Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

The accumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in algae within sewage stations in the Euphrates River is a concerning environmental issue. HMs are toxic substances that can have harmful effects on aquatic ecosystems and human health when they accumulate in high concentrations. Algae, as primary producers in aquatic environments, can absorb and accumulate HMs from the surrounding water. Hence, the present study focuses to analyze the HMs in water and three different algal species (Chroococcus disperses, Spirogyra aequinoctialis and Oscillatoria tenuis) in the sewage stations on the Euphrates River in Hillah Governorate. Results indicate the values of studied heavy metals in water at (the sewage stations in the Euphrates River) ranged from 1.32 to 8.67 mg/L. Cadmium had the greatest amount of metals in water (8.67 mg/l), while Chromium had the lowest level (1.32 mg/L). Spirogyra aequinoctialis was determined to have the highest arsenic level. C. disperses (12.3 μg/g/dwt) and Oscillatoria tenuis (46.3 μg/g/dwt). On the other hand, cadmium levels were reported to vary from 6.8 μg/g/dwt in C. disperses to 3.7 μg/g/dwt in Oscillatoria tenuis. Regarding zinc, Station had the greatest concentration of O. tenuis (103.1 μg/g/dwt). Chromium had the highest level of metals in O. tenuis (180.0 μg/g/dwt), while cadmium had the lowest level in Oscillatoria tenuis (3.7 μg/g/dwt). For lead highest level in O. tenuis (33.7 μg/g/dwt) and the lowest in S. aequinoctialis (16.7 μg/g/dwt So it's clear that the metal is absorbed by the algae. Therefor continued research on arsenic, cadmium, lead, zinc and chromium pollution, its sources, and its effects on the Euphrates River ecosystem is crucial for informed decision-making and effective mitigation strategies.