Assessment of Groundwater Contamination by Heavy Metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Co) in the Eastern Region of Wasit Governorate

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate the groundwater quality and the extent of its contamination with heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Co) in the eastern part of Wasit Governorate within the areas of Badra and Zarbatia for 21 systematic wells, including 7 wells in Zarbatia lands and 14 wells in Badra lands. Groundwater samples from the wells were collected during four seasons starting from 15/8/2024 to 15/3/2025 for the study area, then placed in plastic bottles, and heavy metals (copper Cu, lead Pb, cadmium Cd, chromium Cr, cobalt Co) were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The water quality was then evaluated according to the adopted standards to determine the risk of heavy metal contamination in the study area, during the four seasons, and according to Iraqi and international water quality standards and criteria. The ranges of total concentrations of the five studied heavy metals (copper Cu, lead Pb, cadmium Cd, chromium Cr, cobalt Co) in well water were (0.093–0.486), (0.089–0.605), (0.09–0.175), (0.169–0.483), (0.091–0.147) mg L⁻¹, respectively. Natural factors such as rainfall, floods, and geological formations, in addition to human activities such as agriculture, mining, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and human waste whether industrial, military, or domestic-affected the supply of heavy metals to groundwater. The results showed that cadmium ion exceeded the limits of the World Health Organization, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and Health Canada but remained within Iraqi standards. Chromium and lead exceeded all international and Iraqi standards, while cobalt ion was within Iraqi limits, and copper concentrations were below the internationally permitted limits but exceeded Iraqi standards.  Therefore, research and studies on heavy metals for these wells in Badra and Zarbatia should be given attention to assess the level of contamination and seek appropriate solutions.