Assessment of Sulfate and Chloride Concentrations in Groundwater and Their Impact on Public Health and the Environment in Iraq:A review
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Abstract
This study focuses on assessing the quality of groundwater wells in Iraq, analyzing the diffusion of high sulfate and chloride concentrations and their impacts on public health and the environment. The results highlight the necessary importance of these water sources in meeting the needs of rural areas, especially with increasing pressure on surface water resources. A comprehensive review of previous studies indicates frequent exceedances of these two ion concentrations above international standards World Health Organization (WHO) in several regions, calling for a more in-depth analysis of both natural (such as geochemical dissolution of sulfate-rich rocks) and human (such as unsustainable agricultural practices and sewage and industrial infiltration) sources of contamination. On the health front, the study highlights the clear link between the consumption of water contaminated with these ions and the spread of chronic diseases, such as kidney and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as their negative impacts on soil and infrastructure due to salt accumulation. The paper concludes with a call for strengthening water resource management policies and adopting innovative treatment solutions.
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