Assessment of the Heavy Metal Pollution in the Surface Sediments along Upstream at Wadi Al-Arab, Jordan
Twenty stream sediment samples collected from Wadi Al-Arab study area. These samples extracted and
analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) to determine their heavy metal for Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn, Fe and
Pb concentrations. Calciometry method used to identify the CO3
-2 content and loss on ignition (L.O.I) at 550 ?C
used to determine the total organic matter (TOM). The results of the analyses of Wadi Al Arab sediments
showed that concentrations of Mn, Cu, Pb, and Fe are safe and these elements are practically unchanged by
anthropogenic influences, while the concentration of Zn and Cd exceeded the average shale value. The elevated
concentration of Cd and Zn can be due to anthropogenic sources, including fertilizers and pesticides used in
agricultural activities, effluent of the treatment plant, and natural weathering of surrounding geological
formations. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) analysis indicated that Wadi Al Arab is facing probable
environmental pollution especially with dangerous heavy metals (Zn and Cd) which result from increased rate of
non-treated wastewater, which discharged to Wadi Al Arab stream. The results of Enrichment Factor (EF)
showed high concentrations of Zn and Cd in the study area; these high concentrations in the study area derived
from anthropogenic sources including; fertilizers and pesticides used in agricultural activities and the effluent of
the close treatment plant. In addition, natural weathering of the surrounding rock formations considered as an
additional source of heavy metals to the sediments.