Monitoring Water Quality Parameters of Khirisan River in Iraq

Abstract

In this work, a set of physical, chemical and biological parameters were analysed for Khirisan river from the period extending from December 2017up to November 2018. The samples were selected from three different sites, agricultural, commercial and residential area to assess the water quality of the river for drinking and irrigation purposes. The study showed that a number of diversity factors were recognized which have a direct effect on the quality of Khirisan river. This includes the catchment feeding area of the river, untreated domestic sewage from the restaurants, cafeterias and government buildings which are adjacent to the river. Water quality of Khirisan river, according to the Iraqi and international standards, satisfies the limits of the rules of the drinking purposes for all studied parameters except the values of calcium ions and total hardness value for some rainy months as well as to organic load. The mean values of BOD5 and COD for the three sites were 7.7 and 36 mg/l. In terms of irrigation purposes, the water quality of the river can be considered low to medium damage in terms of salinity and sodium hazards. In terms of chloride risk, there are no toxicity problems to the roots and leaves of the plants. Therefore, it requires a continual intensive water quality monitoring program to reduce its impact.