Persistence of antibiotics in the aquatic environment has raised concerns regarding their potential influence on potable water quality and human health. This study analyzes the presence of antibiotics in potable water from two treatment plants in Baghdad City. The collected samples were separated using a solid-phase extraction method with hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) cartridge before being analyzed. The detected antibiotics in the raw and finished drinking water were analyzed and assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), with fluorometric detector and UV detector. The results confirmed that different antibiotics including fluoroquinolones andB-lactams were detected in the raw and finished water. The most frequently detected antibiotics were ciprofloxacin with highest concentration of 1.270 μg L⁻¹in the raw water of Al-Wihda plant, whereas the highest concentration of levofloxacin was 0.177 μg L⁻¹, while amoxicillin was not detected in this plant. In contrast, ciprofloxacin was found in both raw water and finished water of Al-Rasheed plant and recorded highest concentration of 1.344 and 1.312 μg L⁻¹, respectively. Moreover, the residual amount of levofloxacin in the raw water was up to 0.414 μg L⁻¹, whereas amoxicillin was shown to be the most detectable drug in the raw water of Al-Rasheed plant, with a concentration of 1.50 μg L⁻¹. The results of this study revealed the existence of antibiotic drugs in raw and finished water and should be included in the Iraqi standard for drinking water quality assessment.

Heavy metals have a great ecological significance due to their toxicity and accumulative behavior. The geoaccumulation index (I_geo) in 10 stations in Al‐Hawizeh Marsh, (i.e Al‐Adaim (I & II), Um Al‐Neaj (I & II), Um‐Awarded, North Al‐Soudah, South Al‐Soudah, Al‐Beda, Lissan Ejerdah and Majnoon) were calculated in this article. The sediment pollution was investigated by following the concentration of six heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu and Pb). Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICPMS) was used for analysis. According to the geoaccumulation index (I_geo) the results of all the 10 stations were analyzed and discussed in detailed.

This study was conducted to reveal possible environmental effects on the Euphrates River from the Al‐Hindiya barrage to the downstream end of Al‐Kufa city in the middle of Iraq. Seven sites were selected along the study area and sampled during March 2004 to February 2005. We measured physical and chemical properties (air and water temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, TSS and dissolved oxygen) as well as, concentration and distribution of some heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in both dissolved and particulate phases, in the water and sediments (exchangeable and residual phases). The studied area was slightly alkaline, with very hard water and high BOD₅. The nutrients showed clear seasonal fluctuations in their concentrations. It was shown that the concentrations of metals in the particulate phase were higher than those in dissolved phase in water. In sediments, the mean concentrations of heavy metals as exchangeable phase were less than in the residual phase.

Background: The possibility of converting the organic fraction of municipal solid waste to mature compost using the composting bin method was studied. Nine distinct treatments were created by combining municipal solid waste (MSW) with animal waste (3:1, 2:1), poultry manure (3:1, 2:1), mixed waste (2:1:1), agricultural waste (dry leaves), biocont (Trichoderm hazarium), and humic acid. Weekly monitoring of temperature, pH, EC, organic matter (OM percent), and the C/N ratio was performed, and macronutrients (N, P, K) were measured. Trace elements, including heavy metals (Cd and Pb), were tested in the first and final weeks of maturity. Results: Temperatures in the first days of composting reached the thermophilic phase in MSW compost with animal and poultry manure between 55–60 °C, pH and EC (mS/cm) increased during the composting period in most composting bin treatments. Overall, organic matter (OM percent) and the C/N ratio decreased (10.27 to 18.9) as result of microbial activity during composting. Organic matter loss percent was less in treatments containing additives (biocont l humic acid) as well agricultural waste treatment. Composting bin treatments with animals and poultry showed higher K and P at the mature stage with an increase in micronutrients. Finally heavy metals were (2.25–4.20) mg/kg and (139–202) mg/kg for Cd and Pb respectively at maturation stage. Conclusion: Therefore, the results suggested that MSW could be composted in the compost bin method with animal and poultry manure. The physio-chemical parameters pH, Ec and C/N were within the acceptable standards. Heavy metals and micronutrients were under the limits of the USA standards. The significance of this study is that the compost bin may be used as a quick check to guarantee that the outputs of long-term public projects fulfill general sustainability requirements, increase ecosystem services, and mitigate the effect of municipal waste disposal on climate change particularly the hot climate regions.