Use Unio Tigridis as a Bioindicator of Heavy Metal Contamination in the Diwaniyah River

Abstract

The current study aims to estimate the concentrations of lead and cadmium in the water of the Diwaniyah River, based on investigation and study of the concentrations of these elements within the body of the vital indicator, where this organism will be taken from 4 different stations with varying distances to know the concentrations and compare them with the national determinants. The study showed that the main sources of pollution the water of the Diwaniyah River is due to the river’s passage within the city center and the discharge of sewage into it directly and in the role of a treatment agent and throwing waste of all kinds and the increase of human activities in the center, which causes an increase in the concentration of pollutants, including heavy elements. Highly efficient treatment units to reduce pollutants that are disposed directly into the river water, as well as increasing the environmental awareness of the population.