This study aimed to assess the potential ecological risk index (ErI), non-carcinogenic risk hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index(HI), and carcinogenic life cancer risk(LCR), and total life cancer risk (TLCR) of the heavy metals (Cd, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu) in household dust in Rammadi city, Iraq. The correlation relations between ErI and HI, and TLCR were evaluated. The dust samples were collected from 35 houses. The dust samples were prepared, acid-digested, and chemically analysed for Cd, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cr, and Cu using the flame atomic absorption spectroscopy technique. The ErI was calculated by Al-Heety method, and HI and TLCR were computed using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) methodology. The findings of the calculation of ErI showed that all the metals in dwelling dust in the study area have low ErI. The HI is less than one with the following order for adults and children: Pb > Cr > Ni > Cu > Cd > Zn. The TLCR values of Cd, Cr, and Pb for both adults and children were < 1 x 10-6 and in the order Cr > Cd > Pb. Results of assessing HI and TLCR suggest that the non-cancer and cancer risks for the measured metals have a negligible effect on the health of adults and children. The findings exhibit that children are more vulnerable to HI and TLCR compared to adults. The correlation analysis between the ecological risk and hazard index and total life cancer risk suggests a significant positive correlation, indicating the importance of environmental changes on human health.
The Kalar district, in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate’s southern portion, Kurdistan region, Iraq, is regarded as an important location because of its particular circumstances, population expansion, and the existence of agricultural and industrial activities. The purpose of this research is to pinpoint vulnerable areas by integrating DRASTIC vulnerability models using both standard DRASTIC index maps and pesticide index maps, along with GOD vulnerability models using GOD index maps. To accomplish this, a thorough database was assembled from a variety of sources, such as satellite imaging, hydrogeological, soil media, groundwater recharge, geological, and meteorological data. The standard DRASTIC index values, ranging from 55 to 124, classified the portion into two vulnerability classes: very low (95.3%) and low (4.7%). These regions, characterized by intergranular aquifers comprising pebbles, gravel, sand, and silt, are prevalent. The pesticide DRASTIC index values between 68 and 144 classified the portion into three vulnerability levels: very low (44.9%), low (51.8%), and moderate (3.3%). Therefore, the pesticide vulnerability index is greater than the standard DRASTIC index. The primary difference was the different weights assigned to the parameters of soil media and topography in the standard DRASTIC model compared to the Pesticide DRASTIC model. Additionally, the range of GOD index values is 0.25 to 0.56, classifying the area into three vulnerability levels: low (59.58%), moderate (40.41%), and high (0.01%). The findings indicated that the GOD methods indicate more closeness to the reality of the study area compared to the DRASTIC method, although the DRASTIC method contains more accurate information. This study provides valuable insights for decision-makers aiming to safeguard groundwater resources from pollution in the Kalar sub-basin.
This study evaluates five geosites along the Al-Fatha-Al-Masahk Road in northeastern Iraq to assess their potential for geopark development. The quantitative methodology was used to determine Scientific Value (SV), Educational Potential Use (EPU), Touristic Potential Use (TPU), and Degradation Risk (DR). SWOT analysis was also used to systematically evaluate the socio-cultural and managerial dimensions of the geosites by evaluating their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Furthermore, the matrix used in classification was used to evaluate the relationship between geosite value and degradation risk quantitatively by prioritization for management and conservation planning. The results showed that Sulfur Springs (S1) obtained the highest overall score but exhibited considerable vulnerability. Where the Parthian Fortresses (S3) and Qarnat Hill (S5) combined high values with lower risks, making them the most stable and promising sites. Al-Fatha Village (S2) maintained educational and cultural importance despite limited scientific significance, and Al-Masahk Entrance (S4) was identified as the most fragile site. Overall, integrating Brilha’s methodology, SWOT analysis, and the classification matrix provides a comprehensive framework for geosite prioritization and supports the establishment of a sustainable geopark in the study area.
