APPLICATION OF CCME-WQI IN SPATIAL AND SEASONAL EVALUATION OF WATER QUALITY OF KHABOUR RIVER, ZAKHO DISTRICT, KURDISTAN REGION OF IRAQ
This study focuses on the application of the Canadian model of Water Quality Index (CCME-WQI) for the spatial and seasonal evaluation of water quality of the Khabour River, within Zakho District, Kurdistan of Iraq. Khabour River serves as a vital water source for drinking, irrigation, and livestock needs in the surrounding communities. However, The River is being polluted as a result of diffuse sources like agricultural practices and the discharge of untreated sewage, causing detrimental effects. Six stations were chosen on Khabour River; water samples were collected monthly from March 2022 to February 2023, 19 parameters were analyzed to evaluate the water quality of the river. The results revealed that out of the 19 studied parameters, nine were within permissible limits, including electrical conductivity, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, pH, total hardness, total alkalinity, chloride, and nitrate. However, the remaining ten parameters, including turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand, calcium, magnesium, total phosphate, nickel, copper, lead, iron, and chromium, exceeded the permissible limits, indicating deteriorated water quality. According to the results, the water quality at all stations was determined to be "poor" during both the dry and wet seasons. The findings emphasize the need for effective water management strategies, pollution reduction and wastewater treatment to safeguard the Khabour River and ensure the availability of clean water resources for the local people.
Water Quality, CCME-WQI, Kabour River, Zakho