Estimation of heavy metals levels in hot sulfur water sources in northwestern Libya

Abstract

The level of heavy metals chromium, cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, manganese and iron was estimated in the water of sulfur wells located in northwestern Libya, Tajoura, Al-Ajeilat, Al-Assa and Badr. This study was represented in conducting the analysis of 32 samples of hot sulfur water, where the concentrations of elements were within the permissible limit compared to the Libyan and international specifications for drinking water, while the iron element was high in Badr well during the summer and was within the range of 8.85 mg/l.
The average concentration of chromium ranged between (<0.01 - <0.04 mg/l), and it was clear from the results that the highest concentration was in the winter season. As for cadmium, its concentration ranged between (<0.013 - <0.02 mg/l), while copper reached (<0.04 mg/l) in all seasons of the year. The results showed that the element lead had ranged between (<0.20 - <0.41 mg/l), and the highest concentration of lead was recorded during the winter season, which was less than (0.41 mg/l). As for zinc, its concentration ranged (<0.01 - <0.03 mg/l). The manganese element recorded a concentration that ranged between (<0.01 - <0.14 mg/l), where the highest concentration was during the winter season in Al-Assa well which was less than (0.14 mg/l). Through the results, it was found that iron is the highest concentration compared to the other analyzed elements.