Impact of Hijlan Creek springs on water quality of the Euphrates River and the Hydrochemical characterization of the contamination plumes

Abstract

This work aims to present the hydrochemical mechanisms describing the system of the Euphrates River before and after mixing with groundwater from the springs of Hijlan (western Iraq). Continuously, the data generated from these springs' water have been adapted to provide an updated assessment for future water therapeutic purposes. Physicochemical characteristics of water in the mixing plume of Hijlan Creek and the Euphrates indicate the multi Hydrochemical plumes as revealed by the spatial variation of important parameters related to the ecological parameters including K+, Na+, Ca+ 2, Mg+ 2, HCO3−, SO4 − 2, Cl−, NO3−, PO4 − 3, Pb, Zn, Cd, Fe, Mn, Temp, DO, BOD5, H2S, Turbidity, EC, pH, and TDS. The re-aeration (k2) and de-oxygenation rate (k1) coefficients, as well as the self-purification factor (f) of the mixing plume, are 0.51 sec− 1, 2.03 sec− 1, and 0.25, respectively. The Cl− concentration in the confluence zone changes, due to the chloride content mixing rates of 7.1% and 92.9% for Euphrates and Hijlan creek water, respectively, with water discharge of 316,224 m3/day and chloride load discharge of 420 tons/day. The assessment of the water quality indicates unsuitability for aquaculture purposes. However, the water can be used for therapeutic purposes and to cure multiple diseases.