Ecological study of some physical, chemical and bacteriological characteristics of Tigris River water in Wasit province, Iraq

Abstract

This study was performed in the Tigris River water as it passed through Wasit province at the rate of five stations extending along the river, (Al-Sowarah, Al-Nu'maniyah, Al-Kut before Al-Kut Dam, after leaving Al-Kut city and Sheikh Saad), to evaluate the environmental quality of Tigris River water. Samples were collecting monthly, two samples were taken each month, and for a period of one complete year starting from the January 2016 - December 2016. The study included measuring some of the Physical, Chemical and Bacteriological Factors. The results of this study showed significant monthly changes in the values of all studied factors. The parameters values of current study showed that the water temperature values ranged from 9-29 °C and the values of turbidity ranged between 8-55 NTU, electrical conductivity ranged between 749-1352 μs/cm with Salinity 0.479-0.865 ppt, total dissolved solid 499 – 960 mg/l, total suspended solid values ranging from 12-190 mg/l. It was found that the water of the Tigris River is slightly alkalinity, with pH ranged between 7-8.1. The monthly concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO) ranged from 6.2 - 12 mg / l, BOD ranged between 0.8 - 6.4 mg / l, total alkalinity ranged between 120-230 mg CaCO3/l, total hardness ranged between 284-520 mg/L, while the concentrations of calcium and magnesium were 71-189, 36-97.4 mg/l respectively, chlorides values varied from 90-151 mg/l, the sulphate values ranged between 185- 410 mg/l. Nitrate values varied from 0.6 -6.7 mg/l and the phosphate values ranged between 0.08-1 mg/l. Tigris River can be considered adequate for civilian uses according to WHO and Iraqi Quality Assurance System after adequate treatment in filtration and sterilization stations.