Rafidain Journal of Science

Abstract

Sixty five samples were collected from the eastern and western banks of Mosul lake at submergence levels of (305) and (327) (m.a.s.l) and analyzed for ten trace-elements (V, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo and Pb).
Four trends of variation in the concentrations of trace elements in the sediments of the lake and at both banks were observed. These are: (a) Increase at both (305) and (327)(m.a.s.l.) levels; the increase being more at the (305) level (V, Co, Zr, and Pb at the eastern bank). (b) Increase at both levels, the increase being less at (305) level (Zn). (c) Increase at both levels at equal or almost equal amounts, (Ni, Cu, Rb, Mo, Pb at the western bank) and (d) Decrease at both levels (Sr).
From the trends of variation, it may be envisaged that four factors were affecting the variation in concentrations of these elements within the sediments: dissolution of the relatively soluble mineral phases (carbonates and sulphates); mechanical removal of clay size particles (clay minerals); addition of organic matter and fourthly the slope of the banks.