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This study aimed to assess the ability of two Lebanese duckweed species, (Lemna minor and L. gibba), to grow under in vitro conditions on three nutritive solutions, Murashige Skoog (MS), Schenk-Hildebrand (SH) and Algal Assay Procedure (AAP). Plant growth of both species, expressed as doubling time, differed significantly (p

Scarce management of solid wastes, excessive wastewater discharge and irrigation with noxious water are among the main causes of heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils. The soils of upper Litani basin in Lebanon are subjected to these sources, beside soil irrigation by Litani river water, contaminated by wastewater. However, the metal mobility, bioavailability, or potential risk can be elucidated by metal soil and water chemical speciation. This study involved the metal speciation in soils of the upper Litani basin, and computation of pollution indices for risk assessment. A modified BCR sequential extraction technique was implemented to soil samples that operationally extract metals sequentially from fractions termed as acid soluble, reducible, oxidizing, and residual. Beside, soil pH, Eh and TOC, macro-water parameters, and metal water content were measured. The geochemical computer model PHREEQC was used to predict water metal species. Data indicated that Mn, Zn, Cr, and As had their highest average percentage from total metal in the reducible and acid soluble soil fractions, while Cu, Ni, Cd, Hg were in the oxidizing and acid soluble soil fractions. Metal speciation was related to TOC, Eh and water BOD. The average values for the indices indicated: enrichment factor and geo-accumulation of severe enrichment and very strong contamination for Cd and Hg; risk assessment high risk for Cr, Ni, and Cd; and 50% of sites suffered from considerable contamination according to the global contamination factor. The highest percentage of water species were for Mn, Zn, Ni, and Cd, the free metal aqua ion.

This study reports on metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) pollution in the sediments of the Qaraoun reservoir over a span period of 9 years (2004, 2008, and 2013) along with key major environmental indicators. This time period corresponds with the onset of the rapid economic and industrial development of the reservoir region. For the first time, this study assessed the degree of environmental pollution by using indices such as enrichment factors (EF), contamination factors (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and geoaccumulation index (I geo). Moreover, sequential extraction was used to study the operationally determined chemical forms of the metals and their spatial and temporal distribution in the sediments. Correlation coefficients were also calculated to delineate the origin and association of the metals. Total metal concentrations and the environmental indices indicated increased pollution with time. Total organic carbon data showed a remarkable and significant increase in the organic fraction in 2013 relative to previous years. The increase in the organic fraction in the sediments was accompanied with a shift in cadmium [Cd] and lead [Pb] fractionation from the carbonate fraction to the organic fraction. The enrichment of the metal in the sediments along with the increased organic content is expected to exacerbate the metal bioavailability in the reservoir.

The proper management of municipal waste is critical for resource recovery, sustainability and health. Lebanon main approach for managing its municipal waste consisted of landfill disposal with minimal recycling capacity. This approach contributed to exceeding the holding capacity of existing landfills leading eventually to their closures. The closure of a major landfill (Naameh landfill) servicing Beirut and Mount Lebanon areas led to municipal wastes piling in the streets and forests for more than a year in 2016. The main problem identified in the municipal wastes consisted of untreated leachates (from regulated and unregulated dumpsites) going straight into the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore leachate samples were collected and subjected to chemical characterization followed by biological assessment. The chemical characterization and profiling of the Lebanese leachates were compared to results reported in Lebanon, Europe and United States as well as to the toxicity reference values (TRV). The biological assessment was conducted in vitro using human derived immortalized cell cultures. This strategy revealed significant alarming cellular organelles and DNA damages using in vitro cytotoxicity assays (MTS and comet assay). The significant damages observed at the cellular level prompted further animal model investigations using BALB/c mice. The animal data pointed to significant upregulation of liver activity enzymes coupled with significant damage expression in liver spleen and bone marrow DNA. The presented research clearly indicated that there is an urgent need for development of national waste strategies for proper treatment and disposal of municipal waste leachates in Lebanon.

