This research deals with the sulfurous
spring waters flow along the course of the Euphrates
River in western Iraq in the area extended between
Haqlaniya and Hit within the Al-Anbar governorate.
Eleven springs (3 in Haqlanya, 4 in Kubaysa and 4 in
Hit) have been addressed for the purpose of water
evaluation for balneology, drinking, irrigation and
aquaculture (fish farming). In order to meet the
objectives of this research, all springs were sampled
and analyzed for the total dissolved solid, electrical
conductivity, pH, temperature, major cations (Ca2?,
Mg2?, Na? and K?), major anions (SO4
2-, Cl-,
HCO3
- and CO3
2-), minor anions (PO4
3-and NO3
-)
as well as the trace elements that included Pb, Zn, Cd,
Ni, Fe, Mn, Cu, Br, F, Ba, B, Sr, Al, As, Cr, Hg and Se.
The International Standards of World Health Organization
are used for assessing the water quality. The
results revealed that the springs belong to the tepid
springs of 27–30 C and classified as hypothermal to
the thermal springs. Lithochemistry and geochemical
processes clearly affected the water chemistry. The
hydrogeochemical processes are responsible for the
element enrichment in water by the chemical dissolution
of carbonate and gypsum and evaporation as
well. The results of the study indicate the possibility of
using spring water for therapeutic purposes, but not
allowed for drinking and aquaculture (fish farming),
except those free of H2S gas. On the other hand, it can
be used for irrigation with risk. However, soil type as
well as proper selection of plants should be taken into
consideration.
صالح محمد عوض | Salih Muhammad Awadh | 11288