Physicochemical quality of Murzuq groundwater Sabha, Libya

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the physico-chemical quality of the Libyan Murzuq groundwater, to analyze the degree of its pollution and compare the quality standards for drinking water. The present investigation was carried out on water samples from 13 boreholes and water wells of Sabha, Libya localities. Parameters studied were temperature, pH, conductivity, TDS, salinity, Aluminum, Fluorine, Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Chloride, Sulfate, Silica, Nitrates, Nitrites, Ammonium, Ammonia, Nitrogen, Bicarbonate, Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, hardness and alkalinity. Analysis showed that the groundwater of Murzuq was within the limits of Libyan Standards. However, some element's analysis showed high concentrations (TDS, conductivity, Potassium, Sodium, Iron, Copper, Chloride, Manganese). Further analysis is needed to decide whether to limit the use of those waters for drinking. © 2014 WIT Press.