The present study aims to quantify acrylamide and metals in potato and corn chips and to determine their carcinogenic and neurotoxic risks. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the average acrylamide level in potato and corn chips (1756 μg/kg) was 3500-fold higher than the permissible limit for acrylamide in drinking water (0.5 μg/kg). Potato-based chips and baked chips were found to contain 23% and 18% more acrylamide than corn-based chips and fried chips, respectively. The daily consumption of acrylamide from potato and corn chips was found to be 7–40-fold higher than the risk intake for carcinogenesis set by World Health Organization (WHO) but was below the neurotoxic risk threshold. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence and thermal atomic absorption analysis revealed that the mean concentrations of zinc, lead and cadmium in corn chips were approximately 1.5-, 1.7- and 2.4-fold higher than the permissible limits set by Food and Agriculture Organization/WHO, respectively. However, the daily intake of these metals was lower than the oral reference dose and the upper tolerable daily intake set by the US Food and Drug Administration. The cancer risk for the Lebanese population from acrylamide exposure estimations appears to be significant, highlighting the need to conduct further epidemiological studies and ensure monitoring of acrylamide levels in food products.

Toxic metals and phthalates are introduced in the manufacturing of plastic toys and modeling clays. In Lebanon, inexpensive plastic toys and modeling clays (sold in dollar stores) are affordable and popular, and there is no legislation to monitor or regulate such toys. This study aimed to assess the quality of inexpensive plastic toys and modeling clays imported in Lebanon. Metal concentrations in toys, namely, zinc [not detectable (ND) to 3,708 μg/g], copper (ND to 140), chromium (ND to 75 μg/g), tin (ND to 39 μg/g), and cadmium (Cd) (ND to 20 μg/g), were lower than the European Union (EU) Directive limits, whereas lead (ND to 258 μg/g) in 10 % of samples and antimony (Sb) (ND to 195 μg/g) in 5 % of samples were greater than the EU limits. In modeling clays, most of the metals were lower than the EU Directive limits except for Cd and arsenic (As). Cd was detected in 83 % of samples, with a mean level of 9.1 μg/g, which is far greater than the EU Directive limit (1.9 μg/g). The As mean level of 4.5 μg/g was greater than the EU limit (4.0 μg/g) and was detected in 9 % of samples. Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) were found in 60 % of children’s toys and 77 % of modeling clays. Phthalic acid butyl ester had the highest-level PAE encountered and was ≤59.1 % in one type of clay. However, among children’s toys, di(4-octyl) ester terephthalic acid was the highest encountered phthalate at a concentration of 25.7 %. The community survey indicated that 82 % of households purchase their toys from inexpensive shops and that only 17 % of parents were aware of the health hazard of such toys. Consequently, an intervention plan was proposed for the provision of safe toys to children.

Although extensive research has been carried on anion complexation reactions involving calix[4]pyrrole, nothing has been reported regarding this receptor and its interaction with arsenic species. The fact that a single step reaction is required for the synthesis of this receptor, calls upon the need to explore its removal ability for these species from water as a starting point for the development of a new technological approach for water remediation purposes based on Supramolecular Chemistry. This paper reports a detailed study on the interactions involving calix[4]pyrrole with As(III) and As(V). The interaction of As species and calix[4]pyrrole was assessed by 1H NMR using a phase transfer approach aided by molecular simulation studies. The X-ray spectrum confirms the presence of arsenic species in the solid receptor. Optimal conditions for removing As(III) and As(V) from water were established. The kinetics of extraction is fast and calix[4]pyrrole is able to remove 15.28 and 14.29 mg/g of arsenate and arsenite respectively. Material was tested for removing arsenic species from real samples collected from different contaminated sites in Argentina. Percentages of arsenate, arsenite and organic arsenic removed from these samples are higher than 85%.

Securing adequate safe drinking water and proper sanitation is a major challenge facing the developing world. The "Water for Life Decade" emphasizes the importance of upgrading national water quality and sanitation services. This study assessed the domestic water profile in the city of Beirut. Samples were collected from three types of household water sources (municipality, private wells, and vended water bottles) and assessed for their physiochemical and microbiological profile. At the same time, a cross-sectional survey assessing water consumption patterns and the prevalence of water-borne diseases was conducted. The results showed a deficient water quality profile in all three water sources. The measured physiochemical and bacteriological parameters reflected the high frequency of water-borne diseases. Action to secure a safe domestic water supply is essential. The plan should guarantee the protection of water sources, ensure sufficient treatment of domestic water and upgrade the national program for potable water quality control. Periodic quality monitoring and legislating the chaotic water-vending sector are indispensable. Additionally, the deterioration of private well sources by sea and wastewater infiltration necessitates the enforcement of legislation associated with the use and management of private wells. Consumer awareness and active contributions to promote and protect public health are important.

