Water Mineralization in the Tigris River Basin and Its Impact on Public Health: A Review

Abstract

The Tigris River Basin is a major freshwater source for millions of people in Iraq and surrounding areas, but increasing mineralization and salinity threaten water quality and resource sustainability. This review examines the basin’s hydrochemical characteristics, the factors contributing to mineralization, and their implications for public health. It considers dissolved inorganic constituents, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, sulfate, and bicarbonate, alongside total dissolved solids as an indicator of mineralization. The review identifies reduced river discharge, climate change, upstream dam construction, agricultural return flows, and untreated municipal and industrial effluents as contributors to deteriorating water quality. Although dissolved minerals are important for human health, excessive concentrations can compromise water quality and suitability for consumption. The discussion highlights potential cardiovascular, renal, and gastrointestinal health risks associated with elevated dissolved salts and heavy-metal contamination, with particular concern for vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women. Poor water quality also places economic burdens on healthcare services and water treatment infrastructure. By connecting hydrochemical characteristics with environmental pressures and potential health consequences, this review provides an integrated account of mineralization in the Tigris River Basin. It emphasizes the interconnected implications of water quality deterioration for public health, treatment costs, and the sustainability of freshwater resources.