Title: Ion chemistry of waters impounded by the Ziqlab dam, Jordan, and weathering processes – a case study

Authors: Y. Abu-Rukah, H.A. Ghrefat

Addresses: Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan. ' Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan

Abstract: The area included in the present investigation is that surrounding Ziqlab dam in the northern Jordan Valley. The water chemistry of the impounded lake shows that it is dominated by Mg, Ca, Na and HCO₃. These waters reflects the dominance of carbonate weathering with some contribution of silicates. Mg + Ca + Na and HCO₃ + Cl account for about 90% of the total cations and anions. X-ray analysis shows that, kaolinte and illite are the dominant clay minerals in sediments behind Ziqlab dam. Anthropogenic activities within the Ziqlab catchments area contribute to increasing of the ionic concentrations. These include various development activities in the catchments area, waste disposal (especially the untreated municipal and domestic sewage) into the Ziqlab River, and agricultural activities. Ziqlab dam water chemistry is within the range of stability field of kaolinite.

Keywords: Ziqlab dam; Jordan; ion chemistry; rock weathering.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2004.004194

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2004 Vol.21 No.3, pp.263 - 276

Published online: 10 May 2004 *

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