Assessment of nutrient content of raw water close to water treatment plants located in Baghdad City

Significant variations in the nutrient contents and other physical and chemical factors were noted at several stations at various times. The pH values varied from 7.73 to 8.11 indicating that water samples were almost neutral to sub-alkaline in nature. Nitrite values at Al-Rashid and Al-Wahda WTPs were found to be higher than those recorded in other WTPs; while nitrate values at Wathba, Al-Rashid, and Al-Wahda WTPs were found to be higher than those recorded at other stations. Ammonia contents showed higher rates at Al-Dawrah, Al-Rashid, and Al-Wahda WTPs. Phosphate proportions were found to be higher at Al-Dawrah WTP during 2010, 2011, and 2012; while the highest value of silicate (6.06mg/L) was recorded at the East Tigris WTP during 2010. The paper established a relationship between diverse industrial wastes discharged in the Tigris River and the amount of nutrient in its waters.