Abstract

HEAVY METALS IN GROUND WATER IN THE ALKHOMS REGION, LIBYA

Mohamed Sadoun F. Shahub*

ABSTRACT

Seventy percent of the Earth is covered by water in the form of oceans, lakes, rivers, etc., only 2.5% is available for human use. However, the deteriorating quality of water by natural and anthropogenic sources has become a serious concern worldwide. Contamination of freshwater sources can be caused by both anthropogenic and natural processes. Erosion, weathering and other geological events are the natural sources of pollution, while human settlements, mining, industrial and agricultural activities are among the anthropogenic factors. Heavy metals are also released into water bodies through sediment resuspension, desorption, reduction or oxidation reactions and the degradation of organic tissues. All these factors increase the concentration of dissolved metals which may threaten the aquatic ecosystem and human health. The present study aims to investigate the characteristics of groundwater and surface water of Kaam area andevaluate its quality, class, the effect of seawater intrusion, microbiological properties and possible uses. This study investigated heavy metal (Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr, Cd, Fe, As and Mn) contamination in the pond sludge, pond soil and groundwater at Libya, the Libya borders the Mediterranean Sea between Tunisia and Egypt. The intrusion of seawater to groundwater system has recently emerged as a serious problem damaging water ground systems, in Libya.

Keywords: Heavy metals, Toxic effects, Groundwater, Humans, Libya.