Physico-chemical analysis of water from the upper sector of Tigris river which passed throw Wasit province, southern Iraq

Abstract

This study investigates the physico-chemical parameters of the upper sector of the Tigris River within Wasit Province, Southern Iraq. Five sites along a 1415 Km stretch of the river were selected, and water samples were collected monthly from January to December 2022. The findings indicate variations in water parameters, revealing low salinity, weak alkalinity, good aeration, moderate pollution levels and very hard. Nitrates recorded values from 0.08-1.97 mg/L, which are less than the permission limits. The Orthophosphates recorded values from 0.009-0.064 mg/L, which is slightly higher than the standard value (0.01 mg/L) allowed for natural water. The water of Tigris River was also classified as somewhat polluted according to the standards recorded for the COD (100 mg /L). Chlorine recorded values that ranged from 98.55-216.81 mg/L, which is within the internationally permission limits of 250 mg/L. The sodium concentration was151 mg/L (the value in freshwater ranges from 1-10 mg/L and WHO 200 mg/L), so the values of the current study are within the permission limits. The results contribute valuable insights into the state of the Tigris River in the studied region. Keywords: Chemical Analysis, Physical Analysis, Tigris River, Wasit Province, Water quality.