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in Journal of Advanced Laboratory Research in Biology

We- together to save yourself society e-ISSN 0976-7614

Volume 3, Issue 3, July 2012 Research Article

Water Quality Index for Assessment of Water Quality of Duhok Lake, Kurdistan Region of
Iraq

Janan Jabbar Toma*

*Department of Environmental Sciences, College of Sciences, University of Salahaddin, Hawler, Kurdistan Region
of Iraq, Iraq.

Abstract: Water quality of Duhok Lake was evaluated by Water Quality Index (WQI) technique. A water quality
index provides a single number that expresses the overall water quality at a certain location and time based on
several water quality parameters. The objective of an index is to turn complex water quality data into information
that is understandable and usable by the public. Ten most important parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity
(EC), total hardness, total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na),
potassium (K), and sulfate (SO4) were taken for the calculation of WQI. The result indicated that water quality of
Duhok Lake poor in the years 1999, 2000 and is poor in 2009 too. The impact of various anthropogenic activities
was evident on some parameters such as the EC, alkalinity and hardness. It is suggested that monitoring of the lake
is necessary for proper management. Application of the WQI is also suggested as a very helpful tool that enables the
public and decision-makers to evaluate water quality of lakes in Iraq.

Keywords: Water Quality Index, Duhok Lake.

1. Introduction precipitation rates and improper planning of water uses

inside Iraq (Rahi and T. Halihan, 2010 & Jones et al.,
Water is an essential requirement of human and 2008). The quality of water is defined in terms of its
industrial developments and it is one the most delicate physical, chemical and biological parameters and
part of the environment (Das and Acharya, 2003). ascertaining its quality is crucial before use for various
Tremendous increase in the demand for freshwater due intended purposes such as potable water, agricultural,
to rapid growth of population and the accelerated pace recreational and industrial water uses, etc. (Sargaonkar
of industrialization (Ramakrishnaiah et al., 2009). and Deshpande, 2003). Water quality index (WQI) is
Human health is threatened by most of the agricultural one of the most effective tools to communicate
development activities particularly in relation to information on the quality of water to the concerned
excessive application of fertilizers and unsanitary citizens and policymakers. It, thus, becomes an
conditions (Okeke and Igboanua, 2003). The important parameter for the assessment and
availability of water in Iraq shows a great deal with management of surface water. WQI is defined as a
spatial and temporal variability. The increase in rating reflecting the composite influence of different
population and expansion of economic activities water quality parameters. WQI is calculated from the
undoubtedly leads to increasing demand for water use point of view of the suitability of surface water for
for various purposes. Water resources in Iraq, human consumption (Atulegwu and Njoku, 2004). WQI
especially in the last two decades have also suffered is one of the most effective tools to monitor the surface
from remarkable stress in terms of water quantity due to as well as groundwater pollution and can be used
different reasons such as the dams built on Tigris and efficiently in the implementation of water quality
Euphrates in the riparian countries, the global climatic upgrading programmes. The objective of an index is to
changes and the local severe decrease of the annual turn multifaceted water quality data into simple
*Corresponding author:
E-mail: [email protected].
WQI for Assessment of Water Quality of Duhok Lake, Iraq Janan Jabbar Toma

