Surface sediment samples were collected from Ziqlab dam in northwestern Jordan to investigate the spatial distribution of selected trace metals and assess their pollution levels. The results showed that the concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Zn exceeded the environmental background values. Cd, Ni, and Cr contents were higher than the threshold effect level (TEL) in 63, 83, and 60 % of the reservoir sediments, respectively; whereas Pb, Zn, and Cu were less than the TEL limit. The concentrations of trace metals in reservoir sediment varied spatially, but their variations showed similar trends. Elevated levels of metals observed in the western part (adjacent to the dam wall) were coincided with higher contents of clay-silt fraction and total organic matters. Multivariate analysis indicated that Pb, Co, and Mn may be related to the lithologic component and/or the application of agrochemicals in the upstream agricultural farms. However, Cd and Zn concentrations were probably elevated due to inputs from agricultural sources, including fertilizers. Evaluation of contamination levels by the Sediment Quality Guidelines of the US-EPA, revealed that sediments were non-polluted to moderately polluted with Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cr, but non-polluted to moderately to heavily polluted with Ni and non-polluted with Mn. The geoaccumulation index showed that Ziqlab sediments were unpolluted with Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Co, and Mn, but unpolluted to moderately polluted with Cd. The high enrichment values for Cd and Pb (>2) indicate their anthropogenic sources, whereas the remaining elements were of natural origins consistent with their low enrichment levels.

Citing articles: 9 View citing articles Lake and Reservoir Management, 30:32-45, 2014 C Copyright by the North American Lake Management Society 2014 ISSN: 1040-2381 print / 2151-5530 online DOI: 10.1080DOI: 10. /10402381.2013 Evaluating the potential of sediments in Ziqlab Reservoir (northwest Jordan) for soil replacement and amendment Surface sediments of Ziqlab Reservoir, northwest Jordan, were evaluated to characterize trace element distributions and sources related to various physicochemical variables. Trace element distribution is determined by texture, parent material in the catchment, and anthropogenic activities. The suitability of reservoir sediment for replacing or amending soil was assessed by comparing sediment characteristics to natural soils. Results suggest that the sandy facies can be used as artificial soils, whereas clayey facies can be utilized as fertilizer for poor quality soils in Jordan. The fine-grained sediment fraction is associated with (1) high abundance of clay minerals with high cation exchange capacity and available micronutrients; (2) occurrence of kaolinite, montmorillonite-illite, vermiculite, and smectite; and (3) optimal pH values for availability of most micronutrients. Among the trace elements measured, total nickel and cadmium slightly exceeded recommended safe levels for soils, but the high concentrations may decline when sediments are exposed to air. If removal of the bottom sediments of Ziqlab Reservoir becomes economically feasible, it would extend the reservoir lifespan, improve water quality, compensate for soil scarcity in some regions, and enhance soil productivity.Key words: bottom sediments, Jordan, soil amendment, Ziqlab Reservoir Jordan has recently experienced a rapid expansion in its agricultural sector (MoA 2004, Hamdan and Salman 2005, DoS 2009). The increase in demand for agricultural crops, triggered by rapid population growth, has led to overcropping, expansion of cultivation onto unsuitable lands, salinization, and shortening of fallow periods, thereby precluding soil recovery (Al Kuisi 1998, Al-Kharabsheh 1999, Abu-Sharar 2006, Al-Zu'bi 2007, Al Kuisi et al. 2009, Al-Taani 2011, Al-Taani et al. 2012, Al-Rawabdeh et al. 2013. These unsustainable farming practices, along with climate change and soil erosion, have reduced soil fertility, lowered crop yields per unit area of land, and in many areas resulted in severe soil degradation. Because soil degradation in Jordan is an increasing concern, it is vitally important to investigate possible remedies. * Corresponding author: taaniun@yu.edu.jo Soil degradation is loss or reduction of soil functions or uses and encompasses aspects of physical, chemical, and biological deterioration. Desertification is an extreme form of soil degradation that has occurred in many parts of the world, particularly in dry and drought-affected areas.Commercial fertilizers and other soil additives often used to improve chemical and physical properties of poor soils must be selected properly, based on soil type and climate condi...

This paper focuses on characterizing the current status of physiochemical properties of Mujib Dam sediments. Five types of granulometric textural facies were observed for the bottom sediments of Mujib reservoir bed; these are clayey facies, clayey-silt facies, sand-silt-clay facies, sand facies, and granule facies. This average grain size will likely play a vital role in adsorption-desorption of the majority trace metals to the reservoir lake. Other sediment parameters including the total averages were 5.9% (total organic matter (TOM)), 7.5 (pH), 25.8% (CaCO), and 88.0 meq/100 g (cation exchange capacity), with dominant mineralogical constituents of quartz, calcite, dolomite, and minor feldspar and with variability in clay mineral types. The vast majority of trace metals in sediment exhibited values in the range or near the upper limit of the normal worldwide soil ranges. TOM and grain size of sediment are major factors governing the trace metal concentrations. The calculated geoaccumulation index (I ) and enrichment factor (EF) of metals in sediments of Mujib Dam were ranked as follows: cadmium (Cd)> copper (Cu) > zinc (Zn) > lead (Pb) > cobalt (Co) > iron (Fe) > chromium (Cr) > nickel (Ni) > manganese (Mn) > Sr based on the I and Cd> Zn > Pb > Co > Cr > Cu > Sr > Ni > Mn according to the EF values. The estimated percentage loss in volumetric capacity of the reservoir due to sedimentation was 1.55% per year, indicating that the sediment currently occupied 18.63% of the original reservoir storage capacity. The maximum life span of reservoir is about 64.46 years.

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