The Qaraaoun Reservoir (impoundment of the River Litani) is the only artificial surface water body in the country, Lebanon. Earlier study on the water quality of the Qaraaoun Reservoir identified three water quality zoning with a central distinct zone suitable for multipurpose water usage. The objective of this study was to extend the earlier work by considering the total metal content of reservoir bed sediments and hence to evaluate factors that control metal deposition or capture. Water samples were collected from 15 sampling sites and sediment samples were simultaneously collected from 9 sites. Water parameters analyzed were pH, Eh, DO and temperature. Sediment samples were dried and sieved and sediment75 microm was retained for analysis. Sediments were subjected to a stepwise heating process with aqua regia to extract the metals, and their content in sediments determined by ICP-MS. The sediment data revealed higher metal contents where the river entered the reservoir which matched higher concentrations of water parameters at the influx site. Regression analysis of total metals in sediments with distance from the river Litani influx point to the dam revealed a log trend for Fe, Cr and Ni, whereas, the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb were better described by a polynomial regression. Three sediment zones were identified: entrance, oxidation (central) and reducing (near dam) zones. Sediment contents of Zn, Cu and Pb correlated with organic content, whereas sediment Cr and Ni were associated with iron. It was concluded that sediments act as a sink for metals and the deposition of metals is primarily related to sediment organic content and the level of dissolved oxygen in water.

Although Lebanon has abundant water, its rivers are polluted and aquifer water mismanaged. Effective river water usage requires an understanding of the geochemistry of polluting metals in catchments. Climate is "Mediterranean": wet winters and dry summers. Active sediment flushing is restricted to winter high discharge episodes. Except in winter, water column pollutants are removed by precipitation or sorption to the surface of static bed sediments. Hence (1) does winter flushing of contaminated sediment and replacement by clean sediment favour self purification? (2) does the distribution of metals between extractable fractions change seasonally and thereby affect metal bioavailability ? Results on the distribution of metals are reported for Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd in bed sediments from Nahr Ibrahim (a karstic river) for summer and winter. A Tessier-like sequential extraction scheme was applied to samples (75 microm) for five locations along a 13 km stretch to the sea. Water pH was above 8.2 at all locations implying a very low solubility for Fe. Sediment was derived from catchment soils and limestone. Total sediment Fe increased in winter at all sites following deposition of eroded soil from upstream. Cadmium, Cu and Pb derived from polluting sources; the sources of Zn were more complex. Dilution by clean sediment explained winter reductions in total Cd, Cu and Pb; Zn changes were less consistent. Iron occurred mostly (77 sum of fractions) in the residual fraction compared with 6- 31 for pollutants; residual Cu and Zn showed a small increase in winter whereas Cd and Pb did not change. All readily exchangeable metals decreased in winter and the carbonate bound forms predominated in both seasons. Nahr Ibrahim has a high capacity for self purification and metal resolubilization from sediment will be limited by the solubility of carbonate forms.

Rivers whose basins are underlain by limestone possess a high buffering capacity for discharged pollutants. During the discharge of metals in the aquatic environment, metals are partitioned between the sediment and the water column phases. Further partitioning of metals occurs within the sediment chemical fractions and metal speciation in water column, thus leading to the possible reduction of the toxic free hydrated metal ion. The present study focuses on one of Lebanon's rivers; the Nahr-Ibrahim whose basin is underlain by limestone and its river water is dominated by carbonate species due to the high pH and alkalinity values. The objectives of this study were: first, to determine the metal speciation (Fe, Zn, Pb and Cd) in the (operationally defined) sediment chemical fractions and metal speciation in river water; second, to evaluate the role of carbonate species in the self-purification process from metal pollutant inputs into the river. Bed sediments and water were collected from eight locations in one dry season (September, 1997), and a sequential chemical fractionation scheme was applied to the

Over the last two decades, urban noise has been increasing rapidly, primarily in urban areas, due to population growth and the increase of certain noise sources. The main objective of this paper is to assess the sources and possible impacts of the community noise problems in Lebanese urban areas, particularly the Greater Beirut Area. The causes and effects of community noise pollution are briefly presented. Sound pressure levels that were measured to define existing noise exposure levels in various locations in the Greater Beirut Area are also presented. The attitudes toward noise pollution and perceived annoyance impact on a sample of 1,038 exposed residents are described. The association between measured noise levels and sources, as well as annoyance, is examined using correlation analysis and linear and multiple linear regressions. A set of recommendations is presented to reduce community noise problem in Greater Beirut Area.

