An investigation of heavy metals concentration in rainwater and their effects on human health in Kurdistan Region, Iraq

One possible source of fresh water is rainfall. Nonetheless, the natural composition of rainwater may change due to air pollution in any areas. The Kwashe and Gara in the Duhok Governorate, in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, was selected as the study areas. Heavy metals concentration of rainwater was investigated. Seven samples were taken during rainy January and February 2023 for this investigation, and a statistical analysis was carried out to identify the factors influencing the quality of the rainwater. The concentrations of heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, Mn, Cu, Fe, and Co) were measured with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and compared to WHO standards. The purpose of the study was to compare the heavy metal content of study area rainwater to WHO standards in order to determine the effects of these metals on community members' individual health as well as the environment. The heavy metal concentrations dropped in the following order: (Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cd, Mn, Cu, Fe, and Co in Kwashe and Zn > Ni > Cu > Pb > Cr > Fe > Mn > Cd > Co in Gara). The following heavy metals are within the WHO's permissible limit: Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Co; the others exceeded it. The results indicate that the rainwater sources in the study areas are unsafe and unfit for human consumption. Because of this, rainwater from research areas needs to be treated before drinking in order to prevent Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr-related health problems.