Hydrochemical and bacteriological study of the springs in Al-Tafileh region / south Jordan

Water quality of fifty-one springs in Al-Tafileh region was tested chemically and bacteriologically in fall 1996 and spring 1997. water samples were analyzed for the following ions: HCO3-, CI-, SO42-, NO3-, F-, PO43-, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+ and B. Additionally, heavy metals: Pb, Zn, Cu and Fe were also analyzed. The chemical analyses demonstrated that all samples were of alkaline earth water with high bicarbonate concentration. An increase in salinity was observed in Spring compared to that in fall season. Heavy metal concentration were low and the pH of the water samples, shows a relatively high values. High Nitrate concentration were recorded in some springs. This could be due to local percolation of wastewater from cesspool to the springs nearly. It has been found there is a strong correlation between non-maintained spring and relatively high NO3, B and faecal coliform content which suggested contamination from surface sources. (authors). 12 refs., 4 figs, 6 tabs