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Natural resources

Heavy Metals Contamination in Drinking Water Sources in Duhok, Kurdistan Region-Iraq

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Investigators at Duhok Polytechnic University conducted a study to assess the safety of drinking water in the Barwari Bala Villages, Duhok City, Kurdistan Region-Iraq. Six spring water samples were collected at regular intervals from 10 areas during the summer of 2023 and analyzed for heavy metal concentrations, including manganese, chromium, iron, zinc, copper, cadmium, and lead. The results revealed that the concentrations of all heavy metals were lower than the permissible limits based on Iraqi standards, except for lead in three sites, which had higher concentrations. The research concluded that the treatment of spring water at these sites before utilization is highly recommended to ensure safe water for consumption.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study collected 60 spring water samples from 10 areas in Barwari Bala Villages, Duhok City, Kurdistan Region-Iraq, and analyzed them for heavy metal concentrations.
  • The concentrations of all heavy metals, except for lead, were lower than the permissible limits based on Iraqi standards.
  • The highest concentrations of lead were found in three sites (SW1, SW2, and SW8), which exceeded the prescribed limits of 10g/L.
  • The results of the metal pollution indices indicated that the water from all sites was safe for drinking, but the higher concentrations of lead at three sites may have an adverse impact on human consumption in the long term.
  • The study recommended the treatment of spring water at these sites before utilization to ensure safe water for consumption.
  • Further research is needed to determine the causes and contributing factors behind the rising lead levels observed at those locations.

Statistics:

  • 60 spring water samples were collected from 10 areas in Barwari Bala Villages, Duhok City, Kurdistan Region-Iraq.
  • 6 heavy metals (manganese, chromium, iron, zinc, copper, and cadmium) were analyzed, with lead being the only exception.
  • The concentrations of all heavy metals were lower than the permissible limits based on Iraqi standards, except for lead.
  • The highest concentrations of lead were found in 3 sites (SW1, SW2, and SW8), with values exceeding the prescribed limits of 10g/L.
  • The results of the metal pollution indices indicated that the water from all sites had values lower than their critical ranges of contamination, indicating that the water was safe for drinking.

Sources:

  • Heavy Metals Contamination Assessment Using Pollution Indices for Spring Water in Barwari Bala Villages, Duhok, Kurdistan Region-Iraq. Environment and Natural Resources Journal, 2025, 23(4): 357-365.
  • Environment and Natural Resources Journal - https://www.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/ennrj/index
  • doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.32526/ennrj/23/20240328

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