The increased demand on water resources in Lebanon as a resultof: progressive urbanization, socio-economic growth, agriculturalactivities and development of industries is, according to the national authorities, a major critical factor by the year 2010.Political difficulties in earlier years imply a dearth of pertinent data. The objective of this study was to evaluate water quality of the Qaraaoun Reservoir of the Litani River andassess its feasibility for multi-purpose usage as one of the solutions to the aggravated water problems in Lebanon. Sampleswere collected from 18 sampling sites at several dates duringthe dry season. Parameters analysed were, pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, turbidity, alkalinity, Ca, Mg, TH, Cl-, SO42-, NH3, NO3-,PO43-, Fe, Al, Na, Zn, Cr, Cu and As. The reported data were in compliancewith WHO guidelines, USEPA regulation and EEC directives. Statistical analysis of the data defined three distinct environmental zones and water quality in the central, main zone satisfied most criteria. It is concluded that the reservoir water is fit for multipurpose uses, namely, drinking, domestic,recreational activities, irrigation, fisheries, livestock and industrial, and should be properly managed accordingly.

Lebanon depends primarily, for its water resources on ground water that is deteriorating rapidly. The increased demand on water resources in Lebanon as a result of: progressive urbanization, socio-economic growth, development of agricultural and industrial activities will lead to critical water limitations factor by the year 2010. Consequently, other resources such as the availability of surface water in terms of quality and quantity is of major importance. The political instability in the country limited the development of a comprehensive data-base for surface water. The paper focuses on assessing the water quality of the Qaraaoun reservoir, an impoundment of the river Litani for multipurpose utilization. This would serve as a prototype for the development of comprehensive plans for optimal utilization of surface water sources in Lebanon, as a venue to meet the water needs of Lebanon. The Qaraaoun reservoir, which till now has limited utilization of hydroelectric power and agricultural activities, proved to posses other usage. A master plan for the management of the Qaraaoun reservoir, as a prototype for surface water, should address policy constrains relative to environmental, institutional and financial issues.

Years of political instability have left Lebanon with significant gaps in environmental knowledge. This paper reports new results for trace metals in bed sediments of the river Nahr-lbrahim. The drainage basin of the river Nahr-lbrahim is largely floored by karstified limestone. Metal pollution is operative within the catchment. The objectives of this study were first to identify possible sources of metals (geological and/or anthropogenic) and then to characterise the chemical partitioning of the metals in the sediments. Bed load sediments were sampled at five locations along a 13 km stretch from the river mouth, during the dry season. Samples were collected on two dates, dried and then sieved into three mechanical fractions. We report total Fe, Cu, Pb and Zn contents of the

Determination of only total element in sediments does not give an accurate estimate of the likely environmental impacts. Speciation study of metals in sediment provides information on the potential availability of metals (toxic) to biota under various environmental conditions. In water, the toxic metal specie is the free hydrated metal ion. The toxicity of metals depends especially on their chemical forms rather than their total metal content. The present study focuses on Qaraaoun Reservoir, Lebanon. Earlier studies focused only on total metal concentrations in sediment and water. The objective of this study was to determine metal speciation (Fe, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd) in the (operationally defined) sediment chemical fractions and metal speciation in reservoir water. This would reflect on metal bioavailability and toxicity. Water samples and bed sediments were collected from nine sites during the dry season and a sequential chemical fraction scheme was applied to the

