Distribution of hydrocarbons and heavy metals pollutants in groundwater and sediments from northwestern Libya

Abstract

Concentrations of TPH, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu, Mn, Cd and Mo were determined in groundwater and sediments collected from three sites (Sobratah, Al Ajaylat and Al Jmayl) in northwestern Libya. Present study show that Al Jmayl site is suffered from existence hydrocarbons and heavy metals pollutants. Al Jmayl groundwater has TPH, Cd, Pb, Ni, Mo and Mn content exceed than permissible levels of WHO by (11.6, 27.6, 15, 5.5, 2.85 and 2.3 times) respectively. Also, Al Jmayl sediments recorded the highest levels of TPH, Cd, Pb, Ni and Mn than other two sites. On the other hand, Al Ajaylat groundwater is not polluted by hydrocarbons, and it shows relatively less polluted by some heavy metals. Procured data show strong relationship between the distribution of hydrocarbons in both groundwater and sediments, and also with some heavy metals. Al Jmayl well may be exposed to indirect pollution by petroleum leakage from fuel station tanks near to well.