Assessment of physicochemical properties and concentrations of some heavy metals in the water of the lower Al-Kabir Al-Shamali River basin, Syria

Abstract

This study investigated the seasonal variations in physicochemical characteristics of the Al-Kabir Al-Shamali River waters, along with analysis of heavy metals
 (cadmium, lead, copper, and nickel) during both flood and low flow seasons. Samples were collected from four sites, spanning from the 16 Tishreen Dam Lake to the river's estuary in the Mediterranean Sea, over a two-year period from autumn 2020 to summer 2022. The results revealed that the river water is characterized as very hard and classified as contaminated according to international standards. Nevertheless, measurements of electrical conductivity, pH, and dissolved oxygen remained within permissible limits for various water uses, albeit with relative spatial and seasonal variations. Regarding heavy metals, most concentrations exceeded the permissible limits for drinking water, with the exception of copper. Furthermore, concentrations were slightly above the permissible limits for irrigation in some cases, except for lead and nickel during specific seasons. Notably, the highest concentrations of heavy metals were recorded during the low flow season, with a clear impact of wastewater discharge from industrial and artisanal facilities in the area.