Inference about pollution indicators for some heavy metals in Al-Khadraa Wastewater Treatment Plant/Mosul City

Published
Oct 6, 2025Pages
31-42Abstract
The study aims to identify pollution indicators of wastewater with heavy elements and evaluate their concentrations in the Khadra wastewater Treatment Plant. This involves assessing the pollution level of the water entering the plant and the suitability of the treated water for discharge
and irrigation according to Iraqi standards. The plant is located on the eastern side of the left bank of Mosul City in Ninawa Governorate. Heavy elements such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and iron (Fe) were measured. The following indices were calculated: Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI), and Metal Index (MI). The study results indicate that the treated water from the plant complies with Iraqi water quality standards and is suitable for irrigation, based on the measured concentrations of heavy metals and the values of HPI, HEI, and MI. Therefore, treated sewage water is often suitable for irrigation. As of the time of this study, the plant operates efficiently, and the treated water meets Iraqi discharge standards.
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