Validity of Euphrates River Water within Anbar Governorate, Iraq

Abstract

This study focusses on the evaluation of the Euphrates River in Al-Anbar Governorate, through the monthly collection of water samples for a full water year from twelve stations extending from Al-Qaiem to Ameria. Because the Euphrates River is the source of water for the residents of the surrounding areas, therefore, continuous evaluation during close periods is necessary. Accordingly, 144 samples were analyzed and their chemical and physical properties were determined. The results showed that calcium and sodium are dominant in the Euphrates River water from positive ions, whereas, sulfates are dominant from negative ions. Euphrates River water in general is clear to cloudy water, low alkaline, fresh water, highly mineralized water to excessively mineralized water, very hard water, and normal sulfate to oligosulfate water. All water samples were within the first class of the Piper diagram represented by Ca2+ - Mg2+ - Cl- - SO42- and fall within the category V (Mixing zone), except for two sites represented in the districts of Rawa and Anah. Euphrates River water achieves a balance between anions and cations, and one does not exceed the other in concentration. According to the cluster analysis method, the hydrogeochemical facies are Ca2+-SO42- and K+; Mg2+ - Na+; and Cl- - HCO3-. The results show that the water is suitable for drinking, livestock feeding, and growing all kinds of crops.