In urban cities, the environmental services are the responsibility of the public sector, where piped water supply is the norm for urban household. Likewise, in Beirut City (capital of Lebanon) official water authorities are the main supplier of domestic water through a network of piping system that leaks in many areas. Beirut City and its suburbs are overpopulated since it is the residence of 1/3 of the Lebanese citizens. Thus, Beirut suffers deficiency in meeting its water demand. Water rationing, as a remedial action, is firmly established since four decades by the Lebanese Water Authorities. Consumers resorted then to private wells to supplement their domestic water needs. Consequently, household water quality is influenced by external factors relating to well water characteristics and internal factors depending on the types of the pipes of the distribution network and cross connections to sewer pipes. These factors could result in chemical and microbial contamination of drinking water. The objective of this study is to investigate domestic water quality variation in Beirut City emerging form the aforementioned factors. The presented work encircles a typical case study of Beirut City (Ras Beirut). Results showed deterioration pattern in domestic water quality. The predicted metal species and scales within the water pipes of distribution network depended on water pH, hardness, sulfate, chloride, and iron. The corrosion of iron pipes mainly depended on Mg hardness.

Rivers whose basins are underlain by carbonate rocks exhibit high pH, lower desorption of metals and possess high buffering capacity against acidic inputs to the river. The catchment of River Nahr-Ibrahim, Lebanon, is largely underlain by limestone. Compared to neighbouring countries, Lebanon is relatively fortunate since precipitation is high. However, recently a warming in temperature and a drop in precipitation has occurred, thus causing low water levels in rivers. The objective of this study is to investigate the variation of the total metal content (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd) in bed sediments and water of River Nahr-Ibrahim between 1996 and 1999 (two years); and relate these variations to the effect of changes in human activities and/or due to the variations of precipitation rate, temperature and pH of water. Bed load sediments and stream water were collected simultaneously from five sampling sites. Water pH and temperature were determined in situ. Sediment samples were dried at room temperature and sieved; the sediment size75 microns size was retained. Water was analysed for major constituents and trace metals. Metals were extracted from sediments with aqua regia. Metal concentration in water and sediments were determined using ICP-MS technique. Data revealed a drop in metal concentrations (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd) in sediments at quarry site after its closure. The decrease in precipitation rate, lowering the level of water and the dilution of industrial discharges and decrease in water pH led most probably to the desorption of metals from sediments into the water.

Over the last two decades, urban noise has been increasing rapidly, primarily in urban areas, due to population growth and the increase of certain noise sources. The main objective of this paper is to assess the sources and possible impacts of the community noise problems in Lebanese urban areas, particularly the Greater Beirut Area. The causes and effects of community noise pollution are briefly presented. Sound pressure levels that were measured to define existing noise exposure levels in various locations in the Greater Beirut Area are also presented. The attitudes toward noise pollution and perceived annoyance impact on a sample of 1,038 exposed residents are described. The association between measured noise levels and sources, as well as annoyance, is examined using correlation analysis and linear and multiple linear regressions. A set of recommendations is presented to reduce community noise problem in Greater Beirut Area.

The increased demand on water resources in Lebanon as a result of: progressive urbanization, socio-economic growth, agricultural activities and development of industries is, according to the national authorities, a major critical factor by the year 2010. Political difficulties in earlier years imply a dearth of pertinent data. The objective of this study was to evaluate water quality of the Qaraaoun Reservoir of the Litani River and assess its feasibility for multi-purpose usage as one of the solutions to the aggravated water problems in Lebanon. Samples were collected from 18 sampling sites at several dates during the dry season. Parameters analysed were, pH, electrical conductivity, TDS, turbidity, alkalinity, Ca, Mg, TH, Cl-, SO4(2-), NH3, NO3(-), PO4(3-), Fe, Al, Na, Zn, Cr, Cu and As. The reported data were in compliance with WHO guidelines, USEPA regulation and EEC directives. Statistical analysis of the data defined three distinct environmental zones and water quality in the central, main zone satisfied most criteria. It is concluded that the reservoir water is fit for multipurpose uses, namely, drinking, domestic, recreational activities, irrigation, fisheries, livestock and industrial, and should be properly managed accordingly.