Petrographic and diagenetic association of the Late Jurassic successions (Naokelekan and Barsarin formations) in the Goshan Village near the Sargelu area, northeastern Iraq, is conducted based on thin section analysis. The Late Jurassic succession in the study area begins with the Naokelekan Formation, which is composed mainly of bioturbated limestone and dolomitic limestone interbedded with shale. It is conformably overlain by the Barsarin Formation, which consists of stromatolitic limestones with intercalated shale and breccia layers, grading upward into the Ghia-Gara Formation. Petrographic examination reveals that the studied formations are composed of skeletal grains, including pelecypods, calcispheres, planktonic and benthonic foraminifera, bioclasts, and stromatolites) and non-skeletal grains such as peloids. Many diagenetic processes occurred, such as micritization, dolomitization, compaction, and stylolite. Four microfacies are recognized that demonstrate a wide range of facies associations (Mudstone, Wackestone, Packstone, and Boundstone); these are divided into eight submicrofacies, suggesting deposition of the Late Jurassic successions in tidal-flat (subtidal and intertidal) and outer-shelf environments.
Forty samples were collected from specific locations in the Al-Khora region of the Basrah governorate, which is part of the southern Mesopotamian plain, at a depth of 1 m to 5 m below the surface. Grain size analysis revealed that varying proportions of silt, clay, and small amounts of sand were present in the sediments. Mineralogical analysis showed that calcite, quartz, dolomite, feldspar, and gypsum are the dominant non-clay minerals in the study area. Clay minerals analysis indicates that smectite, illite, palygorskite, kaolinite, and chlorite, are presented in different ratios as 31.4%, 19.4%, 15.6%, 11.2% and 4.2% respectively in site one with depth ranged between 1 m to 5 m while the average ratios in site two with the same depth are 35%, 17.4%, 18.4%, 12.2% and 6.4% respectively. Geochemically, the major oxides in the sediments, represented by SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, Na2O, SO3, K2O, TiO2, SrO, and P2O5, were found in the sediments. The presence of trace element content in the sediments, such as zirconium, chromium, and vanadium, indicates the contribution of igneous source rocks with a basic and ultrabasic composition, due to found it in significant concentrations or association with specific minerals, which can be a strong indicator for the source rocks. The relationship between the ratios of silica oxide to aluminum, sodium, and potassium oxides revealed that the semi-arid climate in the Al-Khora region matched the paleoclimate of the research area at various depths (1 – 5 m). The tectonic setting was represented by an active continental margin and oceanic island arc margin according to the SiO2 vs. K2O/Na2O. The decrease in the TiO2 content is due to the weak hydrolysis processes, which are one of the chemical weathering factors, and thus the decrease in the proportion of minerals resistant to weathering. Tectonic setting was represented by active continental margin and oceanic island arc margin according to the plot SiO2 vs. K2O/Na2O. The decrease in the TiO2 content is due to the weak hydrolysis processes, which are one of the chemical weathering factors, and thus the decrease in the proportion of minerals resistant to weathering.
Magnetic surveys can play a significant role in detecting subsurface engineering utilities, including rainwater networks, drinking water pipes, and power line routes. However, processing and analyzing magnetic-field disturbances caused by these utilities is a crucial step toward a precise and reasonable interpretation. This research aims to evaluate the analytical methods in separating regional and residual anomalies from the total magnetic field, in order to detect shallow magnetic sources. The test is performed in a park at the University of Baghdad, in central Baghdad, which contains various subsurface engineering magnetic sources, including electrical cables, reinforced concrete structures, and pipelines. A total of 219 points distributed on six profiles (presented as lines 1 – 6) are measured with an in-line spacing of 1 m, using the Envi-pro proton magnetometer. Four of these profiles trend east-west, while the other two are perpendicular. The results show that the best denoising technique for one-dimensional magnetic data is the field continuation-based technique, and the upward continuation filter yields the most suitable residual magnetic anomalies that reflect subsurface targets. The survey results demonstrate that the near-surface magnetic sources are highly influenced by subsurface electrical cables, and the regional anomaly displays a simple trend anomaly that may be related to the cumulative effect of subsurface engineering structures.
