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Hebron aquifer contamination with heavy metals

The maximum lead concentration recorded in Wadi
Al-Samen during the dry season was 0.003 mg/L, with
an average of 0.00025 mg/L. In the wet season, lead
concentrations ranged from 0 to 0.001 mg/L, with
an average of 0.0001 mg/L. None of the 20 analyzed
samples exceeded the WHO limit.
Arsenic contamination in groundwater is also
a global concern, as it affects millions of people
worldwide. 3,51,52 In the study area, arsenic compounds
are commonly utilized in the leather tanning process,
which can contribute to arsenic contamination.
Prolonged exposure to arsenic in drinking water can Figure 4. Barium concentrations in samples from two
cause severe health problems, such as cancer, skin sampling rounds. Data are presented as actual values.
lesions, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
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Inorganic arsenic compounds – known for their high used in energy storage (Li-ion rechargeable batteries
toxicity—pose a greater risk than organic arsenic account for approximately 70% of global lithium
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compounds typically found in seafood. 53 consumption), ceramics, glass, and lubricating grease.
The WHO (2011) permissible arsenic concentration Lithium is also used pharmaceutically to treat bipolar
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in drinking water is 0.01 mg/L. In Wadi Al-Samen, the disorder, and studies have linked its occurrence in
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maximum arsenic concentration during the dry season drinking water to human health outcomes. At low levels,
was 0.009 mg/L, with an average of 0.0009 mg/L. During lithium may provide behavioral benefits and function
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the wet season, arsenic concentration ranged from 0 to as a nutritionally essential trace element. Studies have
0.008 mg/L, with an average of 0.00075 mg/L. Out indicated that the human and environmental toxicity
of twenty analyzed samples, no arsenic concentration of lithium is low. 57-60 Lithium exposure has also been
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levels higher than the allowable limit were recorded. associated with lower rates of mental health disorders.
However, some studies suggest possible adverse effects,
3.3.2. Alkaline Earth metal (barium) such as associations with autism and thyroid hormone
Barium (Ba) contamination in surface and groundwater disruption. 61
is primarily caused by leaching and erosion from The allowable level of lithium (Li) in drinking water
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sedimentary rocks. In addition, human activities, such is 0.70 mg/L, based on the WHO (2011) standard.
as the excessive use of agricultural fertilizers contribute In Wadi Al-Samen, the maximum recorded lithium
to elevated barium levels. concentration during the dry season was 13.55 mg/L
The WHO (2011) permissible limit for barium with an average of 1.79 mg/L. In the wet season, lithium
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in drinking water is 0.7 mg/L. In Wadi Al-Samen, the concentration ranged from 0 to 12.99 mg/L, with an
maximum barium concentration observed during the dry average of 1.68 mg/L.
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season was 150.7 mg/L, with an average of 21.80 mg/L. In a study by Al-Zaarir, lithium concentrations in
During the wet season, barium concentrations ranged samples from Al-Alaqa Al-Foqa and Al-Alaqa Al-Tahta
from 0.014 to 148.79 mg/L, with an average of exceeded permissible limits during both seasons. The
21.32 mg/L. study also indicated that other samples, including
Out of 20 analyzed samples, four exceeded the those from Abdo, Khursa, and Karaza, surpassed the
permissible barium limit in both seasons, (Figure 4). The recommended lithium concentration limits, suggesting
elevated barium levels in these samples are primarily a potential long-term risk of increasing lithium
attributed to human activities, particularly the intensive contamination. Out of 20 analyzed samples, four
use of agricultural fertilizers, as these samples were exceeded permissible limits in both seasons (Figure 5).
collected from agricultural areas. The elevated lithium levels in these groundwater
samples are likely linked to human activities, including
3.3.3. Alkali metal (lithium) waste burning, accumulation of used car parts, and
Lithium (Li) is an alkali metal that occurs naturally improper disposal of batteries. Notably, 0.2% of
in minerals, groundwater, and surface water as a collected samples exceeded the maximum permissible
monovalent cation. It enters groundwater primarily lithium concentration in both the dry and wet seasons,
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through water-mineral interactions. Lithium is widely suggesting a persistent low-level contamination risk.
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Volume 22 Issue 2 (2025) 57 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025040020