Omar Ali Al-Khashman

Five-year monitoring study of chemical characteristics of Wet atmospheric precipitation in the southern region of Jordan

Wet atmospheric samples were collected from different locations in the southern region of Jordan during a 5-year period (October 2006 to May 2011). All samples were analyzed for pH, EC, major ions (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3−, Cl−, NO3−, and SO42−), and trace metals (Fe2+, Al3+,Cu2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+). The highest ion concentrations were observed during the beginning of the rainfall events because large amounts of dust accumulated in the atmosphere during dry periods and were scavenged by rain. The rainwater in the study area is characterized by low salinity and neutral pH. The major ions found in rainwater followed the order of HCO3 > Cl− > SO42− and Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > NH4+ > K+. Trace metals were identified to be of anthropogenic origin resulting from cement and phosphate mining activities located within the investigated area and from heating activities during the cold period of the year (January to April). The wet precipitation chemistry was analyzed using factor component analysis for possible sources of the measured species. Factor analysis (principal component analysis) was used to assess the relationships between the concentrations of the studied ions and their sources. Factor 1 represents the contribution of ions from local anthropogenic activities, factor 2 represents the contribution of ions from natural sources, and factor 3 suggests biomass burning and anthropogenic source. Overall, the results revealed that rainwater chemistry is strongly influenced by local anthropogenic sources rather than natural and marine sources, which is in a good agreement with the results obtained by other studies conducted in similar sites around the world.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Urban Soil around Potash Industrial Site in the East of the Dead Sea and their Environmental Risks

The aim of this study was to assess the extent and severity of metal contamination of soils in the east of the Dead Sea, southwestern Jordan. This area was affected by a potash plant and intensive agricultural production. The samples were obtained at two depths, 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm, and were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry for Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd, and Cr. Physicochemical parameters that are expected to affect the mobility of metals in the soil such as pH, TOM, CaCO3, CEC, and conductivity were determined. The relatively high concentrations of metals in soils of the studied area were related to anthropogenic sources such as the potash industry, agricultural activities, and traffic emissions. The mean concentrations of the metals were of the order: CFe > CPb > CZn > CCr > CMn > CCu and CCd where C is the concentration of these metals in solution. Heavy metals such as Zn, Cd, and Pb showed higher concentrations in the area that is closer to the potash plant, while Cr concentration was low. These metals were concentrated in the soil surface and decreased in the lower part of soil due to their mobility, movement and physicochemical properties, and alkaline pH. Metals of anthropogenic origin, including Cd, Pb, and Zn, were highly enriched with respect to crustal composition. The non-clay minerals of the sand-sized fraction are composed mainly of quartz and calcite as major minerals, with dolomite and feldspar as minor minerals. Factor analysis revealed three groups of elements that differ in their distribution. The first of these components is unpolluted soil, which was distributed in the study area. The second is the polluted soil, which occurs mostly around the potash plant and Ghore El-Safi area. The third factor represents the physicochemical sources, and is not significant.

Environmental assessment of spring water in Tafila district, southern Jordan: quality and chemistry

This study evaluates the chemical and physical characteristics of Tafila district spring water and monitors the changes in the quality of the water from January 2006 to January 2008 to determine the influence of possible pollution sources (natural and anthropogenic) on various chemical parameters. It also aims to characterize the suitability of the water for drinking and agriculture. The results show the physical and chemical characteristics to lie outside the permissible levels of the Jordanian and WHO drinking water standards. However, the trace metal concentration in the water samples is satisfactory for health and the environment.