Water Quality Assessment by Measuring Physio-chemical Properties and Heavy Metals Contents at Water Stations in Basra City, Iraq

Aims: There is a relationship between environmental pollutants, particularly heavy metals, the risk of water pollution, and diseases in numerous areas. This study aimed to assess the water quality by measuring physio-chemical properties and heavy metals contents at two water stations in Basra city, Iraq. Materials Methods: The water samples were collected from two main water stations of Al-Baradi’yah and Al-Jubaila. The pH values, turbidity, and TDS of the water samples were measured, and the heavy metals analysis of Cd, Cr, and Cu was done by the direct extraction/air acetylene flame method using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. The results of the parameters were compared with the safe limits of WHO. Findings: The turbidity and total TDS for both stations showed a significant difference, whereas the pH values were not, referring to the raw and tap water at both stations being acidic (pH 7). A significant difference was observed between the level of Cr and Cd in the raw and tap water samples within the acceptable levels of WHO. A significant difference was observed in the Cu levels in Al-Bharatiya (p 0.05). Whereas, no significant difference was observed between the chromium level in the water samples of the Al-Jubaila station (p 0.05). The amount of the Pb was shown a slight increase from the acceptable levels in the tap water at Al-Baradi’yah station and the raw and tap water at the Al-Jubaila site. Conclusion: A part of the chemical parameters is within the WHO acceptable limits, except water turbidity and Pb levels.