Environmental Concerns
In Hama:
Due to the extensive urbanization, extensive flooding of the agricultural fields, and numerous various industrial operations, the Orontes River Basin can be regarded as one of the most polluted regions in the eastern Mediterranean.
The present and geographic spread of four heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) abundance have been investigated.
The Copper (Cu) amounts exceeded the permissible limit of heavy metal content in soil in some areas (Al Dahreah, close to the steel plant, and Al Genan).
The areas closest to the steel and wheel industries in Zour blehassen and Srehen had the greatest concentrations of (Cd) (9.8) g/g1.
The Irregularity of Cadmium (CD) is noted; this could be attributed to the administration and use of the soil (irrigated, rainfed, irrigation technique).
According to research, lead (Pb) levels were generally within acceptable ranges, with the exception of riverbanks where they were higher. At some sites, including Al Dahrieh, Sraheen, and Khattab, the values surpassed 95 g/g1, which is highly indicative of very strong pollution. Due to solid domestic waste (dry batteries) and the existence of paint production facilities, some areas have high concentrations of Pb.
While a substantial rise in values was discovered in Al Dahreah, close to the sewage station, the high concentrations of Zn at Jinan and Arza sites were explained by the presence of a sewage treatment facility. The geographic distributions of zinc concentrations in soil were irregular; the greater concentration near riverbanks compared to other soils may have resulted from regular waterlogging and the protracted time of water stagnation there.
The maps below were created with the help of data provided according to the testings by Urban Soil Pollution with Heavy Metals in Hama Floodplain, Syria https://doi.org/10.4236/nr.2019.106013
Recorded Zinc Concentration around the City of Hama
Visual representation by Joelle Deeb, Data recorded of heavy metal Concentrations by Urban Soil Pollution with Heavy Metals in Hama Floodplain, Syria https://doi.org/10.4236/nr.2019.106013
ZN- Zinc
The amount of zinc that has been detected in the water near Hama has grown.
High concentrations of Zn are shown in the map's data surrounding Hama City's periphery. Concentrations in the urban core range from medium to high. On the periphery and in the direction of the countryside, low concentrations are seen.
PB- Lead
When it comes to the Orontes River's flora and wildlife, lead is a deadly substance. Around the city's periphery, testings have shown high valuesof lead . Low lead levels have been seen in Hama's urban area.
Recorded Lead Concentration around the City of Hama
Visual representation by Joelle Deeb, Data recorded of heavy metal Concentrations by Urban Soil Pollution with Heavy Metals in Hama Floodplain, Syria https://doi.org/10.4236/nr.2019.106013
CU- Copper
The concentration of copper fluctuates in and around the city of Hama. Al Ghab Plain has received high amounts, according to the data. Low Levels have been seen in the direction of Homs. Both medium to high concentrations and medium to low levels have been observed in Hama City.
Recorded Copper Concentration around the City of Hama
Visual representation by Joelle Deeb, Data recorded of heavy metal Concentrations by Urban Soil Pollution with Heavy Metals in Hama Floodplain, Syria https://doi.org/10.4236/nr.2019.106013
CD- Cadmium
Values of cadmium can vary. Low to moderate quantities in Hama city's core. Alternative to Al Ghab Plain and Homs City both have high and low amounts.
Recorded Cadmium Concentration around the City of Hama
Visual representation by Joelle Deeb, Data recorded of heavy metal Concentrations by Urban Soil Pollution with Heavy Metals in Hama Floodplain, Syria https://doi.org/10.4236/nr.2019.106013
