مجلد 24 عدد 1 (2024)
Articles
Abstract: This study aims to analyze the geomorphological and geological features of Duhok Dam's sites and interpret the landforms and geological structures in this area. Field (observation) investigation, Satellite images and the data obtained from previous studies of this area have been facilitated in this study to make a compilation with each other to conclude a geological and geomorphological interpretation of landscapes. A Geomorphological map is prepared of the most dominant features. The Germawa strike-slip faults and their relation with the gully Duhok strike-slip fault are determined by their effect on the dam site. Sediments from erodible formations could decrease the dam reservoir capacity and flood waves during heavy rain and snow season could impact high pressure on the dam body so several sites were suggested to construct precautionary dams in anticipation of these risks. A seismotectonic situation for the dam area was also studied and determined, requiring officials to continuously monitor the dam body and its foundation.
Abstract: Heavy metals are present in sediments and soils as a result of erosion, transportation and sedimentation processes, and the concentration of these elements increases as a result of human civil, agricultural and industrial activities. This study includes an assessment of the level of pollutant concentrations of heavy metals for twenty-three elements (Al, Fe, Mn, Cr, V, Ba, Sr, Ni, Zn, Co, Rb, Cu, Pb, U, Mo, As, Sn, Cd, Ag, Sb, TI, Bi, and Se) in the sediments of selected dam reservoirs. Heavy metals are extracted by standard methods and measurements using ICP-MC. Nine samples are collected (three samples from each reservoir) for the purpose of evaluating the environmental pollution has been occurredaccording to the pollution indicators represented by (EF, SPI, and Er). The highest values of the enrichment factor (EF) in the sediments of reservoir dam are for the elements (Mo, Cd, Bi, AI, and U) (As, Mo, Cd, Bi, AI, and U) (Sr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Bi, and U) respectively. While the results of the (Er) and the (SPI) indicate a high level of (Cd). It is attributed to the nature of the sediments that contain percentages of these elements, as well as the influence of the particle size, the proportion of organic materials, the climatic conditions, the location of the tourism activities that are used in the neighboring agricultural lands, or their source of radioactive contamination from the remnants of military weapons, industrial waste, oil visits, and crude oil. The results of the pollution indicators show that the source of the heavy elements for the sediment of the selected dam reservoirs was due to human influences.
Abstract: The surface sediments of the coastal Sabkha region in the southern part of the Red Sea region in Yemen were studied from the mineral aspect and its constituent elements to determine the geochemical characteristics and their provenance. Using the X-ray diffraction technique, the evaporite minerals were identified in the sabkha area and represented by gypsum, halite, and anhydrite. Carbonate minerals were represented by calcite, aragonite, and dolomite, whereas quartz and feldspars represent non-evaporite minerals. Smectite, kaolinite, chlorite, illite, and palygorskite are the predominant clay minerals, mainly of detrital origin. Mineralogical assemblages in the sediments largely control the abundance and distribution of total carbonates, organic matter content, and the major and trace elements. Geochemically, the factor controlling the carbonate content of studied sediments includes the calcareous material of biogenic and terrigenous components. However, the carbonate content of marine sediments varies from 8.96 to 41.70%, with an average of 18.55%. The organic matter content of the sediments is between 0.36 and 0.87%. The distribution of major elements Fe, Ca, Mg, Na, K, and Mn and trace elements Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Co in the sabkha sediments of the study area were considerably varied and could be attributed to the sediment sources.
