Distribution and Sources of N-Alkanes in Surface Sediments from the Tigris River, Maysan, Iraq

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IJEP 45(10): 922-930 : Vol. 45 Issue. 10 (October 2025)

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Altaf Raheem Shnaishel1, Hamza K. Abdulhassan1 and Hamid T. AL-Saad2*

1. University of Basrah, Department of Geology, College of Science, Basrah, Iraq
2. University of Basrah, College of Marine Science, Basrah, Iraq

Abstract

N-alkane hydrocarbons were studied in sediment samples collected from seven locations along the Tigris river in Maysan Governorate. Gas chromatography was used to analyze these n-alkanes. The total concentrations ranged from 71.41-118.97 µg/g, with the highest level at Al-Kumait station and the lowest at Qal’at Salih station. According to established environmental guidelines, the results indicate significant pollution at most stations and show notable differences in pollution levels among them. To identify pollution sources, CPI and Pri/Phy ratios were used to distinguish between anthropogenic and natural origins of n-alkanes in the samples. CPI values across all stations ranged from 0.1-1.16, suggesting a mix of natural and human activities. The Pri/Phy ratio, being less than or close to 1 at all stations, points to a primarily anthropogenic origin. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed on both the carbon chains and stations to identify similarities in environmental factors or pollution sources affecting them. When compared with previous studies, the concentrations observed in this research do not match previously recorded ranges. This variation is likely due to the unique characteristics of the research stations, especially those that are mainly agricultural, where natural processes and human activities, such as fertilizer use, pesticide application and wastewater discharge substantially contribute to the elevated levels of N-alkanes.

Keywords

N-alkanes, Sediment, Gas chromatography, Tigris river, Iraq

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