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Al-Tamimi, et al.

3.3.4. Transition metals (nickel, cobalt, manganese, and the environment. High chromium concentrations in
and molybdenum) groundwater are associated with health issues, such as
Nickel, cobalt, and manganese concentrations in the nasal septum ulceration and dermatitis. 63,64
study area were all within the allowable limits established Copper is an ancient metal valued for its antibacterial
by the WHO : 0.07 mg/L for nickel, 0.005 mg/L for properties and is essential for hemoglobin production.
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cobalt, and 0.4 mg/L for manganese. It can enter water sources through mining, the use
The maximum recorded cobalt concentration in Wadi of copper utensils, plumbing, and various industrial
Al-Samen during the dry season was 0.002 mg/L, with activities. Although beneficial in trace amounts,
an average of 0.00035 mg/L. In the wet season, cobalt excessive levels of copper can be toxic. Copper from
concentrations ranged from zero to 0.002 mg/L, with an food differs chemically from the form found in water.
average of 0.003 mg/L. Prolonged storage of water in copper containers can
The maximum manganese concentration observed increase its concentration and pose potential health
in the dry season was 0.053 mg/L, with an average risks. High copper exposure may lead to gastrointestinal
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of 0.00415 mg/L. During the wet season, manganese issues, liver toxicity, neurological problems, Wlison’s
concentrations ranged from zero to 0.052 mg/L, with disease, Alzheimer’s disease, childhood liver cirrhosis,
an average of 0.0039 mg/L. None of the 20 samples and mental illnesses. 67-71
analyzed exceeded the permissible limits for nickel, The WHO (2011) sets the permissible level of
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cobalt, or manganese. copper in drinking water at 2 mg/L. During the dry
Molybdenum (Mo) typically occurs at low season in Wadi Al-Samen, the concentration of copper
concentrations in groundwater, but elevated levels can ranged from 0 to 7.88 mg/L, with a mean value of
be indicative of anthropogenic contamination. The 0.40 mg/L. In the wet season, the concentration of
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WHO permissible level of molybdenum is 0.07 mg/L. copper ranged from 0 to 7.62 mg/L, with an average of
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In Wadi Al-Samen, the maximum recorded molybdenum 0.38 mg/L. Out of 20 samples analyzed, one exceeded
concentration during the dry season was 0.003 mg/L, the permissible limit in both seasons (Figure 6). High
with an average of 0.0008 mg/L. During the wet season, copper concentrations in the Karaza well are likely
molybdenum concentrations ranged from zero to due to plumbing corrosion, mining, and other human
0.002 mg/L, with an average of 0.0006 mg/L. activities. Copper concentrations tend to decrease in
winter, possibly due to increased water flow diluting
3.3.5. Metallic elements (copper, cadmium, zinc, iron, its levels. Factors influencing copper corrosion include
and chromium) moderate alkalinity (pH: 7.9 – 8.2), water retention time
Zinc is an essential trace element found in many foods in copper pipes, and temperature. 65
and drinking water, typically in the form of salt or
organic complexes. A zinc deficiency can lead to health Zinc is widely used in corrosion-resistant alloys,
issues, such as dwarfism, dermatitis, and loss of taste. brass, galvanized steel, iron products, rubber production,
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However, the presence of lead, mercury, and cadmium in and as a white pigment in zinc oxide. Excessive zinc
groundwater can pose significant health risks to humans in the environment can be harmful, potentially affecting
aquatic ecosystems. Drinking water with zinc levels
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Figure 5. Lithium concentrations in samples from
two sampling rounds. Data are presented as actual Figure 6. Copper concentrations in samples from two
values of 20 samples. sampling rounds. Data are presented as actual values.

Volume 22 Issue 2 (2025) 58 doi: 10.36922/AJWEP025040020