Geological and hydrochemical study of the Zalim Spring, Shahrazoor, Sulaimania, Iraq

Abstract EN

Zalim spring which is located about (50 Km) east of Sulaimania city, considered as one of the largest spring in Shahrazoor area.

The spring mouth is a semicircular and coming out from a small cave locating about 22m above the base of a vertical cliff.

This study aims to draw the real geological and hydrogeological setting behind appearance of this wonderful spring.

Also an attempt was made to assess the quality of the water, with particular emphasis on the influence of human and tourist’s impact on the contamination and pollution of this water during toursting season.

A geological map and a geological cross section were prepared showing the location of the spring, which is based on a detail survey achieved by the authors, covered both Iraq and even Iranian portion of the catchments.

Chemical analysis of water samples were taken from five sites along a route that is more subjecting to human impact than others.

The results show satisfactory results according to (WHO) and Iraqi standards for drinking, irrigation and industry uses.

Relative increase of Nitrate ions detected and PO4 ions exceeding natural background also detected.