Elemental analysis of river, marshes and ground water in Thi Qar region, Iraq

Abstract

The elemental analysis of the samples collected from marshes water and river water in Thi Qar region of Iraq are done using the X-ray fluorescence technique (XRF). The water samples are collected from Euphrates River, Al- Hammar marshes, ground water and drinking water. The elements observed in various samples are 20Ca, 26Fe, 29Cu, 30Zn, 33As, 35Br and 38Sr. The 20Ca concentration in Euphrates river water constitutes ͂ 2.3% of the left over residue, a value similar to that observed in water from the marshes. The 38Sr concentrations in the Euphrates river water is in the range 2519-5691μg/L. The 38Sr concentrations in Euphrates River are similar to that observed in the marshes water. In Al-Hammar marshes, the concentration of 34As is estimated to be in general below 5 μg/L. The 35Br concentration in various samples collected from Al-Hammar marshes are in the average value =1108 μg/L. The 35Br concentration in various samples collected from Euphrates river are in the average value =676μg/L. The water from Euphrates river is not safe for use for drinking water supply due to high bromine content and the water from the drinking water schemes from the river needs to be monitored for the presence of bromate ions.