Abstract: In this research, five samples of dust deposited are collected from indoor and outdoor the two hospitals which is Baiji and Salah Al-din general hospital in date 25\7\2022 for two days. This research aims to study the concentrations of the heavy metals in the two hospitals by evaluating the pollution index. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis was carried out using the PEDXRF device. The results showed the concentrations of twenty heavy elements, which have varying effects on human health. A number of pollution indices are used to assess the contamination status in the hospital, namely the Pollution factor (CF), which showed that the heavy elements (Se, Sb, Te, Hg, Cd, Bi, U, Ni, Mo and As) fall into the category of very high pollution in the two hospitals, its value are varying from one location to another. The results of the Nemerow pollution index (PIn) revealed that the sample sites had a highly polluted soil due to the very high concentration Tellurium (Te), which included in the Nemerow equation calculation. The Geo-Accumulation factor (Igeo) gave that the five sample sites had a very high level of pollution in both hospitals. The reason for the increase in the concentration of these indices is due to an increase in the concentration of some heavy metals.
Abstract: Nanotube halloysite prepared from Iraqi kaolin clay and kaolinite, were used as a filler in the manufacture of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) in order to improve its properties. Halloysite and kaolinite ratios added to the SBR components ranged between 20 - 100 Phr. The physio-mechanical tests showed that SBR matrixes with the nano-halloysite filler was more effective than with the kaolinite clay alone as a filler. The increase in tensile strength and elongation of SBR using nano-halloysite filler was 89% and 91% compared to that using kaolinite alone which gave 83% and 87%. Results of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) of nano-halloysite showed a regular distribution within the SBR, while it showed agglomerations and an irregular distribution of kaolinite within the SBR. These properties revealed weakness in the interfacial interaction between kaolinite and SBR. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of SBR sample filled with nano- halloysite of 40 Phr showed higher thermal stability than the SBR sample filled with 40 Phr kaolinite..
Abstract: The overflow fans are one of the forms that formed in the northwestern and southeastern parts of the Sulaibiyat Depression area. It is located administratively in the southwestern part of Dhi Qar Governorate and the northeastern part of Al Muthanna Governorate, confined between two latitudes (53'' 36' 30o - 35'' 07' 31o) north and arc. Longitude (17'' 28' 45o- 53'' 12' 46o) E.This research relied on geographic information systems programs such as ArcMap 10.6 and on the digital elevation model DEM for the year 2021, and a satellite view of the American satellite Landsat 8, and the most important findings of the research are that there are four river valleys that formed flood fans in the Sulaibiyat Depression area, which is (Al-Ashaali Al-Qusayr, Abu Ghuwair, and Al-Sudair)These valleys originate and run inside Iraqi territory and descend towards the northeast towards the depression, except for Wadi al-Kaseer, which originates from within the Saudi region and flows from the southwest towards the northeast towards the depression. Wadi Al-Kaseer, which is the largest of the valleys, has an area of about (17340.98 km2), Wadi Abu Ghuwair, which is about (216.12 km2), which is the smallest valley in area, and Wadi Al-Sudair, which is about (1286.85 km2), and this means that the larger the area of the valley, the larger the area of its fan.
Abstract: To comprehensively comprehend the potential risks posed by seismic activity and the formation of geological structures in areas with high tectonic activity, it is critical to conduct thorough investigations on the deformation of the Earth's crust caused by earthquakes. By analyzing the changes in the crust's shape and movements resulting from seismic events, researchers can gain valuable information on the underlying geological processes and the potential for future earthquakes. This knowledge can help in developing effective strategies to mitigate the impact of earthquakes on society and infrastructure, as well as contribute to a deeper understanding of the Earth's dynamic systems. In this study, we use Sentinel-1 interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) images, spanning two ascending and two descending tracks. To construct the seismic deformation field and obtain a time series of 2D deformation, we used two established processing systems LiCSAR and LiCSBAS. One of the most powerful earthquakes to strike the region since 1900 happened on November 12, 2017, in Sarpol Zahab City located at the Iraq-Iran border. Another series of seismic events occurred approximately 100 kilometers to the south, near Mandali-Sumar in Iraq, on January 11, 2018. These earthquakes were noteworthy due to their intensity and proximity to populated areas, highlighting the potential risks and dangers associated with seismic activity in the region.
