Iraqi National Journal of Earth Science

Received: 16- Feb -2023
Revised: 22- ـJune -2023
Accepted: 30- Jul -2023
Available online: 01- Jan – 2024 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.

In this research, five samples of dust deposits are collected from indoor and outdoor the two hospitals Baiji and Salah Al-din General hospital on 25\7\2022 for two days. This research aims to study the concentrations of the heavy metals in the samples of two hospitals by evaluating the pollution index. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis is carried out using the PEDXRF device. The results show 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 hospitals, namely the Pollution factor (CF), which shows 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, their values are varying from one location to another. The results of the Nemerow pollution index (PIn) reveals that the sample sites had a highly polluted soil due to the very high concentration of Tellurium (Te), which is included in the Nemerow equation calculation. The Geo-Accumulation factor (Igeo) gives 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.

The Alluvial fans are one of the Landforms 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, located at between two latitudes ( ﹰ53 ﹶ36 30º - ﹰ35 ﹶ07 31º) N and longitude (( ﹰ17 ﹶ28 45º - ﹰ35 ﹶ12 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 image of the American satellite Landsat 8, and the most important findings of the research are that there are four river valleys that formed overflow 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 into 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.

The study of water geochemistry is of great importance in evaluating surface water sources. The physical and chemical properties are among the most important criteria adopted to assess the suitability of water for various uses including irrigation. The term irrigation water quality index (IWQI) expresses the suitability of water for irrigation that affected, by natural processes and human activities. The water of the main valleys on the left side of Mosul City (Al-Rashediya, Al-Kharrazi, Al-Khosar, Al-Danffilli, and Al-Shor.) is studied for the purpose of evaluating its quality and suitability for irrigation purposes.
Forty-eight samples are collectedduring thefield work and physical measurements have been done including temperature, acidity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved salts, total hardness, and turbidity. The concentrations of the main ions are measured revealing that the cations in descending order are (Ca2+>Mg2+>Na+>K+) and the anions are (HCO3->SO42->Cl->NO3-). The classification scheme (Chadha, 1999) shows that the water quality in Wadi Al-Rashediya is of (Ca-Mg-SO4) type, and in Wadi Al-Khosar and Wadi Al-Shor is of (Ca-Mg-SO4-Cl) type, and in Wadi Al-Kharrazi is of (Alkaline earths exceed alkali metals) type, whereas the water quality in the Danffili Valley is of the type (Ca-Mg-HCO3). Sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR), sodium percentage (SSP), Wilcox chart classification, residual sodium carbonate (RSC), permeability index (PI), and Kelly ratio (KR) all indicate that the water of the study valleys is suitable for irrigation depending on the sodium concentration. While the Water Quality Index for Irrigation (IWQI) indicates that the waters of Wadi Al-Rashediya and Wadi Al-Kharrazi in general are suitable for irrigation because they are not affected by waste, while the waters of Wadi Al-Khosar River, Wadi Al-Danffili and Wadi Al-Shor are not suitable for irrigation due to the increase in salts resulting from soil leaching processes, as well as the impact of both Wadi Al-Danfeili and Wadi Al-Shor by residential and industrial wastes in particular.

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.

The surface sediments of the coastal sabkha region in the southern part of the Red Sea region in Yemen are studied mineralogically and geochemically to determine their provenance. Using the X-ray diffraction technique, the evaporite minerals are identified in the sabkha area represented by gypsum, halite, and anhydrite. Carbonate minerals are 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 present 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 the studied sediments includes the calcareous material of biogenic and terrigenous components. However, the carbonate content of the 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 vary considerably and could be attributed to the sediment sources.

Nanotube halloysite prepared from Iraqi kaolin clay and kaolinite was used as a filler in the manufacture of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) 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 were 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 the 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 the SBR sample filled with nano-halloysite of 40 Phr showed higher thermal stability than the SBR sample filled with 40 Phr kaolinite.

