to sites of collection and the highest number was recorded in July which was almost 1023/100 ml (Table 6).The lowest most probable number of total coliforms was estimated during March
The statistical analyses showed significant differences between the most probable numbers estimated at different localities during various months of study (P values were less than 0.5) using analysis of variance programme, Dancan test and t-test. It was concluded from the present study that Iraqi rivers as the main source of fresh waters for human consumption are under risk of shortage of Al-Zab River as well as under severe impact of environmental pollution and chemical, physical and biological parameters

Summary

Introduction

Fresh water bodies rivers always considered as a main source of drinking and relevant human uses for maintenance of life. These natural water bodies usually under stress of environmental pollution including chemical, physical and biological aspects that might turn the nature of these waters to be risky for human beings uses gations [8,9,10]. In addition to known environmental pollution and impact on the human habitat, Iraq passed through a series of recent wars which made the local environmental situation is more unique that needs more and more exploration for reevaluation of the degree of different aspects of pollution including the biological aspect.

Results

Discussion

Conclusion