Determination of Some Heavy Metal Concentrations and Physical/Chemical Properties of Well Water in Babylon Governorate/ Iraq

Abstract

The presence of One of the most significant is heavy metals in water. risks, which may cause health problems. In this work, we tried to determine the amount of three heavy metals (lead, nickel, and cadmium) in groundwater in different locations in Babylon Governorate The current study aims to estimate the quality of groundwater by evaluating its physical and chemical properties, as well as evaluating lead, nickel, and cadmium (Pb, Cd, Ni) in this water and monitoring the variation in their concentration rates during the seasons of the year. Groundwater samples were collected and analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrometer to determine their lead, nickel and cadmium content and compare their levels with the maximum level of contaminants specified by the World Health Organization. Water samples were collected from 15 wells in different areas (Abu Ghariq, Sinjar, Hilla, Al-Mahawil, Al-Imam, Al-Nile, Jableh, Al-Mashrou, Al-Hashimiya, Al-Qasim, Madhatiya, Al-Taliah, Al-Musayyab, Alexandria and Al-Sada) during the period from September 25, 2022 to July 25, 2023.The concentrations of lead and cadmium were higher than the permissible limits suggested by the World Health Organization. As for nickel it did not exceed the permissible limit. The study can then be concluded that it is contaminated with some heavy metals due to the influence of several activities in the study area. Decreased treatment, regulations and integrated management have led to the deterioration of groundwater quality. Total dissolved salts, turbidity, conductivity, and total hardness in the groundwater of these sites were also studied.