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, extending across a combination of two tracks that ascend and two tracks that descend. Two well-known processing methods, LiCSAR and LiCSBAS, were utilized to create the seismic deformation field and produce a time series of 2D deformation. 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. This paper aims to create a map of neotectonics deformation of the ground along the Iraq-Iran borders from 2014 to 2022 and detect fault activity because of the earthquakes that occurred on November 12 and January 11, 2018, using inSAR techniques and confirmation on the processing, dissection, and applications of Sentinel-1 data backed by field, and tectonic information. The time series of 2D seismic deformation demonstrated a gradual decreasing pattern, which corresponded well with the distribution of aftershocks. The results show that the deformation for the Sarpol Zahab region extends to an area of 70 km2 and 90 km2, the greatest line-of-sight displacement of horizontal deformation is 20 cm and vertical displacement is 100 cm uplifting and 35 cm subsidence. The results of deformation for the Mandali-Sumar region extend to an area of 27 km2 and 23 km2, the greatest line of sight displacement of horizontal deformation is 5 cm and vertical displacement is 20 cm uplifting and 5 cm subsidence for ascending and descending data, respectively. The outcomes of this research will provide valuable insights into the investigation of tectonic events occurring in the region.

Thirteen groundwater samples are collected from thirteen groundwater wells at different depths and different locations inside Shamamik basin in Erbil Governorate. The sampling was started in May 2022, then analyzed for heavy constituents such as (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Va, Ni, Zn, Bo, Cr, Co, Li, Mn, Se, and Ag). The aim of this research is to find the concentrations are within the acceptable limits as prescribed in Iraqi drinking water standards. The average Heavy metal Pollution Index (HPI) concentration is 97.66, which is considerably less than the crucial index value of 100. The percentage of groundwater samples that exceeds 100-index value is 10% indicating that the water is completely unsuitable and unfit for drinking, while 90% are ranging from excellent to very poor quality according to HPI. The Metal Index (MI) concentration is 2.7, and 83.3 percent of groundwater samples 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 an important role of pollution in groundwater quality in the western part of the Shamamik basin. According to the finding of current study, it can be concluded that the water can be used as safe for drinking without any negatives effect on the human health except some few wells in the western part of the basin.

The aim of this study is removal of phosphate from domestic waste water using different local clays and soils. Waste water was collected in July and August from five lift water stations in Mosul City (Bab Sinjar, Al-Sandooqi, Al-Hadbaa, Al-Qarazee and Al-Shurtaa). The phosphate concentration average is (3 ppm). 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 is in Bab Sinjar (6.8 ppm), while the lower is in Al-Shurtaa (2.2 ppm). Other experiments related to the analysis of soil materials for adsorption such as (Bentonite, Tulkeef and, Al-Qobah) are carried out. Selected Al-Qobah soil is of more efficiency (quantity of soil, concentration of phosphate, volume of sample, particle size and flow rate) is 2.5 g, 30 ppm, 40 ml, 125 micron and 1.5 ml/min respectively) as adsorption experiment efficiency reaches 98%. Thermal equilibrium of material is calculated following the Langmuir equation, where R2 gives a good linear relationship

Systematic study of the benthic foraminifera and the sedimentary environment of Shiranish Formation (Campanian-Maastrichtian) has been accomplished by collecting sixty-three rock samples from outcropped section in the south eastern limb of Sara anticline in Dukan area, Sulaymaniyah Governorate, northeastern Iraq. The studied section consists of successions of marly limestone, marl, and thin layered limestone. By observing the difference in the rock character and hardness, the Shiranish Formation section study is divided into two rock units. The aim of the current study is to diagnose the benthic foraminifera species and identifying and interpreting the sedimentary environment of Shiranish Formation in the current study section. Forty-five species and subspecies belonging to twenty-five genera are recorded. Based on the recorded genera, benthic foraminifera assemblages found in the sedimentary environment of Shiranish Formation in the studied section, are represented by three depositional sites: the middle-outer shelf in the lower part of the for mation; the upper-middle slope in the middle part; and the outer shelf in the upper part of the formation.