The levels of K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb, As, Cd, Cr, and Pb in commonly used medicinal herbs and their infusions by Lebanese were analyzed by EDXRF and ASS techniques, respectively. The order of metal contents in the herbs was found to be: K (6990-19850 ug/g) > Ca(1630-14450 ug/g) > Fe(80-3650 ug/g) > Mn (28-458 ug/g) > Zn (23-108 ug/g) > Cu (5-71 ug/g) > Cr (3.1-55 ug/g) Pb> (1.1-10.3 ug/g) > As (nd-10.8 ug/g) > Cd (nd-1.7 ug/g). The mean levels of toxic metals in herbs Pb, As and Cd were below WHO permissible levels. Cluster analysis indicated metals are most probably in plants due to wastes disposal and irrigation with contaminated wastes and/or from atmospheric waste particulates. The levels of Mn, Cr, Pb and As in herbal infusions were found to be higher in soaked than boiled preparations and correlated with Fe, while Zn and Cu levels were higher in boiled infusions. The highest weekly intake from herbal infusions of toxic metals Cr (492.8 ug), As (77.0 ug), Pb (291.2 ug) and Cd (19.0 ug) were below the recommended permissible tolerable weekly intake respectively 1260 ug, 900 ug, 1500 ug, and 150 ug. Therefore, the consumption of these traditional medicinal herbs does not pose any health risk provided full compliance with recommended daily doses.

Canned foods are frequently consumed in Lebanon, and limited reported information about metal content in Lebanese marketed canned food. The objective of this study is to assess metal content of different canned food sold in Lebanese market and the impact of metal cans on food quality. Results indicated that Fe has the highest percentage of metals in cans, some cans the % of Al was comparable to Fe and 50% of cans had Sn up to 12%. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) of each metal indicated statistically significant difference of metal levels in the different food categories, except for Cr. In food Fe, Zn, Cu, Al, and Sn levels were below the international permissible levels. But in some artichoke and mushroom Sn levels were close to EU permissible limit, a correlation existed between levels of Sn and Al in cans and the respective food. Lead highest levels were in corn and fava beans, Hg in fish, and both were below PTWI levels. Thirty percent of vegetables and legumes and 45% of fish samples had Cd levels above EU permissible level (0.1 ug/g). This finding necessitates continuous monitoring of Cd levels in canned food for providing citizens with safe food.

Background The consumption of dietary supplements is widely spread and on the rise. These dietary supplements are generally used without prescriptions, proper counseling or any awareness of their health risk. The current study aimed at analyzing the metals in 33 samples of imported dietary supplements highly consumed by the Lebanese population, using 3 different techniques, to ensure the safety and increase the awareness of the citizen to benefit from these dietary supplements. Results Some samples had levels of metals above their maximum allowable levels (Fe: 24%, Zn: 33%, Mn: 27%, Se: 15%, Mo: 12% of samples), but did not pose any health risk because they were below permitted daily exposure limit and recommended daily allowance except for Fe in 6% of the samples. On the other hand, 34% of the samples had Cu levels above allowable limit where 18% of them were above their permitted daily exposure and recommended daily allowance. In contrast, all samples had concentration of Cr, Hg, and Pb below allowable limits and daily exposure. Whereas, 30% of analyzed samples had levels of Cd above allowable levels, and were statistically correlated with Ca, and Zn essential minerals. Similarly 62% of the samples had levels of As above allowable limits and As levels were associated with Fe and Mn essential minerals. Conclusion Dietary supplements consumed as essential nutrients for their Ca, Zn, Fe and Mn content should be monitored for toxic metal levels due to their natural geochemical association with these essential metals to provide citizens the safe allowable amounts.

Integrated management of water resources is a major critical issue to be addressed in combating water stress in developing countries, such as Lebanon. At present, surface water is not properly used in Lebanon. This emphasises the importance of assessing surface water quality as a projected means to increase water availability. This study involves two different water bodies, the freely flowing Nahr-Ibrahin River and the Qaraaoun Reservoir, an impoundment of the Litani River. Water samples were collected from 16 chosen sites of each water body at four different dates during the dry season. Measured water parameters were temperature, pH, conductivity, BOD, HCO3-, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, SO42-, PO43-, NO3-, NH3, Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, and Cd. Statistical analysis of the data revealed significant differences in water quality. The differences could be attributed to the fact that whereas the Qaraaoun reservoir is receiving domestic waste discharges that lead to an increase in the CO2 content and a pH decrease, the Nahr-Ibrahim River is influenced by agricultural runoffs and industrial discharges that increase the pH values. Consequently, the water metal speciation of the two water bodies was different. The study indicated that the differential quality of the two water bodies could be attributed to the nature of the water resources and exposure to contaminants. This is crucial in recommending intervention studies to protect quality and promote the role of surface water use, as an integrated component of water management in Lebanon.