Abstract: The study of water geochemistry is of great importance in evaluating surface water sources, and the physical and chemical properties are among the most important criteria adopted to determine the suitability of water for various uses, including irrigation, The term irrigation water quality coefficient expresses the suitability of water. Water quality is affected by natural processes and human activities.A geochemical study was carried out to evaluate the water quality for irrigation and other uses of the main valleys (Al-Rashediya, Al-Kharrazi, Al-Khosar, Al-Danffilli, Al-Shor) lies on the left side of Mosul city. for the purpose of evaluating its quality and suitability for irrigation purposes. 48 samples were collected, and field and physical measurements were conducted, which included temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved salts, total hardness, and turbidity. The concentrations of the main ions were also measured and it was found that the dominant positive ions are) Ca2+>Mg2+>Na+>K+ ), and negative ions(HCO3->SO42->Cl->NO3- ), The classification developed from the Piper water scheme of the studied valleys showed that the water quality in Al-Rashediya Valley is (Ca-Mg-SO4) type , the water quality in both the valley of Al-Khosar and Al-Shor is of the type (Ca-Mg-SO4-Cl). The water quality in Al-Kharrazi Valley is of the type (Alkaline earths exceed alkali metals). While the water quality in Al-Danffilli Valley is of the type (Ca, Mg, HCO3). The classifications of Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Magnesium Adsorption Ratio (MAR), Sodium Saturation Percentage (SSP), Wilcox scheme, Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC),
Abstract: Abstract: Thirteen groundwater samples were collected from thirteen groundwater wells in different depth and different location inside Shamamik basin in Erbil governorate. The sampling was started in May 2022, and analyzed for heavy constituent such as (Pb, Bo, As, Cd, Zn, Ag, Li, Se, Ni, Cr, and Mn). Majority is to found the samples have concentrations within the acceptable limits as prescribed in Iraqi drinking water standards. The average HPI concentration is 97.66, which is considerably less than the crucial index value of 100. The percentage of groundwater samples that exceed 100-index value is 10%, indicating that the water is completely unfit for drinking while 90 percent are ranging from excellent to very poor quality according to HPI. The MI concentration was 2.7, and 83.3 percent of groundwater samples were found to be very pure water class. The results show that the groundwater in Shamamik basin of wells 27,28,29,30 is highly polluted and unfit for human consumption. Impact of human activity and industrial activity on the study area has played important role of pollution in groundwater quality in the western part of the Shamamik basin. According to finding of current study, can be concluded that the water can be used as safe for drinking without any negatives effect on health human except some few wells in west part of basin.
Abstract: The aim of study was removal phosphate from domestic waste water by using a different local clays and soils, waste water were collected in July and august months from five lift water stations in Mosul city (Bab Sinjar, Al-Sandooqi, Al-Hadbaa, Al-Qarazee and Al-Shurtaa), phosphate concentration average (3ppm) According to the Iraqi determinants of the quality of water suitable for the aquatic environment within the limits of (3 mg/liter), the upper value are in Bab sinjar (6.8ppm) while the lower in Al-Shurtaa (2.2ppm).Other studied on the experiments were related to analysis of materials to be adsorbed such as (Bentonit, Tulkeef and, Al-Qobah) were studied, Al-Qobah soil was more efficiency selected (quantity of soil ,concentration of phosphate ,volume of sample ,particle size and flow rate) was 2.5g, 30ppm, 40ml, 125micron and 1.5ml/min ) respectively as experiment which adsorbed efficiency reached to 98% . Thermal equilibrium of material were studied by Langmuir equation, R2 gave a good linear relationship.
