Environmental study of spring water quality in the Zarqa natural reserve-west Ramallah Palestine

الملخص EN

This study highlights the environmental situation of the Al-Zarqa reserve’s water quality, which is located in west of Beitillu village, Ramallah area.

This is achieved through chemical and physical experiments on the area’s water springs, and through defining the percentages of the components / elements.

The goal of the study is to examine whether the water can be used by humans or not.

The study also examines the water quality and its annual flow.

Among the most important findings of the study, the presence of high salinity in both Abu Issam and Al-Bawlale springs and this is due to the high proportion of dissolved solids in them and high electrical conductivity while the other springs with medium salinity.

For the water quality of the springs, it is (Ca_HCO3-) and due to the spread of limestone in the region, the highest positive element in the springs water is calcium, where as the negative element is bicarbonate because of the nature of calcareous rocks of the region.

It also contains magnesium due to the presence of dolomite rock in the region.

The study also showed high percentage of iron in Kikaba spring which is above universally acceptable level.

In general, most spring’s water in the area is appropriate for human use except Abu Issam, Al bawale, and Kikaba springs because of their contamination, It's due to the high of Fe in this springs.

The study shows that the most significant sources of pollution in the region is due to the presence of cesspit near the water of the spring specially Abu Issam and Al-bawale springs.

In addition to the proportion of nitrates was decreased in the sample springs.