Zarqa River pollution: impact on its quality

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Water Quality Assessment
• River Pollution Studies

Background:

• The Zarqa River faces pollution from various sources, including wastewater treatment plants, industrial, commercial, domestic, and agricultural activities.
• Understanding pollutant types and sources is crucial for managing water resources and ensuring safe water use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and quantify pollutants in the Zarqa River.
• To determine the sources of pollution affecting the river.
• To assess water quality in relation to Jordanian standards for reclaimed water use.

Main Methods:

• Field observations and grab sampling of the Zarqa River.
• Collection and analysis of available water quality data.
• Comprehensive literature review on river pollution and sources.

Main Results:

• Key pollutants include organics, nutrients, heavy metals, raw wastewater, solids, and solid waste.
• Organics, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus concentrations are generally within standards for restricted irrigation.
• Exceedances of heavy metals (B, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cd) were observed, particularly downstream of King Talal Dam, though frequencies varied.

Conclusions:

• Wastewater treatment plants, sewer leaks, and agricultural runoff are significant pollution sources.
• While some water quality parameters meet restricted irrigation standards, heavy metal exceedances pose a localized risk.
• Further monitoring and management strategies are needed to mitigate pollution and ensure safe water use for irrigation.