Abstract: Systematic study of the benthic foraminifera and the sedimentary environment of Shiranish Formation (Campanian-Maastrichtian) have been applied by collecting sixty three rock samples from outcropped section in the South Eastern limp of Sara anticline in Dukan area, Sulaymaniyah, northeastern Iraq. consisting the studied section of successions of marly limestone, marl rock, and thin layers of limestone. The current study aimed at diagnosing benthic foraminifera clusters and identifying and interpreting the sedimentary environment of Shiranish Formation in the current study section, In which forty five species and subspecies belonging to twenty five genera were previously recorded. Based on the recorded genera the sedimentary environment of Shiranish Formation in the studied section are represented by three depositional sites, middle-outer shelf in the lower part of the formation, upper-middle slope in the middle part and the outer shelf in the upper part of the formation. Systematically, six planktonic Foraminifera biozones were detected represented by respectively from the oldest:- Globotruncana ventricosa Interval biozones, Globotruncanita calcarata total range biozones, Globotruncanella havanensis interval biozones, Globotruncana aegyptiaca interval biozones, Gansserina gansseri interval biozones and Abathomphalus mayaroensis interval biozone.
Abstract: In the present study , the radon activity concentration in soil gas was measured at 22 different location in Kirkuk City ,NE Iraq using electric Radon meter (Rad-7) for three different depths .The results show that the emanation rate of radon gas varied from location to another ,depending on the geological formation .It was found that the highest concentration of radon is 146 Bq/m3 in location (sample S16) and the lowest concentration of radon is 0 Bq/m3 in location (sample S20 & S22 ) for depth 20 cm , for depth 40cm the highest concentration is 3330 Bq/m3 in location (sample S5) and the lowest is 16.8 Bq/m3 in location (sample S20) and for depth 60 cm the highest concentration is 12005 Bq/m3 in location (sample S8) and the lowest is 42.3Bq/m3 in location (sample S12). Annual effective dose (AED) due to inhalation was estimated from the measured radon concentration is found to be ranged from (0) to ( 0.11409552 mSv.y-1) with an average value of (0.01586594091 mSv.y-1). The AED due to inhalation were found to be within the safe limit recommended by WHO of 0.1mSv.y-1 and or far below from the reference levels proposed by ICRP of 1mSv.y-1, which revealed that the radon concentration and the associated annual effective dose does not pose any kind of health hazard to the population and tourists in the study area.
Abstract: The Euphrates Formation (Early Miocene) was studied in three selected subsurface sections in the Hamrin oilfield in northern Iraq. The formation consists of limestone, dolomitic limestone, and dolomite. The petrographic study showed the dominance of the skeletal grains represented by the benthic foraminifera (Milliolid, Nummulites, Peneroplis, Dendritina, Miogypsina, Textularia and Ammonia) forming the most important genera available within the formation in addition to red algae, echinoderms, molluscs and bioclast, While the non-skeletal components constitute a smaller percentage compare to the skeletal grains and are represented by the peloids and intraclast. The matrix is composed mainly of micrite which is sometimes affected by the recrystallization process and transformed into microspar. According to the variety of petrographic constituents, five main microfacies were distinguished; Lime mudstone (Fm), wackestone (Fw), packestone (Fp), grainestone (Fg) and boundstone (Fb) which divided into fifteen submicrofacies. The sedimentary model represents deposition within a shallow marine environment extending from the lagoon to fore reef slope environments according to the facies analysis and their environmental implications and paleogeography of the Early Miocene. The rimmed platform model is the most acceptable model for the Euphrates Formation in the study area.
Abstract: The water quality index (WQI) has been used to comprehend the Hawija region's groundwater quality for drinking purposes. Where Some locals solely utilize groundwater for drinking purposes. Forty groundwater samples were collected from the Hawija region's bore wells. The groundwater was somewhat hard and slightly alkaline. These materials were transported to (Acme Lab) to Canada for examination. In addition to comparing the findings of the current study with Iraqi requirements, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classification of water quality and its suitability for various uses, this paper also examines physical properties such as pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, dissolved salts, and chemical properties, including estimating the water content of major ions. In the low-flow season, the WQI values varied from 29.96 to 112.5, whereas in the high-flow season, they ranged from (25.61 to 142.32). Out of 40 groundwater samples, 12 (30%) were deemed to have excellent water quality, 17 (42.5%) were deemed to have bad water quality, 10 (25%) were deemed to have extremely poor water quality, and 1 (2.5%) were deemed unfit for drinking during the low flow season. Groundwater samples taken during the high flow season had a water quality rating of 16 (40%) good, 14 (35%) bad, 7 (17.5%) extremely poor, and 3 (7.5%) unfit for drinking. This suggests that much of the research area's groundwater samples are unsuitable for human consumption.
