Probable Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Some Long-Term Irrigated Soils with Zarga River Water in Jordan

Abstract

Heavy metals are bio-accumulated and bio-transferred both by natural and anthropogenic sources. The contamination by heavy metals in plants and water is one of the major issues to be faced throughout the world and requires attention because heavy metals above their normal ranges are extremely threatened to both plant and animal life. It was therefore of interest to conduct study to estimate levels of heavy metals in water and soil at Zarga River. Soil and water samples were also analyzed for physico-chemical parameters such as pH, and electrical conductivity. The aims of this study were to determine level of some heavy metals in water of Zarga River and to examine the probable accumulation of heavy metals in soils irrigated with Zarga river water in contrast with adjacent soils in the area. Results showed that the pH, EC, and water electrolytes (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, HCO3, SO4) of water samples at the middle of the river (B) were higher than that at the beginning or at the end of the river . On the other hand, it was shown that the pH, EC, Cd, Pb, and Ni values of soil samples near the river (location A) were higher than other samples that were away including (B location) and (C location).

Keywords: Soil, Heavy metals, Water, pH, Electrical conductivity