Geochemical Evaluation of Heavy Metals (Cd, Cr, Fe, and Mn) in Sediment of Shatt Al-Basrah, Iraq

Zahraa Al-Janabi,Abdul Hameed Al-Obaidy,Afrah Maktoof,Shahed Zaki,Eman Awad,Jinnan Alhassany

doi:10.30684/etj.37.2c.6

Abstract

In this study, the sediment of Shatt Al-Basrah canal, was evaluated to illustrate the distribution of 4 heavy metals Cd, Cr, Fe and Mn in sediments collected from 5 sites. The assessment of heavy metals was conducted using three indices; the geoaccumulation index (I-geo), the enrichment factor (E.F.) and Pollution Index (PI). According to I-geo, the sediments collected from all sampling locations were unpolluted by Cd, Cr and Fe, where their values are less than 0 (<0), except Mn ranged between 0.98 to 1.37, the Igeo values for Mn show that sediments of Shatt Al-Basrah are unpolluted to moderately polluted for all sampling locations. Based on The enrichment factor, the sediment of Shatt Al-Basrah canal are classified as followed; significant enrichment for Cd, moderate enrichment to significant enrichment for Cr and deficiency to minimal enrichment for Mn. PI, which is based on individual metal Concentrations, shows that all sampling sites have no pollution effect for Cd, Cr and Mn, except Fe, which cause Slightly pollution affect in all site.

Highlights

In the last few years, the attention in the problems that are associated with pollution of the environment as a result of the extensive assortment of chemical pollutants has increased [1]
High concentrations of heavy metals from anthropogenic and geological sources are being released into the aquatic ecosystem [2]
The continuous discharge of huge volumes of domestic and industrial waste into the aquatic system has led to increase the levels of heavy metals in the river, which accumulate in sediment

Summary

Introduction

In the last few years, the attention in the problems that are associated with pollution of the environment as a result of the extensive assortment of chemical pollutants (such as heavy metals) has increased [1]. High concentrations of heavy metals from anthropogenic and geological sources are being released into the aquatic ecosystem [2]. Heavy metals are considered one of the most critical contaminants in the environment due to their persistence, toxicity and bioaccumulation problems [3]. The continuous discharge of huge volumes of domestic and industrial waste into the aquatic system has led to increase the levels of heavy metals in the river, which accumulate in sediment. The associations of heavy metals with sediments are not stable endless or under dynamic situations of the environment.

Material and Methods

Results and Discussion

Conclusion