Spectroscopic and Hydrogeochemical Analysis of Heavy Metal and Ion Transport in Tripoli's Suburban Aquifers

Abstract

This study comprehensively investigates the physicochemical characteristics and contamination levels of groundwater from wells of varying depths across four suburban areas in Tripoli. Utilizing advanced atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy, we precisely quantified heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As) and major cations (Na, Ca, K) to evaluate water quality and associated health risks. Our results indicate significant element concentration variations, with a statistically supported correlation between well depth and contaminant levels, shaped by the region’s unique hydrogeological features. Notably, elevated heavy metal and ion concentrations in shallower wells frequently surpassed WHO and Libyan safety standards. These findings establish a vital baseline for ongoing environmental surveillance and underscore the need for developing predictive physics-based models for contaminant transport in local aquifers. This research provides an integrated spectroscopic and hydrogeochemical perspective essential for environmental management.