Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination of Groundwater at Sana'a Basin along the Wastewater Channel, Yemen.
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Abstract
Introduction: Given the great importance of water in various aspects of human life, whether drinking, industry or agriculture, various studies must be conducted to determine freedom from harmful pollutants, and to find appropriate methods for purifying and treating it. Heavy metals are considered one of the most important pollutants of groundwater resulting from the seepage of water contaminated with sewage into the lower ground layers, Which leads to pollution.
Objectives: This study aimed to detect groundwater contamination with heavy metals caused by wastewater in the northern part of the Sana'a Basin for the area extending along the sewage canal in Sana'a City.
Methods: Heavy metal contamination assessment was conducted in 42 groundwater wells along the sewerage canal. Samples were analysed using the standard method using the ICP-OES program, and the results were analysed using the SPSS statistical analysis program.
Results: The results of the statistical analysis showed high concentrations of some heavy metals that had led to groundwater pollution, including Cd, Mn and Pb.The Cd appeared in four wells, and this value exceeded the permissible limits in Yemeni specifications and the World Health Organization. The Mn appeared in ten wells and its values were within the permissible limits in the Yemeni specifications and exceeded the permissible specifications in the World Health Organization. Pb appeared in 3 wells and its value exceeded permissible limits according to World Health Organization specifications, but it was within the limits allowed by Yemeni specifications.
Conclusions: The study showed that 40% of the wells studied were polluted with three heavy elements (Cd, Mn and Pb). The results showed that groundwater is contaminated with heavy metals and is not suitable for drinking in that studied wells . Therefore, it is recommended in this area to take precautionary measures, such as avoiding the use of wastewater in agriculture.