This study aims to identify and delineate groundwater aquifers in the Jwaiba area using the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) technique with the Schlumberger array. Twelve VES points were intentionally dispersed through the study area with current electrode spacing (AB/2) ranging from 1.5 to 50 meters to collect subsurface resistivity data. The data were processed using the IPI2Win program to generate layered resistivity models and compare them with local borehole information. The geoelectrical model shows the present multi-layered underground structures and dominance of the HAA and HKH curve types. Three hydrogeological units were identified. The first unit is a near-surface layer of dry alluvium deposits (unsaturated zone). It's the resistivity values ranging from 2.13 to 14.34 Ω.m and the thickness ranges from 3.01 to 6.19 m. The second unit is a shallow water-bearing zone, originating at 9.14 to 11.32 m depth with 4.85 to 7.68 m thickness. The resistivity values range from 0.77 to 2.09 Ω.m, showing an intermediate clay-rich zone with saturated sand. The third unit is the main aquifer, starting at greater depths between 13.7 and 33.41 m with thicknesses ranging from 19.3 to 23.7 m. This aquifer comprises semi-consolidated saturated sand and gravel deposits with resistivity values ranging from 1.47 to 4.28 Ω.m. It has a higher storage capacity and better protection from contamination. The results demonstrate the success of the VES technique in delineating the lateral and vertical extents as well as the types of aquifers, which is useful for future groundwater exploration and sustainable use in the study area.
This research aimed to enhance the quality of kaolin ore extracted from the Tamazert mine in Northeast Algeria through wet high-intensity magnetic separation (WHIMS), specifically targeting the removal of coloring impurities. The experiment involved examining various parameters that could potentially influence the separation process. To systematically analyze these factors, a response surface methodology (RSM) was employed, utilizing the Box-Behnken design. This design allows for efficient exploration of multiple variables within a limited number of experimental runs, facilitating the identification of optimal conditions for the separation process. For the characterization, multiple analytical techniques, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), were employed. The obtained results of characterization reveal that the kaolin from Tamazert mine is an alumino-silicate containing kaolinite with hematite (Fe2O3: 4.7%) as the main impurity and titanium with low content (TiO2: 0.08%). The statistical analysis indicated that intensity (I) was the most significant and influential factor in eliminating iron from Tamazert kaolin ore, followed by the ball sizes (BS) of the matrix and grain sizes (GS) of particles. The optimization approach was determined to be I = 2T, BS = 20 mm, and GS = 10 μm to achieve the maximum content target of 5.77% Fe with a yield of 94.60%. Overall, the study demonstrated that WHIMS could effectively remove iron impurities from Tamazert kaolin ore and improve its quality to be used in several applications.
The Rayat area is an important mineralization zone in northern Iraq. This study presents the results of a ground magnetic survey located in the Zagros Suture Zone, Kurdistan Region. The aim is to delineate magnetite-rich ore bodies in the study area. A G-857 portable proton-precession magnetometer was utilized to collect magnetic data across 360 stations. The survey consists of 23 north-south traverses, with a station spacing of 20 m along each traverse and 30 m between neighboring traverses, forming a regular grid across the study area. Additionally, the study area is located in a mountainous area; therefore, a Mavic Air 2 drone was used to determine precise station coordinates relative to a benchmark point rather than GPS. Diurnal and geomagnetic corrections were applied to the raw magnetic data, which were then reduced to the magnetic pole. The upward continuation filter was used in regional/residual separation. The analytical signal amplitude (ASA) filter was then employed to evaluate the geometry and distribution of magnetite-rich bodies. The ASA map depicts three major anomaly domains: high-amplitude, intermediate-amplitude, and low-amplitude zones. The ASA map shows two strong high magnetic anomalies (H1 and H2) in the southwest and southeast-central sections of the study area, respectively. H1 anomaly corresponds to a previously mapped iron ore body, while H2 anomaly is identified here for the first time. Both anomalies are thought to be strongly magnetic sources with shallow depths near the surface, and they are considered priority prospects for future investigation, with the southeast-central anomaly (H2) being the most promising. Furthermore, intermediate anomalies (H3, H4, and H5) probably indicate deeper extensions of H1 and H2 or secondary mineralization zones. Finally, the low anomalies correspond to background geology with weakly magnetic or non-mineralized lithologies. Overall, this study improves understanding of the nature, distribution, and exploration potential of iron ore bodies in the Rayat area.
