Evaluation of Surface Water Quality Indices for Heavy Metals of Diyala River-Iraq

Abstract

The present study aimed to envisage the water quality status of Diyala River (Iraq) with respect to its heavy metal concentrations by preparing the most recent heavy metal pollution index, metal index and to evolve the sources of heavy metals. Ten locations were selected along of the Diyala River, from Kalar district to the confluence with Tigris River. Six heavy metals viz. Zinc (Zn), Nickle (Ni), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb) and Chromium (Cr) were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The mean HPI 2097 far above the critical value of 100, indicates that Diyala River is critically polluted with respect to heavy metals. MI revealed low quality water with MI value 71.63, suggests that the river is seriously affected with respect to heavy metal. The study revealed the impact of anthropogenic sources on the pollution load of the river water.

Keywords: Diyala River, Heavy metal pollution index, metal index, Water contamination.