information that is comprehensible and usable by the 2. Sample Collection and Analysis
(Mohammad and Pathak, 2010). WQI can also be used
to aggregate data on water quality parameters at Historical water quality data related to Duhok Lake
different times and in different places and to translate were collected in the years 1999-2000 (Raoof, 2002).
this information into a single value defining the period Also, seasonally water samples were collected from the
of time and spatial unit involved (Shultz, 2001). The Lake during (20-1-2009, 20-4-2009, 20-7-2009 and 20-
objective of the present work is to apply the WQI tool 10-2009) respectively, sampling analyzed following
to evaluate the historical changes in the water quality of methods outlined in the Standard Method for
Duhok Lake during the period from 1999 to 2009. It Examination of Water and Wastewater (APHA, 1998).
must be mentioned that the lake’s water is one of the Water samples were collected in stopper fitted
main water sources for Duhok Governorate. polyethylene bottles and refrigerated at 4°C in order to
be analyzed as soon as possible. The dissolved oxygen,
1.1 Description of the Study Sites electrical conductivity and pH were estimated on the
Two sites were studied in Duhok reservoir which spot at the time of sampling.
lies in the north part of Duhok, about 2 Km from the The study of water quality index is an attempt to
city center, of altitude 36º 50’ 49 and longitudinal 43º evaluate the historical changes in water quality of
00’ 33, to study physical and chemical variables, one Duhok Lake. WQI was calculated by weighted index
which selected in the right side of the lake, while the method to determine the suitability of surface water for
second sites were selected on the left side the lake, were drinking purposes. WQI was calculated for assessing
carried out seasonally variation over a period of one the suitability of water for biotic communities and also
year (20-1-2009, 20-4-2009, 20-7-2009 and 20-10- drinking purposes (Table 1 and 2). In the formulation of
2009) respectively (Fig. 1). Duhok dam was established WQI, the importance of various parameters depends on
in 1987 on Duhok river an impoundment of surface the intended use of water; here, water quality
area around 256 hectares, coming in third in southern parameters are studied from the point of view of
Kurdistan of Iraq after Dokan and Derbendikhan lake suitability for human consumption It was done by
with a surface area of 27000 and 1200 hectares considering twelve important physicochemical
respectively. It is artificial lake water to the dam is properties using the ‘standards’ (Permissible values of
mainly rain, snowmelt and the main tributaries Sundor various parameters) for the drinking water used in this
and Gurmava that on their joining made up Duhok study are those recommended by the WHO (WHO,
river. Geology of the area consists of clay marl, 2004). In order to calculate WQI ten important
dolomite, poly clay-limestone and sandstone (Al- parameters, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total
Ganabi, 1985). The climate of the studied area is a dry- hardness, total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen (DO),
summer approach Irano-Turanian type characterized by calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na),
the occurrences of three seasons: a cold winter, mild potassium (K), and sulfate (SO4) have been selected.
growing period of spring and hot-dry summer (Al- These parameters maximums contribute to the quality
Shalash, 1966 and Guest, 1966). of the lake.

J. Adv. Lab. Res. Biol. 120

WQI for Assessment of Water Quality of Duhok Lake, Iraq Janan Jabbar Toma

The steps for Water quality index (WQI) are: Overall WQI = Σ qi wi / Σ wi
The quality rating scale for each parameter qi was
calculated by using this expression: Table 1. Water quality classification based on WQI value
(Ramakrishnaiah et al., 2009).
qi = (Ci / Si) × 100
Water Quality Index Level Water Quality Status
A quality rating scale (qi) for each parameter is < 50 Excellent
50-100 Good
assigned by dividing its concentration (Ci) in each
100-200 Poor
water sample by its respective standard (Si) and the 200-300 Very poor
result multiplied by 100. > 300 Unsuitable
Unit weight (Wi) was calculated by a value
inversely proportional to the recommended standard 3. Results and Discussion
(Si) of the corresponding parameter:
Water quality index in the historical and the
Wi = 1 / Si
present study is established from important various
The overall WQI was calculated by aggregating the physicochemical parameters in different seasons. The
quality rating (Qi) with unit weight (Wi) linearly: values of various physicochemical parameters for
calculation of water quality index present in Table 3.
i=n Season water quality index calculations are depicted in
WQI = (Σwi qi) Table 4, 5, 6 and 7.
I=1

Table 2. Drinking water standard and unit weight of the water quality parameters.

Parameters Unit Water quality standard Unit weights (Wi)

EC µs/cm 1000 0.001
pH 6.5-8.5 0.130
Alkalinity mgCaCO3/L 200 0.01
Hardness mgCaCO3/L 200 0.01
Dissolved Oxygen mg /L 5 0.2
Calcium mg /L 100 0.01
Magnesium mg /L 30 0.03
Sodium mg /L 20 0.05
Potassium mg /L 10 0.1
Sulfate mg /L 500 0.002

Table 3. Seasonal variation of physicochemical parameters in Duhok Lake during 2009.

Parameters Winter Spring Summer Autumn

EC 1040 1115 1415 1345
pH 7.6 7.8 8.1 7.8
Alkalinity 204 214 228 219
Hardness 383 391 416 410
Dissolved Oxygen 8.4 8.2 7.8 8.3
Calcium 87 86 103 96
Magnesium 35 32 38 36
Sodium 17 18 20 18
Potassium 4.1 4.7 5.0 4.9
Sulfate 403 405 419 437

Table 4. Calculation of Water Quality Index in winter season.

