Hydrocarbons and trace elements in the waters and sediments of the marshland of Southern Iraq

Abstract EN

The levels of petroleum hydrocarbons and trace elements were determined in the water and sediment samples from different locations in the marshland of southern Iraq.

The Mean concentrations of TPH in the waters ranged from 0.012 μg / l at Al-Barkha to 0.037 μg / l at Al-Baghdadia 1, while in the sediment samples the mean values ranged from 0.030 ug / g at Um-Alneach to 0.96 μg / g dry weight at Al- Baghdadia 2.

Distribution of trace elements in water and in sediment showed variations in concentration with sampling site.

The mean values of the elements in the water were : 1.13-3.68 for Co, 0.16-1.37 for Mn, 0.66-2.37 for Ni, 0.28-1.51 for Fe and 0.10-0.28 mg / l for Cu, while in sediments the mean range were : 39.25-88.0 for Co, 408.6-506.3 for Mn, 52.2-90.3 for Ni, 6923-9910 for Fe and 16.36-38.30 μg / g dry weight for Cu.

Grain size analysis and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) also determined in these samples.

All the levels of both hydrocarbons and trace elements in the water and sediment samples were low, indicating minimum pollution in these areas.

Concetrations of these pollutants could be due to natural and anthropogenic sources.

These concentrations are within the range values reported for other comparable regions.