Hydrochemical assessment and spatiotemporal variations for water quality in the Euphrates River in the western, central and southern of Iraq

The hydrochemistry of river water is influenced by a variety of factors such as geological substrate, atmospheric inputs, anthropogenic pollution, and in-situ biological processes. Understanding the hydrochemistry is vital for managing and protecting river ecosystems as it provides the impact of natural processes and human activities on water quality, which is crucial for ensuring the sustainable use of water resources for drinking, recreation, and habitat preservation. This study evaluates the chemical and physical properties of water from 22 monitoring stations along Euphrates River in Iraq to assess the water quality and suitability for different uses as well as calculating the principal component analysis for the parameters. The results show that the water samples predominantly contain Sulphate and Chloride, which lead to a water quality index ranges between (42.07–97.14) from poor to very poor types. The concentration of Ca2+and Mg2+ ranges between (84.26–249.8) and (26.24-166.75) respectively, the Na+ and K+ ranges between (72.48-795.59) and (4.39–56.78) respectively, the Alkalinity and SO42- ranges between (108.5-319.62) and (413.39–957.9) respectively, the PO42- ranges between (0.04–0.42). Based on the PI, SAR, RSC, and magnesium hazard indices which ranged between (0.17–12.31), (0.07–0.67), (-23.19 - -4.97), (16.18–55.76) respectively, all samples are suitable for agriculture and irrigation.