Parameters Observed Value Standard Values Unit weights (Wi) Quality rating scale (qi) Water Quality Index (WQI)
EC 1040 1000 0.001 104.0 0.104
pH 7.6 6.5-8.5 0.133 101.3 13.47
Alkalinity 204 200 0.01 102.0 1.02
Hardness 383 200 0.01 191.5 1.915
Dissolved Oxygen 8.4 5 0.2 168.0 33.6
Calcium 87 100 0.01 87.0 0.87
Magnesium 35 30 0.03 116.6 3.498
Sodium 17 20 0.05 85.0 4.25
Potassium 4.1 10 0.1 41 4.1
Sulfate 403 500 0.002 80.6 0.161
Σ wi=0.546 Σqi=1077 Σ qi wi=62.988
Overall WQI = Σ qi wi / Σ wi (115.36)

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WQI for Assessment of Water Quality of Duhok Lake, Iraq Janan Jabbar Toma

Table 5. Calculation of Water Quality Index in spring season.

Parameters Observed Value Standard Values Unit weights (Wi) quality rating scale (qi) Water Quality Index (WQI)
EC 1115 1000 0.001 111.5 0.115
pH 7.8 6.5-8.5 0.133 104 13.832
Alkalinity 214 200 0.01 107 1.07
Hardness 391 200 0.01 195.5 1.955
Dissolved Oxygen 8.2 5 0.2 164 32.8
Calcium 86 100 0.01 86 0.86
Magnesium 32 30 0.03 106.6 3.198
Sodium 18 20 0.05 100 5.0
Potassium 4.7 10 0.1 47 4.7
Sulfate 405 500 0.002 81 0.162
Σ wi=0.546 Σqi=1102.6 Σ qi wi=63.692
Overall WQI = Σ qi wi / Σ wi (115.65)

Table 6. Calculation of Water Quality Index in summer season.

Parameters Observed Value Standard Values Unit weights (Wi) quality rating scale (qi) Water Quality Index (WQI)
EC 1415 1000 0.001 141.5 0.141
pH 8.1 6.5-8.5 0.133 108.0 14.36
Alkalinity 228 200 0.01 114 1.14
Hardness 416 200 0.01 208 2.08
Dissolved Oxygen 7.8 5 0.2 156 31.2
Calcium 103 100 0.01 103 1.03
Magnesium 38 30 0.03 126.6 3.798
Sodium 20 20 0.05 100 5.0
Potassium 5.0 10 0.1 50 5.0
Sulfate 419 500 0.002 83.8 0.1676
Σ wi=0.546 Σqi=1190.9 Σ qi wi=64.316
Overall WQI = Σ qi wi / Σ wi (117.79)

Table 7. Calculation of Water Quality Index in autumn season.

Parameters Observed Value Standard Values Unit weights (Wi) quality rating scale (qi) Water Quality Index (WQI)
EC 1345 1000 0.001 134.5 0.1345
pH 7.8 6.5-8.5 0.133 104 13.832
Alkalinity 219 200 0.01 109.5 1.095
Hardness 410 200 0.01 205 2.05
Dissolved Oxygen 8.3 5 0.2 166 33.2
Calcium 96 100 0.01 96 0.96
Magnesium 36 30 0.03 120 3.6
Sodium 18 20 0.05 90 4.5
Potassium 4.9 10 0.1 49 4.9
Sulfate 437 500 0.002 87.4 0.1748
Σ wi=0.546 Σqi=1161.4 Σ qi wi=64.446
Overall WQI = Σ qi wi / Σ wi (118.03)

Table 8. Historical changes in the computed water quality index in Duhok Lake.

