Estimation of Contamination of Heavy Metals of Water and Cultivated Plants near the Diyala River and the Effects of Human Health.

Abstract

This work was carried out to estimate the pollution by heavy metals in the waters of the Diyala river, the plants planted on the Diyala's riverside, and irrigated via Diyala water (Celery, radish, Lepidium , green onions, Beta vulgaris subsp, and Malva). Laboratory analysis were executed using a flame atomic absorption device to measure the Concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Fe, Zn) in water and plants through winter season during January and February. The results were showed that lead and iron were within the limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) for irrigation water, while Nickel, Chromium, cadmium, and zinc were increased in the river water near Rustmaya station .The concentrations of metals (Ni, Zn, Cr, and Cd) near the Rustmaya station were 0.28, 2.77, 0.18, 0.14 mg/L Thus, exceeding the WHO limit. The results of plants have displayed the concentrations of metals (Fe, Ni, and Zn) have not increased, therefore, they were within the limits allowed by the (WHO). While the concentrations of (Pb, Cd, and Cr) have exceeded the WHO limit in all plants types .The highest concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cr were 4.25, 4.72, and 4.20 mg/Kg in roots of Lepidium , Beta vulgaris subsp , radish respectively.