THE CHARACTERISTICS AND COMPONENTS SOME OF DUST STORMS AND THEIR EFFECTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND DEGRADATION

Abstract

The dust storms are considered as the most hazard problem in arid and semi arid regions especially Iraq was suffering of the frequency storms in the recent period. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine and investigate the properties and components of some dust storms and their effects in environmental pollution and degradation. Two samples were collected from the dust storms. Firstly, it was taken during spring season at 17-4-2011. Secondly, it was obtained at summer season on at 16-7-2011, then they had brought to the lab for analyzing and measurements for the following: Practical size distribution, Soluble ions, lime, Gypsum, Organic matter, EC, and pH. Heavy metals also were analyzed. Furthermore, mineral properties was studied in the (Clay fraction, Bulk sampling , Heavy and Light minerals in fine sand fraction) and the morphological properties (Colour of the dust storm, spectral reflectance and spectral indicator( BI, HI, CI). Results showed that there was fluctuation in the physical, chemical, mineral, and morphology properties. The medium silty fraction were dominant in the two dust storms. Moreover, the concentrations of the soluble ions, gypsum, spectral reflectance and colour indicator were increased in spring dust storm. While clay content, CaCO3, Organic matter, pH, and EC were maximized in the summer dust storm. Heavy elements weren't varied in percentage between the two dust storms. It was also noticed that the Chlorite and Mica were dominant in the clay fraction, Calcite, Quartz and Gypsum were dominantly found in the bulky sample for both dust storms, but there's variance between a dust and another. Iron oxides and chlorite minerals were measured as heavy minerals. While quartz, Calcite and Gypsum accounted as light minerals. Thus, it could be concluded that the dust storms had significant effects on environmental pollution and degradation, due to they had potential to transport high quantities of salts and contaminated elements, so that they had environmental, economic, social and healthy effects. Therefore, it could be commended to use suitable techniques to reduce the detriment effects by planting the windbreaks.