In the current study , the radon activity concentration in soil gas was measured at 22 different locations in Kirkuk City ,NE Iraq using electric radon meter (Rad-7) for three different depths (20,40, and 60 cm ) .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 is 0 Bq/m3 in location (sample S20 & S22 ) for a depth of 20 cm . For a depth of 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 a depth of 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 range from (0) to (0.1140 mSv.y-1) with an average value of (0.01586 mSv.y-1) for all depths. The AED due to inhalation was found to be within the safe limit recommended by WHO of 0.1 mSv.y-1 and so 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.

The Euphrates Formation (Early Miocene) is studied in three selected subsurface sections in the Hamrin oil field in northern Iraq. The formation consists of limestone, dolomitic limestone, and dolomite. The petrographic study shows 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 compared to the skeletal grains, and they 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 are distinguished; lime mudstone (Fm), wackestone (Fw), packestone (Fp), grainestone (Fg), and boundstone (Fb) which are subdivided into fifteen submicrofacies. The sedimentary model represents deposition within a shallow marine environment extending from the lagoon to forereef 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.

The study dealt with the morphometric characteristics of Wadi Al-Safiya 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. The study was carried out according to the descriptive analytical approach and quantitative method using geographical information systems as well as field study and estimated the total area of the basin (2470.48 km2) and its rocky and sedimentary formations date back to the Tertiary and Quaternary periods of sandstone, limestone and gypsum rocks. It shows that the basin is located within the stable shelf and that the basin is inclined to a rectangle with a broad base at the source. This reduces the possibility of its flooding, and it has a slight slope (3 m per 1 km) the basin is in the stage of maturity through the Hypsometric Integration and Ruggedness values was included through the analysis of the cadastral, morphological and topographic characteristics and the characteristics of the valley network using geographical information systems.

The water quality index (WQI) is used to comprehend the Hawija region's groundwater quality for drinking purposes, where some people solely utilize the groundwater for drinking purposes. Forty groundwater samples are collected from Hawija region's wells. The groundwater is somewhat hard and slightly alkaline. The collectrd water samples are sent to (Acme Lab.Canada) for analysis. The results then are compred with the Iraqi standards, the World Health Organisation (WHO) standdards and with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classification of water quality in order to decide the water suitability for various uses. This paper also examines the 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 vary from 29.96 to 112.5, whereas in the high-flow season, they range from 25.61 to 142.32. Out of 40 groundwater samples, 12 (30%) are deemed to have excellent water quality, 17 (42.5%) are deemed to have bad water quality, 10 (25%) are deemed to have extremely poor water quality, and 1 (2.5%) are 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.

This study aims 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 (Cd), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), and nickel (Ni), using an (XRF) device. are measured and their characteristics are analyzed chemically and physically. Then 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 vary 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 not exceeding the permissible limits. However, nickel concentrations range from 116.92-188.79 ppm, exceeding the permissible limits in all study areas. A decrease in nickel concentrations during spring is 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 is considered more polluted. These maps also revealed the influence of the eastern part of the city with elevated nickel concentrations during spring.

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.

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 are evaluated. The results reveal 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 are obtained. The results are compared with other studies conducted in the two years (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 are consoled with the climatic factors' alteration. The groundwater of the studied wells is unsuitable for human and livestock drinking and for irrigation with a risk of total dissolved solids and sulfates.

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% 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 inflorescence. The sample characteristics are good when adding 5% kaolinite, the water absorption of 19.5%, compressive strength of 30 MPa. and low inflorescence. While the non-treated sample has a 22.2% water absorption, 20.6 MPa of compressive strength, and medium inflorescence. The treatment by water dissolution is good to some extent, 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 times as much. Eventually, the studied rock beds have good characteristics, very large reserves, and adequate to operate eight factories of 50.000 bricks/day for 50 years and it has 7.478.258 m3 of clay.

Oil Shale is well-known worldwide. The Jordanian \"oil shale\" actually is not shale but rather bituminous carbonates, which are locally referred to as oil shale. Thirty representative oil shale core samples are collected from seven boreholes drilled in Attarat Um Ghudran (AUG) in central Jordan. They are prepared, analyzed, and characterized using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). The organic matter content is analyzed for organic carbon, elemental analysis, and Fischer assay. Uranium (U) is determined by XRF attaining 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 discovers 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.