Heavy Metals Pollution Assessment of the Water in Al-Quds Power Plant in Baghdad

Abstract

Sixteen water samples were collected from the operation units of the Al-Quds
power plant, north Baghdad city and the surrounding trocars, surface and
groundwater, and analyzed to assess the resulting pollution. The samples were
analyzed for heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, U and Zn) by
using inductively coupled plasma- mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results were
compared with local and international and standard limits. Heavy metals analysis of
the water samples shows that water of operation units and trocars have mean
concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Pb, Sb, Se, U and Zn were within or lower
than the national and world limits, while Mn and Ni were higher than these limits.
Concentrations of these elements in the surface water were within the safe limits. In
the groundwater samples As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Sb, Se, U and Zn were within the
permissible limits while Ni, Mn and Pb were higher than the permissible limits
indicating the effect of anthropogenic activities. The collected samples submitted to
health risk assessment to evaluate the actual adverse effects of contaminants to
humans, the results of HQs ingestion of all elements (except As for child) are
smaller than 1, suggesting little hazard. In addition, HQs dermal in all studied
elements for adult are below1, indicates no hazards for dermal absorption. Overall,
HI of As and Mn for child exceeded 1. Comparison between values of HQ ing for
adults and children shows that children are more susceptible to adverse to health
effects than adults. These results necessitate a search of the means of treatment and
reduce pollution with heavy metals in the industrial areas.