ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Cd and Fe Concentrations of the Surface Water
of a Stream in Jordan
Mohammed Wedyan1, Ahmed Al Harahsheh1, Riyadh Muhaidat2
Emad Bsoul1, Esam Qnais1
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1Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Department, The Hashemite University, Al Zarka,
P O Box 330127, Jordan
2Biology Department, Yarmouk University, Irbid, P O Box 566, Jordan
Submission date: 2015-12-15
Final revision date: 2016-02-18
Acceptance date: 2016-06-20
Publication date: 2016-11-24
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2016;25(6):2617-2521
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ABSTRACT
We collected 1,260 surface water samples from Al Zarqa Channelized Stream – considered to be one
of the most polluted regions in Jordan due to massive discharge and accumulation of pollutants over the
years. The concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and iron (Fe) in the stream’s water were assessed to get a
clear picture on the extent of pollution. Triplicate water samples weekly were randomly taken from seven
different points along the channel from August 2013 to November 2014, and the concentrations of these
heavy elements were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The results show that
Al Zarqa Channelized Stream is slightly polluted by the heavy metals Cd and Fe in the ranges of 14.5-16
and 10-14.5 μg/l, respectively. Regression analysis revealed that there was no correlation between the Cd
and Fe concentrations with pH values of the water samples, but a significant correlation with conductivity
was found. The results revealed that the concentrations of chlorophyll a ranged 0.005-0.075 μg/l. This
study concludes that there is a harmful effect of heavy metals – particularly Cd and Fe – on chlorophyll
content of algae. On the other hand, the data of this study suggest the necessity for re-evaluating the current
environmental and water quality for health and food purposes.