Evaluating the potential of sediments in Ziqlab Reservoir (northwest Jordan) for soil replacement and amendment

Abstract Surface sediments of Ziqlab Reservoir, northwest Jordan, were evaluated to characterize trace element distributions and sources related to various physicochemical variables. Trace element distribution is determined by texture, parent material in the catchment, and anthropogenic activities. The suitability of reservoir sediment for replacing or amending soil was assessed by comparing sediment characteristics to natural soils. Results suggest that the sandy facies can be used as artificial soils, whereas clayey facies can be utilized as fertilizer for poor quality soils in Jordan. The fine-grained sediment fraction is associated with (1) high abundance of clay minerals with high cation exchange capacity and available micronutrients; (2) occurrence of kaolinite, montmorillonite–illite, vermiculite, and smectite; and (3) optimal pH values for availability of most micronutrients. Among the trace elements measured, total nickel and cadmium slightly exceeded recommended safe levels for soils, but the hi...