Abstract: The study dealt with the morphometric characteristics of Wadi Al-Safia within the western plateau in Iraq and the extent of the influence of natural geographical factors represented by the geological situation, climate characteristics, water resources, soil and natural vegetation. km 2 and its rock and sedimentary formations date back to the Triple and Quaternary periods of sandstone, limestone and gypsum rocks. The basin is located between latitudes (32 34 05) to 33 09 01 to the north and longitudes 42 37 58 to 43 30 01 to the east. It is located within the dry climate, which is characterized by high temperatures, and its highest rates reach (39.2, 42.8, 42.4, 44.9) in the month of July for the climatic stations (Karbala, Ramadi, Al-Nukhaib, Al-Rutbah) and a lack of rain. At the source. This reduces the possibility of its flooding, and it has a slight slope (3 m per 1 km) and that the basin is in the stage of maturity through the values of the hypsometric and rugged integration. to the stage of maturity or equilibrium in its life cycle.The research included an introduction that included the problem, hypothesis, objective, importance, methodology, and spatial boundaries. The first section came to study the natural factors of the study area, while the second section dealt with an analysis of the most important morphometric characteristics of the basin and its water network using geographic information systems and a number of important programs, then the most important results that were reached.
Abstract: This study aimed to assess the concentrations of heavy metals in the soil of Mosul city and analyzed their spatial distribution. A total of 48 soil samples were collected from different sites in the city during the autumn 2022 and spring 2023 from a depth of 0-15 cm. The concentrations of heavy metals, including Cadmium, Zinc, Arsenic, and Nickel, Using an (XRF) device. were measured and their characteristics were chemically and physically analyzed. And comparing the results with the standards set by the (WHO) The results indicated that the soil texture ranged from loam to sandy clay loam, while pH values varied between 7.09 and 7.88. Electrical conductivity ranged from 0.75-4.04 µS/cm, and organic matter content ranged from 1.53%-2.43%.Cadmium levels ranged from 0.08-0.17 ppm and didn't exceed the permissible limits. However, Nickel concentrations ranged from 116.92-188.79 ppm, exceeding the permissible limits in all study areas. A decrease in Nickel concentrations during spring was observed due to rainfall. Zinc concentrations ranged from 102.64-1187 ppm, exceeding the permissible limits in industrial areas. Arsenic levels ranged from 1.12-55.10 ppm, with higher concentrations in spring due to rainfall, reaching its highest concentration in the Kokjli area. Spatial distribution maps indicated that the impact of heavy metal concentrations in the Karameh industrial area had a greater effect on adjacent areas compared to the impact of the Wadi Akab industrial area, which was considered more polluted. These maps also revealed the influence of the eastern part of the city with elevated Nickel concentrations during spring.
Abstract: Groundwater quality evaluation, the spatial distribution of quality parameters, and hydrogeochemical modeling are useful tools for decision-makers in water quality management. The present study has applied GIS techniques for groundwater spatial distribution and hydrogeochemical model using NETPATHWin software for groundwater evaluation for drinking purpose in the Sulaymaniyah-Sharazoor basin. Sampling from thirty-one wells and seven springs was done, and major cations, anions, and NO3 were analyzed. The results show that all groundwater samples are suitable for different purposes according to Iraqi and World Health Organization standards and are characterized by low dissolved solid content. The northeastern and center of the basin are characterized relatively by higher contents of dissolved solids. Four flow paths were taken along the groundwater direction, and the output for the selected models revealed that the main hydrogeochemical reaction is dissolution-precipitation, and in some cases, there is cation exchange. Furthermore, the majority of water samples are undersaturated with concerning calcite, aragonite, dolomite, gypsum, anhydrite, and halite.
