Application of Organic Indicators and Overall Index to Assess the Level of Water Pollution in Habbaniya Lake, Iraq

Abstract

The present investigation took place at Habbaniya lake to assess the level of pollution as an overall index besides organic directories. Dissolved Oxygen, Biological Oxygen Demand and Chemical Oxygen Demand were calculated for 16 samples of lake water in addition to parameters of Overall Index Pollution. The lake water content of Dissolved Oxygen is excellent and unpolluted according to Biological Oxygen Demand, and Chemical Oxygen Demand values (Dissolved Oxygen varied from 9.100 mg l-1 to 13.600 mg l-1, Biological Oxygen Demand varied from 2 mg l-1 to 7 mg l-1, and Chemical Oxygen Demand varied from 30 mg l-1 to 73.667 mg l-1). Overall Index Pollution was useful and helpful in determining lake water quality. The situation of the lake was better compared to the year 2014. The health status of the lake varied from acceptable to slightly polluted due to having Overall Index Pollution values ranges from 1.632 to 2.677, and it supports aquatic life in it. The map of Overall Index Pollution shows that the values in the northwestern part of the lake are lower than in the southeastern part due to the continuous renewal of water in the first part because it represents a water inlet. This map is almost identical to a distribution map of Dissolved Oxygen, Biological Oxygen Demand, and Chemical Oxygen Demand. In general, Habbaniya lake is non-polluting and not dangerous to the environment now, but it may face the risk of pollution, based on the results obtained. Thus, the present study concluded that the use of the Overall Index Pollution technique with organic indicators is very suitable for assessing the level of water pollution in Habbaniya lake.