GEOCHEMICAL STUDY OF THE TIGRIS RIVER SEDIMENTS IN THE SURROUNDING AREA OF BAGHDAD MEDICAL CITY

Abstract

Heavy metals contamination of water and soil represents a major environmental threat that is to
be monitored on a regular schedule in order to avoid its negative consequences. This study is dedicated to
evaluating the water and the soil state in the perimeter of Baghdad Medical City`s complex that is located
adjacent to the great Tigris River. Water and soil samples were collected from three stations on both sides and
middle of the river; upstream, downstream and at the complex`s wastewater discharge point to the river.
Chemical and atomic absorption spectrophotometer tests have shown that the concentrations of Cd, Pb, and
Ni in water and soil are within the permissible WHO limits for all upstream samples, but they increase
significantly beyond the complex`s wastewater discharge location. Also, Chemical indicators have shown a
similar trend for all tested samples in a clear announcement for the possible direct threat to the surrounding
environment and residents/benefits, with its main spot at the medical complex, in order to initiate sudden
remediation acts.