| Abstrakt: |
This paper focused on the fate of pollution and management of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) and heavy metals in the Zarqa River Basin in Jordan. The Zarqa River basin was selected in this research because it contains the majority of Jordanian industries, which are the main source of pollutants including Cr(VI) and heavy metals. This will help in assisting water resource management organizations in decision making when coping with pollution. Industries related to sources and impacts of Cr(VI) and heavy metals were identified, and the administration measures were highlighted according to their role in improving water quality. An analysis of water samples along the Zarqa River was conducted between 2016–2019 to evaluate the heavy metals concentrations and compare the results with the Jordanian standards. Findings showed that Cr(VI) was below the allowable limits (<5 μg/l), and the heavy metals were within the allowed limits set forth in the Jordanian Standard. The ranges of water analysis values (µg/L) were; DO 4640–6480, Fe <40–80, Mn 20–128, Co <20–30, Pb 80–190, Zn 70–100, and Cu <80–190, Al 700–730, V <70–100, B <300–351, Si 1100–1800, Ni 30, and Cd <10. These findings indicated that the quality of the Zarqa River would not cause hazardous effects. However, this was not the case few years ago due the current protection measures. At present some industries have been relocated from the Zarqa Basin to an area that does not pose any environmental hazards, while the rest of industries remained in the basin, but they have established an on-site treatment plant for industrial waste under the control of Jordanian government, and the enforcement of the environmental protection law. These measures must be monitored and updated by decision makers in a sustainable manner to prevent any water pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