The potential field data (Gravity and Magnetic) play a dominant role in geophysical exploration, especially in studying structures distributed at different depths from the basement to shallower depths. In the present study, the main goal is to explain the effect of neotectonic activity on the structures at different depths in the area, which is located in the Mesopotamian zone (southern part of Iraq). A basement map was prepared using the SPI (Source Parameter Imaging) method applied to the magnetic map (RTP map). The Basement Depth map clarifies the geometry and surface relief of Basement rocks as well as the effect of basement topography in overlying layers. This effect may extend up to Earth’s surface and change the rivers' courses. In addition to magnetic data, the gravity data (Bouguer anomaly map) is used to separate a residual map. The residual gravity map shows the shallow sedimentary structures and their relation with oil field distribution, eventually explaining the effect of density contrast on the structural petroleum traps. The result of the present study shows that the effect of neotectonic activity in the area is the reactivation of basement faults (basement blocks). These deep faults still affect the overlying layers and might reach the Earth's surface. The shifting of the River's courses near the faulted and folded area, as in anomalies numbered GA7near AL-Dewanyah city and GA17, GA10 in AL-Amara city, and the distribution of oil fields in specific trends and systematic arrangements, are considered the main evidence of neotectonic activity, which is related to the structures located in the study area.
The Euphrates Formation in Jawan oil field, located in northwestern Iraq, was studied using data from wells JW10, JW11, and JW12. Sedimentological analysis indicates that the formation is predominantly composed of limestone, marl-bearing limestone, dolomitic limestone, and massive layers of dolomite and anhydrite. Petrographic study revealed that the formation includes skeletal grains such as benthic foraminifera, including Miliolids, Rotalids, Peneroplids, Borelis melo Curdica, along with red and green algae, ostracods, gastropods, pelecypods, echinoderms, and non-skeletal components such as ooids and peloids. The diagenetic processes affecting the lithological and fossil content of this formation include destructive processes such as compaction, micritization, and dissolution, as well as constructive processes like cementation, which is of granular and blocky types. The anhydrite is characterized by a massive texture. Porosity types observed include interparticle porosity, moldic porosity, vuggy porosity, fracture porosity, and channel porosity. Dolomitization occurs in textures such as aphanotopic dolomitic texture, floating rhomb texture, sutured mosaic, and fogged mosaic fabric. Microfacies analysis revealed four main microfacies identified as: The mudstone facies, which are subdivided into non-fossiliferous lime mudstone submicrofacies and fossiliferous lime mudstone. Fossiliferous lime wackestone submicrofacies. Foraminiferal Lime Packstone Submicrofacies. Lime Grainstone microfacies are divided into two submicrofacies: Oolitic Lime Grainstone Submicrofacies and fossiliferous Lime Grainstone Submicrofacies. Based on microfacies and environmental analysis, the sedimentary sequences of the Euphrates Formation were deposited in a shallow marine lagoonal environment, isolated from the open sea by a biogenic barrier, as well as in reefal and backreef shelf settings.
Due to recent industrial development in Iraq, the Karbala Refinery Project KRP was established. Such developments inevitably generate significant environmental challenges. This study comes as an initial and first environmental assessment investigating the levels of air pollution in KRP. To accomplish the aim of the study, five air samples were collected across the KRP for Total Suspended Particulate matter (TSP) and heavy metals analyses. Pearson's Correlation matrix and Hierarchical Cluster analysis have been applied to identify the relationships between contaminants. Results show an increase in the TSP concentration to a level of 837.2 μg/m, controlled by the direction of the wind in the area. Heavy metals show an increase in the concentration of Cd and Cr (0.248 µg/m³ and 0.919 µg/m³), respectively. Moderate positive correlations between TSP and metals such as Pb (r = 0.445), Cd (r = 0.456), and Co (r = 0.493) have been found. A strong intermetallic relationship, particularly Co–Mn (r = 0.987) and Cr–Mn (r = 0.974). Two categories of metals represented by the Cu, Zn, Cr group, indicating a common emission source, while the Cd, Pb, Co group indicates similar industrial origins and environmental behaviors. The results of this study show that all five sites exceeded the EPA Air Quality Index (AQI) standards. The study confirms relatively high levels of air pollution in the refinery affected by wind direction. This study suggests that continuous air quality monitoring should be put in place in the vicinity of the KRP.