Abstract: Groundwater is essential for its different uses, especially when surface water is scarce or absent. The scarcity of surface water in various locations in eastern Iraq is a significant concern for life and the future. The temporal chemical changes of 20 groundwater samples collected from groundwater wells in Badra District, eastern Iraq were evaluated. The results revealed the mean values of cations; Ca2+ (215 ppm), Mg2+ (100.7 ppm), Na+ (256.5 ppm), and K+ (3.5 ppm), and anions such as SO42- (956.7 ppm), Cl- (342 ppm), and HCO3- (48.13 ppm), PO43- (3 ppm) and NO3- (21.5 ppm). The total dissolved solids (2128 ppm), electrical conductivity (3084µs\cm), pH (7.43), and temperature (20.18 °C) of the samples were obtained. The results compared with other studies conducted in 2005 and 2009. Despite a relative increase in the sulfate, TDS, chlorides, and sodium contents, the water quality has remained the same during the last ten years. In the recent study (2020), the same type of water quality characterized the water chemistry. At the same time; the increasing of SO42-, Cl-, NO3-, Mg2+, Ca2+, and K+ during ten years ago were due to climatic changes toward the aridity. The observed temporal chemical changes of groundwater were be consoled climatic factors' alteration. The groundwater of the studied wells is unsuitable for human drinking. and it is suitable for livestock drinking and irrigation with a risk of total dissolved solids and sulfates.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is the find a method of treatment to improve the properties of claystone of the geological formations that are widespread in Northern Iraq by kaolinite addition. Washing clay with different ratios of water is another treatment to find the perfect quantity of water to dissolve the more percent of salts. More improvement was found by adding 10% of kaolinite and the sample was classified as grade A according to Iraqis’ specifications number 24 in 1988. The water absorption of the treated sample is 16.5%, the compressive strength is 34.9 MPa. and low efflorescence. the sample characteristics are good when adding 5% kaolinite, the water absorption of 19.5%, compressive strength of 30 MPa. and low efflorescence. While The non-treated sample has a 22.2% of water absorption, 20.6 MPa of compressive strength, and medium efflorescence. The treatment by water dissolution is good in some manner, where dissolution increased to 3.2% when the water quantity increased to double of sample weight, and it increased to 4.8% when the water quantity increased five-fold. Eventually, the studied rock beds have well characteristics, very large reserves, and adequate to operate eight factories of 50.000 brick/day for 50 years and it has 7.478.258 m3 of clay.
Abstract: Oil Shale is well-known worldwide. Jordanian "oil shale" is not actually shale but rather bituminous carbonates, which are locally referred to as oil shale. Thirty representative oil shale core samples were collected from seven boreholes drilled in Attarat Um Ghudran (AUG) in central Jordan. They were prepared, analyzed and characterized using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). The organic matter content was analyzed for organic carbon, elemental analysis and Fischer assay. Uranium (U) was determined by XRF. Uranium attains an average concentration of 21.15 ppm. It varies from a minimum value of 12 ppm to a maximum value of 34.2 ppm. The oil content values are in the range varying from a minimum of 4.47% to a maximum of 12.20% and the average content of the whole deposit is 8.5%. The deposits have a hydrogen content of 4.09% and a nitrogen content of 1.84%. However, the sulfur content is generally high, with an average of 6.85%. In Jordan, the oil shale deposits have a significant sulfur content ranging from 1.18% to 8.94% by weight, which is higher than in many other oil shale deposits worldwide. Moreover, the study discovered a positive correlation between the total organic carbon content and U in Attarat Um Ghudran deposits, indicating that the organic matter is responsible for the Uranium presence not related to the rock-forming minerals.