Time (Year) Overall Water Quality Index

1999 143.64
2000 136.27
Winter-2009 115.36
Spring-2009 115.65
Summer-2009 117.79
Autumn-2009 118.03

Among all the physicochemical parameters conductivity may arise through natural weathering of
selected for the water quality index calculation, the certain sedimentary rocks or may have an
importance of Electrical Conductivity (EC) is due to its anthropogenic source, e.g. industrial and sewage
measure of cations which greatly affects the taste and effluent (WHO, 2004). The results showed that EC
thus has significant impact on the user acceptance of values were slightly higher than the permissible level
the water as potable (WHO, 2004 & Pradeep, 1998). It recommended by the WHO for drinking water. The pH
is an indirect measure of total dissolved salts. High of the aquatic systems is an important indicator of the

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WQI for Assessment of Water Quality of Duhok Lake, Iraq Janan Jabbar Toma

water quality and the extent pollution in the watershed seasonal trend. Sulphate is naturally present in surface
areas. Results obtained for pH varied between 7.60 and water as SO42-. Industrial discharges and atmospheric
8.10. However, the pH concentration in the study area precipitation can also add significant amounts of
is within allowable limits for surface water (WHO, sulphate to surface waters. The concentration of the
2004). However, the values come also in accordance sulphate value ranged from 403 to 437mg/L which is
with the known values of Iraqi inland waters (Rozoska, within the tolerable limits of 500mgL-1 (WHO, 2004).
1980). The observed values of alkalinity were slightly The computed overall WQI was ranged from 143.64
higher than the permissible level recommended by the during 1999 to 136.27 during 2000 and therefore can be
WHO for drinking water (WHO, 2004), was ranged categorized as “poor water” during 1999 and 2000 to
from 204-228mg CaCO3/L (Abdo, 2005) reported that “Poor water”, and during this study were sampled
pollution by sewage and its decomposition seem to be a collected seasonally during 2009, computed water
possible cause for higher values of alkalinity in the quality index values ranged from 115.36 during winter,
water. This variation of lakes due to the increase in 115.65 during spring, 117.79 during summer and
bicarbonate concentrations during hot seasons may be 118.03 during. The high value of WQI has been found
attributed to the fact that the increase in temperature mainly from higher value of EC, Alkalinity and
accelerates the organic matter accessible to bacterial Hardness. This could be attributed to improper disposal
decomposition, where the HCO3- is the final product of of wastes, cottage activities, and large quantity of
this decomposition (Abdo, 2005). The Total Hardness agricultural and urban run-off, sewage, over application
(TH) is also an important parameter of water quality of inorganic fertilizer, improper operation and
whether to be used for domestic, industrial or maintenance of septic system (WHO, 2004). During the
agricultural purposes. The results obtained by water last decade, Duhok Lake has been subjected to a rapid
surveys conducted in this investigation showed that TH decline in water quality status which is possibly due to
values were often higher than the minimal permissible the increase in the population and human activities. It is
level recommended by the WHO for drinking water clear that the domestic discharge and agricultural
(WHO, 2004). The maximum calcium and magnesium activities in addition to the last ten years of drought are
concentrations were 103 and 38mg/L respectively. the major threats to Duhok Lake’s water quality.
Lake's hardness is affected by the type of minerals in
the soil and watershed bedrock and by the amount of 4. Conclusion
lake water coming into contact with these minerals. If a
lake gets groundwater from aquifers containing The results obtained from the study reveals that
limestone minerals such as calcite (CaCO3) and Duhok Lake is polluted and this could be attributed to
dolomite (CaMgCO3), hardness and alkalinity shall be anthropogenic activities such as agricultural activities,
high and, higher degree of hardness in the study area cottage industries. The WQI of the samples was
may be attributed to the disposal of untreated or exceeded 100, the upper limit for drinking water.
improperly treated sewage and industrial waste (Yalçın, Application of Water Quality Index (WQI) in this study
2005). The mean values of DO have never reached has been found useful in assessing the overall quality of
critical values in the most times of the study period, water and to get rid of judgment on the quality of the
indicating good water quality conditions. The minimum water. This method appears to be more systematic and
value of dissolved oxygen was 7.8mg/L complies with gives a comparative evaluation of the water quality of
WHO standards and is considered good to sufficient for sampling stations. It is also helpful for the public to
human consumption and most aquatic biota (Wilcock, understand the quality of water as well as being a useful
1995). The results of DO in Duhok Lake are consistent tool in many ways in the field of water quality
with those of unpolluted water bodies in other parts of management.
Iraq (Rozoska, 1980). Unpolluted waters are likely to
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