The effect of Tharthar Lake discharge on the Euphrates' quality is examined. The need to draw water from Tharthar Lake has increased since 2020 due to worsening water scarcity driven by global climate change, despite the lake's elevated salinity. The study area covers the Tharthar Lake and drainage system as well as 78 km of the Euphrates River's course, from Falluja Barrage upstream to Ramadi Barrage downstream. The recharge storage during the first sampling period, in 2024, was attributable to the operation of the Tigris-Tharthar canal and to dead storage during the other periods.is transported from the Tharthar reservoir to the Euphrates River via the Tharthar-Euphrates Canal, which is located 52 kilometers downstream of the Ramadi Barrage. Twenty-five sample sites were chosen to collect surface water samples. All water samples were analyzed for physical and chemical properties, including EC (Electrical Conductivity), TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), and the Major Cations Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, and K+, as well as the major anions Cl-, SO4=, and HCO3-. Hydrochemical analyses showed the dominance of the Bicarbonate group and the domination of the Bicarbonate-calcium family in the Tigris-Tharthar canal. The sulfate and chloride groups predominated in the Tharthar lake water, with sulfate being more prevalent in the Tharthar-Euphrates canal, due to evaporation and the dissolution of evaporite rocks of the Fatha Formation. Dissolved loads were calculated for Site No. 25 using the rating curve method from 2018 to 2024. The maximum dissolved load was recorded in September 2020 (153,000 tons/month), while the minimum was recorded in January 2020 (42000 tons/month). The most abundant dissolved material in the canal water is calcium sulfate. The results showed that the quality of the Tharthar-Euphrates canal water is unsuitable for drinking purposes and requires treatment, but is suitable for irrigation without affecting various plants.
Acoustic Impedance (AI) modeling plays a crucial role in seismic reservoir characterization, which is significantly enhancing the interpretation of subsurface geology using seismic data and well logs. This study focuses on the North Al-Ahdab Oil Field southeast of Baghdad in Wasit governorate. The purpose of this study is to analyze the stratigraphic relationships of the promising Mishrif and Zubair Formations and identify opportunities for future exploration activities. The research applied seismic-guided acoustic impedance modeling, using a Gaussian-based geostatistical algorithm integrated with well logs data from three surrounding wells: (Md1) situated to the east, (Ad1) to the south, and (Eb1) to the north. This study includes 3D structural and property models to distribute acoustic impedance properties among the available wells. Structural depth maps were produced to provide insights into the structural characteristics of the study area. The results reveal three new structural features labeled (A, B, C), which may serve as potential structural traps in the region. The depth maps indicated three faulted noses. (A) is a faulted nose located west of the Suwaira structure, (B) is a faulted nose surrounded by transform faults to the east of the Suwaira structure, and (C) is a faulted nose situated in the center of the study area. The integration of seismic data, depth structure maps, and acoustic impedance modeling, supported by well data from adjacent regions, revealed significant porosity-enhanced anomalies in these features. These porosity anomalies coincide spatially with the interpreted structural closures, suggesting that they may serve as viable stratigraphic and structural traps for hydrocarbon accumulation.
