Nazem El-Radaideh

Evaluating the potential of sediments in Ziqlab Reservoir (northwest Jordan) for soil replacement and amendment

Abstract Surface sediments of Ziqlab Reservoir, northwest Jordan, were evaluated to characterize trace element distributions and sources related to various physicochemical variables. Trace element distribution is determined by texture, parent material in the catchment, and anthropogenic activities. The suitability of reservoir sediment for replacing or amending soil was assessed by comparing sediment characteristics to natural soils. Results suggest that the sandy facies can be used as artificial soils, whereas clayey facies can be utilized as fertilizer for poor quality soils in Jordan. The fine-grained sediment fraction is associated with (1) high abundance of clay minerals with high cation exchange capacity and available micronutrients; (2) occurrence of kaolinite, montmorillonite–illite, vermiculite, and smectite; and (3) optimal pH values for availability of most micronutrients. Among the trace elements measured, total nickel and cadmium slightly exceeded recommended safe levels for soils, but the high concentrations may decline when sediments are exposed to air. If removal of the bottom sediments of Ziqlab Reservoir becomes economically feasible, it would extend the reservoir lifespan, improve water quality, compensate for soil scarcity in some regions, and enhance soil productivity.

Geo-environmental assessment of Al-Wala dam sediments, Jordan

Surface sediments of Al-Wala Reservoir central Jordan, were evaluated to characterize trace element distribution and sources related to various physicochemical variables. Metallic micronutrient distribution is determined by grain size analysis, parent material in the catchment, and anthropogenic activities. The suitability of reservoir sediment as a source of natural additives for replacing eroded topsoil was assessed by comparing the physiochemical characteristics of bottom sediments to normal worldwide soils. Textural analysis of bottom sediments is mainly composed of very fine-grained facies (clayey-silty facies), characterized by high content of different types of clay minerals and organic matters, medium-high cation exchange capacity, and optimal pH ranges for availability of most micronutrients. Among the metallic micronutrients measured: Fe, Zn, Cd, Cu and Mn, total abundance of Zn and Cd slightly exceeded the recommended safe levels for normal soils, but these concentrations my are decline when the sediments are exposed to air. Comparing our results with natural soils, it can be concluded that clayey-silty facies sediments can be considered as a good source of non-manufactured additives, whereas coarse-grained (sandy and granule facies) sediments as a good agricultural soil.

Status of Water Quality in King Talal Reservoir Dam, Jordan

This work intends to monitor and assess the current water quality conditions at King Talal Dam (KTD), Jordan, based on vertical profiles and longitudinal surveys. While the surface distribution of water quality parameters in KTD varied spatially, their variations showed no distinct trends. Lateral and horizontal variations in water quality in KTD are probably linked with photosynthesis, sampling period, closeness to Zarqa River and Wadi Rmemeen, and water depths, among other factors. The vast majority of water quality parameters in KTD dammed reservoir showed vertical profiles that either decrease slightly with increasing depth from the surface (temperature and dissolved oxygen) or remain relatively unchanged (major ions, trace elements). These results suggest that water has probably been vertically mixed. Data also demonstrated rock weathering as a dominant process governing the water chemistry of KTD reservoir water. Based on chlorophyll- a classification of Forsberg and Ryding [19], KTD reservoir is in a mesotrophic-eutrophic condition. Evaluation of water quality for irrigation use revealed that KTD reservoir water is suitable for irrigation purposes, except for Na% and total hardness.

Reservoir water quality: a case from Jordan

Jordan relies heavily on reservoirs building and development to cope with water supply challenges, where monitoring and assessment of reservoir water quality are critically important for the sustainable use of these water supplies. Mujib Dam is an important water supply source in central western Jordan. Evaluation of water quality parameters and their spatial distributions (vertical and horizontal) showed near-neutral pH values with nearly similar values from surface to bottom. The vertical profile of DO and TDS in the dammed reservoir showed slight decreasing trends with increasing depth. Although Ca, Mg, Na, and K concentrations varied slightly with depths, their variations showed no trends. Similarly, the vertical and horizontal distribution patterns of Cl, SO4, HCO3, NO3, and PO4 in Mujib reservoir water showed insignificant variations in surface water layer and relatively unchanged values or decreasing trends through the water column. Higher values of TN have been observed, especially in the western part, suggesting that agricultural activities and livestock farming in the upstream catchment are impacting water quality. Results revealed that weathering and dissolution of rocks are the major source of water chemistry. The majority of trace metal levels (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, Co, Ni, Sr, and B) in water showed relatively similar surface and bottom values. The concentrations of COD and BOD5 in surface water were relatively low with higher concentrations observed in the northwestern corner, coincided with higher levels of chlorophyll a. The average ratio of TN to TP in surface water suggests that phosphorus is the limiting factor for the algal blooms, whereas the average chlorophyll a level in surface water indicates oligo-mesotrophic water.

Geo-environmental Assessment of Al-Ramtha Soils, Jordan

This study aims to characterize the pollution conditions by measuring the concentrations of selected heavy metals. It also intends to investigate the relations between soil genesis and lithology. This provides knowledge about the future of the agricultural development in the area and helps decision makers in the land use planning.

Physical and Biochemical Characteristics of Sharhabiel Reservoir water, NW Jordan

Jordan relies heavily on rainwater stored in reservoirs because it has extremely limited alternative water resources. These reservoirs are essential for drinking water and irrigation, so monitoring their water quality is extremely important. Variations in physical and biochemical conditions were investigated at Sharhabiel Reservoir (Jordan). Water quality monitoring of Sharhabiel Dam, from January to December 2013 indicates that the dam is subject to agricultural runoff. It also revealed that mineral dissolution, sediment load, rainfall evaporation and pumping, are the major contributors to variations in water quality. The water chemistry of the impounded Sharnabiel Reservoir showed that Na, Ca, Mg, HCO3, and Cl are the principal ions, reflecting the dominance of calcareous weathering, with some contribution of silicates. The pH values showed an irregular pattern with highest values observed in the spring months. Total dissolved solids (TDS), Ca, Mg, and HCO3 are primarily related to leaching and evaporation, with elevated levels that occurred in the winter months. In contrast, seasonal patterns in Na, K, Cl, and NH4–N contents showed decreased values in wet months. Peaks in NO3–N observed in winter are strongly associated with agricultural runoff. Changes in chlorophyll-a level were coincided with low ratio of TN to TP. BOD5 and COD peaks in spring corresponding with high algal growth. No significant changes in most of physical and biochemical parameters with depth, probably due to shallow depth, high annual sedimentation rate and heavy pumping rate in dry months. No available recorded data for long-term monitoring of Sharhabiel reservoir water to emphasize the self-purification capacity of dam.