Water physico-chemical properties of the Khafjee and Jubail Sabkhas, Eastern Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The present study deals with the physico-chemical characteristics of the water samples from Khafjee and Jubail sabkhas, Eastern Saudi Arabia. 20 samples were collected and analyzed. The values obtained were compared with values recommended in water quality standards by WHO. Water quality parameters such as pH, EC, TDS,D.O, turbidity and temperature in correlation with Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Chlorides, Sulfates , Phosphates and Nitrates were analyzed. The results of Khafjee water show that the PH of water around the allowable WHO range of 7.85. Electrical conductivity (EC) of the water samples were in range from 5.54 to 143.9 µs/cm. The highest desirable level of EC at 25 C is 750 µs/cm (SLS,1983). Total dissolved solids (TDS) were in range of 3552 to 92096 mg/L. These values exceeded the maximum allowable limit of 250 mg/L for drinking water (WHO,1997). The presence of high amount of inorganic materials might have attributed for highest values of TDS in the water sampled. The turbidity values were ranged from 0.75 to 3.09 NTU at the water sampled. The Chloride value exceeded the maximum allowable limit at < 250 mg/L. All Phosphates and Nitrates concentrations in the water samples were within the permissible limits (< 250 mg/L) whereas Sulfates concentrations exceeded the allowable limit. The results of the Jubail water show that the PH of water samples range from 7.70 to 7.85. The PH remains within the allowable WHO range of 7.85. Electrical conductivity (EC) of the water samples were in range from 5.21 to 5.67 µs/cm. The highest desirable level of EC at 25 C is 750 µs/cm. The EC remains within the allowable SLS limit (SLS,1983). Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) were in range of 3334.4 to 3628.8mg\L,these values exceeded the maximum allowable limit of 250 mg/L for drinking water (WHO,1996). The Turbidity values were ranged from 0.74 to 19.7 NTU at the water sampled. The chloride value exceeded the maximum allowable limit at < 250 mg/L. All Phosphates and Nitrates concentrations in the water samples were within the permissible limits (< 250 mg/L) whereas Sulfates concentrations exceeded the allowable limit.