The heavy metal content of road dust samples from 13 representative sites in Hilla City which areis detailed below. We look at Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, As, Co, V, Hg, Sr, Zr, and Cr in this study. Following sample collection, drying, sieving, and preparation, the concentrations of these metals were evaluated using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry. Heavy metal concentrations varied greatly in space, and statistical results showed that different metals were weakly or moderately correlated, suggesting there were various sources of contamination. The groups identified through cluster analysis were two: one was all metals except Cu, likely formed naturally from soil and recent sediments, while the other was made up mainly of Cu from activities such as road traffic. Results from pollution assessment using Igeo revealed that Fe, Mn, V, Cr, and Zr are not present in excess in the study area. Cu, Zn, and Ni are moderately polluted, Co is moderately polluted, and Pb is strongly polluted relative to the background values of the area. On the other hand, figures from around the world revealed less pollution. The overall levels of pollution in each location suggest the main influence of additions to the environment from people’s activities. Enrichment Factor (EF) finds Fe, Mn, V, Cu, and Zr are slightly enriched, while Cr, Ni, and Zn are moderately so. Pb was the metal with the greatest enrichment, and Co showed the greatest enrichment. All Ecological Risk Indexes (ERI) fell within low values, except for Pb, which was on the edge of becoming moderate. A similar result found that the Potential Ecological Risk (RI) index was considered low everywhere the samples were collected. The study showed high levels of pollution for Pb and Co, moderate pollution for Cu and Zn, and low pollution for Ni and Cr, using nearby background data. According to the results, activities caused by humans, such as vehicles and local industries, are major reasons why heavy metals end up in Hilla road dust. As a result, there is a risk to both the environment and people’s health in crowded and well-travelled areas. As a result, useful methods for checking pollution and enforcing rules should be put in place to minimise both risks and pollution levels. Researchers should continue monitoring species over many years and in more parts of the world to support action for sustainability.
Heavy metal pollution in the air creates significant environmental risks and health hazards because these substances stay in the environment while being toxic to living creatures and gradually increase their presence in the ecosystems. A research project measured the levels of zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) throughout Hillah city air based on data acquired from ten specific sampling stations. This research investigates whether human activities have negatively affected these heavy metal levels above their natural range. The research data were analyzed by comparison against crustal background values using accepted classification systems. The research data show that zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb), respectively, derive mainly from natural sources, yet cadmium (Cd) shows moderate levels of contamination stemming from human activities. Excessive Cr, Pb, and Cd levels relative to WHO standards emphasize the immediate requirement for pollution management systems. The region suffers from heavy metal contamination mainly because of industrial emissions, traffic density, illegal waste burning, and energy generation activities. Further research is needed to study seasonal heavy metal exposure patterns and development protocols that minimize human contact with pollutants.
As advanced data mining technologies are increasingly used in various aspects of life, their application in water engineering has become essential. This study utilizes two key techniques— clustering and k-nearest neighbor (KNN)—to analyze random variables with discontinuous structures, such as soil types and their components. The Jableh Plain serves as a suitable case study due to the large number of drilled wells and the availability of documented lithological columns. The research focuses on the proportions of silt, sand, and clay—the fundamental components of soil. The KNN technique was applied to interpolate these proportions and generate spatial maps based on regional data. These proportions were then combined using the equivalent soil method. Subsequently, a clustering algorithm was employed to classify the soil based on the infiltration factor derived from the soil texture triangle and the global soil classification system, determining the resulting soil type after the merging process. A Python based tool was developed within the ArcGIS environment to facilitate soil classification for users. The application of the equivalent soil method produced results that closely matched real world data, as validated through pumping test experiments used to calculate soil infiltration rates. This indicates that the method is not only accurate but also cost-effective, saving time, money, and effort compared to traditional well-drilling and pumping experiments.
