Monitoring of Heavy Metal Content in Tawargah Pond in Libya

Abstract

The current study investigated the distribution of inorganic metals in the biggest reservoir in the neighbourhood of Misurata City, Tawargah Pond. The investigation was carried out during the topical periods of dry and wet season between August 2010 and January 2011. Levels of trace metals lead (Pb), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn)) were determined in the water samples taken. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer, Model 180-30 Hitachi, was used to determine heavy metal concentrations. The instrument was calibrated and standardized with different working standards. After making sure that the instrument was properly calibrated and results of the standard measurements were in the confidence limit, the concentration of metals in each sample was measured individually. High levels of lead and iron were found in water which indicates a possible contribution from the industrial activities and air pollution.