Comparative Assessment of River Water Quality Using Multiple Biological Indicators: A Case Study of the Tigris River

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Dhafer Hameed Majeed Al Taie , Monia EL Bour

Abstract

Most of the rivers of Iraq suffer from the water contaminant problem. This problem is considered so difficult to get the water quality within the standard allowable limits for drinking, as well as for industrial and agricultural purposes. The Tigris is a primary source of water for millions of people in Iraq, directly affecting human health and living conditions. Water contamination can lead to waterborne diseases and other health issues. Moreover, rapid industrialization, population growth, climate change, and increased exploitation of surface waters, environmental pollutants are degrading the water quality of Tigris River at a dangerous pace. Though, there have been various methods and techniques for assessing the water quality, application of biological indicators for water quality assessment are more cost-effective than extensive chemical testing and sensitive to a wide range of pollutants. Therefore, this study aims to comparatively assess the water quality of Tigris River of Iraq using four biological indicators such as NAFWQI, BMWP, ASPT and HFBI. Water samples from different sampling stations of Tigris River were collected from April 2021 till March 2022. The findings showed that the average NAFWQI index indicated poor water quality, the BMWP index indicated moderate and poor water quality, the ASPT index indicated suspected pollution and pollution with medium levels, and the HFBI indicated relatively poor and poor water quality. Based on the results of this study, the comparative assessment of water quality show that Tigris River's water quality within low to moderate category.

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