Evaluation of the Suitability of Sulfur Springs Water for Vital Uses by Studying the Physical, Chemical Properties of Some Sulfur Springs Water in the City of Hit

Abstract

By studying some of the physical and chemical properties of the water of sulfur springs and identifying the nature of that water and the concentration of elements and ions in it and the percentage of salts, and by looking at the Iraqi environmental legislation and the World Health Organization (WHO), we find that the water of the studied springs is unfit for human and animal consumption, because of the concentration of dissolved salts in it, which Exceeding the general allowable rate, in addition to the high concentration of dissolved ions that lead to a change in the properties of that water. It can also be confirmed on the field that the water of those springs is rich in hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S), which is formed as a result of the oxidation of organic substances and the reduction of sulfate ions. In addition, most of the springs of the study area are characterized by the mixing of their water with oil derivatives, adding a state of pollution to that water, which increased the unfitness of that water for drinking purposes. Liquid petroleum (consisting of a complex mixture of different compounds, some of which are volatile or light, and some are heavy such as asphalt materials and bitumen), and natural gas such as methane, ethane, propane, and butane (Al-Jumaili and Ahmed; 2018). These factors and pollutants combined made that water unfit for drinking or human consumption. According to the classification of the American salinity laboratory for the year 1954, and the classification of the FAO for the year 1992, it is considered suitable water for irrigation purposes and watering field. In addition to the validity of spring water for industrial purposes, and its use for therapeutic purposes and hospitalization due to its richness in salts, elements and ions.