Evaluation Of Surface Water Quality of Samples from Some Archaeological Cities in Northeastern Libya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65405/.v10i37.708Keywords:
Water quality, physio-chemical parameters, environmental evaluation, surface water pollution, Lethe River, Ain ApolloAbstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate water quality in three different locations in north
eastern Libya and was done by the assessment of some physiochemical and microbiological
parameters. The chemical evaluation focused on parameters that indicates water quality
including pH, alkalinity, heavy metal contamination, and conductivity. Additionally,
biological status of these samples has been evaluated. The warning signs provided by
authorities in the ancient city of Shahat indicated that Ain Apollo water is not potable.
However, no more details were given specifying whether it is chemical, microbial, or other
types of pollution. Because of the historical importance of the ancient Libyan cities, we chose
to collect samples from three cities including Tolmeitha (Ptolemais), Benghazi
(Hesperides/Berenice originally Euesperides), and Shahat (Cyrene). Results show that the
lead metal exceeded the local and international limits. However, other metals including
cadmium, nickel, copper, and iron were in the acceptable range. No acid rain was found in
Tolmeitha, and the pH levels for the surface water samples were acceptable. As for
bacteriological analysis, there was no indication for the presence of Total Coliform (T.C.F),
Escherichia Coli (E.Coli), and Streptococcus Faecalis bacteria.
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