Environmental assessment of trace metals pollution in sediment of Khor al-Zubair, Iraq

Abstract EN

The purpose of this study was to determined and assess the concentrations of some trace metals in surface sediment from different locations of Khor Al-Zubair sediment during 2006.

Samples of sediment were collected from seven stations, treated and analyzed for Cobalt, manganese, Nickel, Iron, Copper and Zinc by Atomic Absorption Spectrometric analysis.

The Range and average concentrations measured in ug / g were 21.98-43.97 (30.14) for Co, 353.77-570.60 (507.01) for Mn, 34.56-69.13 (44.98) for Ni, 6676.023-7398.385 (7147.05) for Fe, 7.565- 27.739 (14.04) for Cu and 27.41-58.48 (43.04)for Zn.

Grain size analyses with total organic carbon have been also determined in those sediment.

It is noted that the contamination factors in the investigated sediment were 1.69-3.38 for Co, 0.62-0.70 for Mn, 0.90-1.81 for Ni, 0.142-0.157 for Fe, 0.37-1.38 for Cu and less than one in Zn.

In general, the contamination factors of trace metals in the present study could be arranged as following Co > Ni > Mn > Cu > Zn > Fe.

Results were also compared with earlier studies carried out on trace metals content of fresh and coastal water in the region including the study area.

Diversified natural and anthropogenic inputs may have provided the sources of this pollution.

Further studies are needed to characterize the source, fate, biogeochemical processes and impacts of these trace metals on coastal habitats and marine life of the region.