Investigation in heavy metal contents of drinking water and fish from Darbandikhan and Dokan Lakes in Sulaimaniyah Province - Iraqi Kurdistan Region

Dokan and Darbendikhan lakes are the two major lakes in Iraqi Kurdistan feeding the population of Sulaimani province. To evaluate the suitability of water for aquatic life and drinking purposes, the heavy metal contents of drinking water and fishes from the lakes was investigated. The samples were collected from the reservoir (raw water), water after treatment (tank water) and water from residential areas (tap water) on monthly basis over a year. The results of copper, lead, cadmium and zinc analysis showed 6.2 – 56.9, 91.6 – 413.4, 4.0 – 35.6, 42.6 – 388.8 μg/L at Darbandikhan lake and 14.7 – 79.3, 83.5 – 265.9, 15.9 – 43.9, 1.8 – 112.9 μg/L at Dokan lake, respectively. Lead and Cadmium contents were exceeded the maximum permitted levels by WHO in all the water samples. Fish samples of ages 1-3 years from both lakes were also examined for copper, lead and cadmium. All the samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma. These findings suggest the drinking water is contaminated with heavy metals, and the fishes were also found with far higher lead and cadmium content than are permitted. The results obtained are alarming and need urgent action to mitigate environmental pollution.