Analysis of Trace Metals in Groundwater from Mountain Springs

Analysis of Trace Metals in Groundwater from Mountain Springs

Section: Research Article
Issue
Vol. 35 No. 3 (2026): Volume 35, Issue 3
Pages
62-71

Keywords:

Trace Metals, Spring Water, Soran, Iraq

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the concentrations of several heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), in fifteen springs around the Soran Independent Administration, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Water samples were collected during two seasons (summer 2024 and winter 2025) and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The results showed that most trace metals had higher concentrations in winter than in summer. The concentration ranges were: Cd (0.011–0.678 mg/L), Cr (0.300–0.548 mg/L), Cu (0.417–0.645 mg/L), Fe (0.022–0.199 mg/L), Mn (0.007–0.123 mg/L), Ni (0.002–0.047 mg/L), Pb (0.005–0.149 mg/L), and Zn (0.010–0.109 mg/L). Except for cadmium and chromium, which exceeded safe limits at all sites, the concentrations of most metals were generally below WHO guidelines for drinking water; however, lead at some sites also rendered the water unsuitable for drinking. According to the Heavy Metals Pollution Index (HPI), values above 100 in all studied springs (ranging from 405.94 to 16023.72 in summer and 811.12 to 1780.97 in winter) indicated contamination and unsuitability for human use. In contrast, based on the Metal Index (MI), most trace metals had values below 1, indicating no contamination. However, MI values for cadmium and chromium above 5 signified heavy pollution, and MI values for lead ranged from 0.5 to 22.2, varying from uncontaminated to heavily polluted. Based on these findings, this study recommends: (1) regular monitoring of Cd, Cr, and Pb concentrations; (2) implementation of pollution control measures, including regulated use of fertilizers and pesticides in surrounding agricultural areas; and (3) adoption of point-of-use water treatment systems for communities relying on these springs for drinking water

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Authors

Balkes Haje Rasul

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Soran University, Soran Independent Administration, Kurdistan Region, Erbil, Iraq

Aziz, F.H

Department of Environmental Sciences and Health , College of Science, Salaheddin University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

TOMA, J. J.

Department of Environmental Sciences and Health , College of Science, Salaheddin University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Identifiers

DOI: 10.33899/jes.v35i3.61609

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[1]
“Analysis of Trace Metals in Groundwater from Mountain Springs: Analysis of Trace Metals in Groundwater from Mountain Springs”, JES, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 62–71, Jul. 2026, doi: 10.33899/jes.v35i3.61609.

Author Biographies

Aziz, F.H (Department of Environmental Sciences and Health , College of Science, Salaheddin University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq )

Prof. Dr. Farhad Hasan Aziz is a prominent academic researcher at Salahaddin University-Erbil, affiliated with the Department of Environmental Sciences. He has an impressive research profile with an H-index of 10, 341 citations, and a Research Interest Score of 522.7, demonstrating significant impact in his field

TOMA, J. J. (Department of Environmental Sciences and Health , College of Science, Salaheddin University-Erbil, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq )

Prof. Toma has been affiliated with Salahaddin University-Erbil since January 2000. She served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences from 2000 to 2017, after which she advanced to the rank of Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Health. She continues to serve as a Lecturer, teaching and mentoring students while conducting active research 

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How to Cite

[1]
“Analysis of Trace Metals in Groundwater from Mountain Springs: Analysis of Trace Metals in Groundwater from Mountain Springs”, JES, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 62–71, Jul. 2026, doi: 10.33899/jes.v35i3.61609.