In the heart of Mosul, a city with a rich history and a complex present, the Tigris River flows, a lifeline for the community and a critical resource for various sectors, including energy. A recent study, led by Faiza I. Muhammed from the Building and Construction Technical Engineering Department at the Engineering Technical College of the Northern Technical University in Mosul, Iraq, has shed new light on the water quality of this vital river. The research, published in the ‘Journal of Engineering and Sustainable Development’ (translated to English as ‘مجلة الهندسة والتطوير المستدام’), offers insights that could shape future developments in water management and energy production.
The study, which collected and analyzed 120 water samples from five stations along the Tigris River over a year, assessed thirteen physical, chemical, and biological parameters. The results, while generally positive, reveal a nuanced picture of the river’s health. “The overall results of the water quality index revealed that the water quality can be classified as good,” Muhammed explained. This is a reassuring finding, indicating that the river still meets various domestic, industrial, aquatic life, and agricultural needs.
However, the study also detected a slight deterioration in water quality as the river flows from north to south, with the maximum and minimum water quality index values varying across different methods used in the assessment. This gradient could have significant implications for industries and communities downstream, particularly those in the energy sector that rely on the river for cooling processes or as a source of water for energy production.
The energy sector, in particular, has a vested interest in the quality of the Tigris River. Power plants, for instance, require large volumes of water for cooling, and the quality of this water can impact the efficiency and maintenance of these facilities. Moreover, the energy sector is increasingly focused on sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint. Understanding the water quality of the Tigris River can help energy companies make informed decisions about water usage and treatment, ultimately contributing to more sustainable practices.
The study also employed three different methods for water quality assessment: the Weighted Arithmetic Water Quality Index Method (WA WQI), the Canadian Council of Ministry of Environment (CCME WQI), and a method developed by Erdenebayar. The good agreement among these methods lends robustness to the findings and suggests that they could be used interchangeably or in conjunction for future assessments.
As climate change continues to impact water resources worldwide, studies like this one become increasingly important. They provide a baseline for understanding the current state of water bodies and can help predict how these resources might change in the future. For the energy sector, this means anticipating potential challenges and opportunities related to water usage and management.
In the words of Muhammed, “A slight difference in water quality was detected during the different seasons.” This variability could influence the energy sector’s operations, particularly those that are sensitive to changes in water quality. For instance, fluctuations in water quality could affect the efficiency of cooling processes or the treatment requirements for water used in energy production.
The research by Muhammed and her team is a significant step towards understanding the water quality of the Tigris River in Mosul. It provides valuable insights for the energy sector and other industries that rely on this vital resource. As we look to the future, studies like this one will be crucial in shaping sustainable practices and ensuring the responsible use of our water resources. The findings, published in the ‘Journal of Engineering and Sustainable Development’, offer a compelling case for continued research and collaboration in this critical area.