The Ability of Phragmites communis and Populus nigra to Accumulated Zinc and Cadmium on the Rumaila River's sides in Jableh- Latakia

this research aimed to study the ability of both reeds (Phragmites communis) and poplar trees (Populus nigra) to accumulate Cd and Zn. Where speared naturally prevail on the sides of the Rumaila River in Jableh town (research site), during 2014-2015. Average amount of Cd on studied site was 3.081 ppm dry weight. Compared with the normal range of soil content from Cd (0.06-1.1 ppm), we found that it is three times the normal upper limit, indicating site contamination with Cd. The study showed that the Cd concentration in the reed shoots was 0.031 ppm, while it was up to 0.055 ppm in leaves than that of shoots. The value of bio-accumulation factor (BF) was 0.014. Also for poplar, the study revealed predominance of leaves over bark with Cd concentration of 0.034 ppm versus 0.016 ppm for poplar bark. BF value was 0.02. Regarding average amount of Zn in the soil of studied site was recorded 116.61 ppm of dry weight. Compared with average range of Zn in different types of soil (40-100 ppm), we find that it is slightly higher than the normal upper limit, showing site contamination with Zn. The study stated that the Zn concentration in reed leaves was 9.05 ppm versus 8.03 in the shoots. BF value was 0.07. Zn concentration in poplar leaves was the lowest at 5.13 ppm versus 6.07 ppm for the bark. We notice from these findings that the Zn amount in the parts of poplar plant is approximate. BF value was 0.05. The statistical analysis showed significant superiority of reed to poplar in terms of Cd accumulation, and the same for Zn.

Ion Exchanger from Syrian Petroleum Coke of High Sulphur Content and its Use for Industrial Water Softening And Cadmium Ions Removal from Polluted Waters

A new ion exchanger has been prepared from syrian petroleum coke (S. P. C) of high sulphur content. Preparation of this ion exchanger was carried out by simple treatment of S. P. C with oleum at room temperature followed with statical ion exchange in aqueous sodium chloride solutions. The First, SPC ion exchanger with granular structure resulted from reacting 20 gr of the SPC granules with 20 ml of oleum. Where as a friable ion exchanger was produced when 40 ml of oleum were used in the process. The adsorption capacity of the two SPC ion exchangers was found out to be 100 mgeq and 170 mgeq respectively.