The Paleogene Avanah and Khurmala formations were investigated from a reservoir characterization point of view from a selected well (KX) in the Khurmala Oilfield, northern Iraq. The conventional wireline log data were used to determine the petrophysical properties and reservoir quality of the studied formations. The common lithology of both formations is identified based on porosity log data and utilizing density versus neutron and M-N crossplots. The upper part of the Avanah Formation, informally known as Avanah Dense, is composed of clean limestone and dolomitic limestone, whereas the lower part of the formation, known informally as Avanah Porous, is composed mainly of dolostone, limedolostone, and limestone with different ratios of shale content. Dolostone and limedolostone comprise most parts of the Khurmala Formation, with shaly and shale intervals at different parts of the formation. The shale volume has been determined using the data from the gamma ray log. The shale in the Avanah Porous and the Khurmala Formation is distributed in a laminated mode in addition to the dispersed and less frequent structural mode. Porosity was calculated for the studied formations using the recorded data of the sonic, density, and neutron logs and corrected for shale impact. The average neutron-density combination porosity of the Avanah Dense is about 10.7%, the Avanah Porous 24.36%, and about 24.56% in the Khurmala Formation. Permeable zones with a few thousand millidarcies are common in the Avanah Porous and in the Khurmala Formation, whereas tight horizons and zones of relatively low permeability are intercalated zones with a few hundred millidarcies in the Avanah Dense. Hydrocarbons in different ratios exist within the entire studied section. The Khurmala Formation is divided into two reservoir units, while the Avanah Formation is divided into six reservoir units based on differences in shale volume, porosity, permeability, and water saturation. Flow zone indicator and movable hydrocarbon index methods were used to determine the flow capacity of the identified reservoir units and the hydrocarbon movability within each unit.
Some dust storms that blew over the city of Baghdad in April 2024 were investigated in some locations and the following results were obtained: Volumetric analysis of the dust texture revealed a silt content of 42.4 – 58.6 % at 49%, a clay content of 29.5 – 55.1 % at 43%, a sand content of 7.9 – 12.4 % at 10%, a pH of 7.1 – 7.5 at an average of 8, ranging from neutral to relatively low alkalinity, an organic matter content of 1.22 – 1.83 % at an average of 2%, which is assumed to contain a high proportion of humic organic matter, and a percentage loss on ignition of 11.43 – 67.17 % at an average of 15%. It is hypothesised that the reason for this is the presence of various materials with a high proportion of calcium oxides and sulphates, and the presence of a low proportion of silica materials. The percentage of total dissolved salts is 511 parts per million - 748 parts per million, at an average of 619 ppm. The difference in values is probably due to the speed and direction of the wind carrying the dust. The Hazard Index (HI) is in descending order Chromium> Arsenic> Cobalt> Lead> Nickel> Zinc for adults and Cr>Co>Ni>As>Pb>Zn for children, while the CR and TCR values are in descending order Ni>Cr>As>Pb>Co for adults and Cr>Ni>As>Pb>Co for children.
In the current study, eight samples were collected from gravely sandstone and sandstone units of the Mukdadiya Formation, which is deposited within the Late Miocene-Pliocene sedimentary cycle and exposed in Al-Taeeb area in Missan Governorate, southeastern Iraq, and on the southwestern flanks of Bajalia and Band Folds in Al-Teeb area. The formation consists of sedimentary cycles deposited as a fining-upward sequence. Heavy minerals were separated from light minerals using heavy fluids. It was found that the heavy mineral content consists of opaque minerals (43.66%), chlorites (8.91%), orthopyroxene (3.43%), clinopyroxene (3.08%), hornblende (4.31%), tremolite-actinolite (2.23%), glaucophene (1.81%), biotite (5.61%), muscovite (4.53%), grossularite (2.68%), almandite (2.15%), zircon (2.17%), tourmaline (2.71%), rutile (2.30%), epidote (5.06%), staurolite (1.31%), kyanite (1.54%), and chromian spinel (0.91%). The results obtained indicate that the sediment of Mukdadiya Formation is unstable due to its high content of unstable minerals, including opaque and ferromagnesian minerals, including chlorites, pyroxenes, amphiboles, and biotite, as well as a low percentage of stable minerals (zircon, tourmaline, and rutile) (ZTR). Tectonically, the sediment of the Mukdadiya Formation in the studied locality is considered to have been deposited within an unstable and active tectonic environment. This is due to the low content of stable minerals (ZTR), which does not indicate that the formation's sediment was transported over long distances or subjected to recycling. The main source rocks of the Mukdadiya Formation deposits in Al-Teeb area are basic igneous rocks, regionally metamorphic rocks, and sedimentary rocks originating from the rocks found within the Zagros Mountains in northeastern and eastern Iraq. This is due to the high percentage of basic igneous minerals. In addition, there is a minor influence of other sources, namely acidic igneous rocks, which is evident due to the low percentage of stable minerals such as zircon, tourmaline, and rutile.
