Spread throughout the city of Hit in western Iraq, situated on the banks of the Euphrates River, are natural springs of Oil seep. These springs vary in size, ranging from small to large, and they form a prominent geographic landmark in the region. Additionally, they represent a unique geological phenomenon worthy of study and attention.

However, the abundance of these Oil seep springs within residential areas has become an increasing environmental concern for the city's inhabitants. Toxic gases emitted from these springs, resulting from the activity of bacteria that feed on components of oil and groundwater, pose a threat to the environment.

Geologically, the origin of these Oil seep springs can be traced to the region's location within the Abu Jir Fault Zone, which extends from south to northwest Iraq as deep fractures in the rock layers, allowing oil to seep to the surface. Some of the accompanying water to the seepag comes from the western desert through the groundwater layers of elevated areas. Modern studies indicate that the source of the leaked oil from these springs dates back to the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods, originating from various marine sedimentary environments.

Bitumen flows intensely from some springs while its quantities decrease in others. Crude bitumen is characterized by its dark black color and high density due to the loss of light volatile components (C1-C20).

The issue extends beyond Oil seep; the gases produced from its breakdown pose a significant environmental problem, especially toxic hydrogen sulfide gas. Additionally, sulfur-laden water leaking and depositing along the course of the springs lead to soil contamination.

The situation becomes more hazardous closer to the springs located within residential areas in the city center, where pollution levels rise, directly exposing residents to health risks. Therefore, this environmental dilemma necessitates extensive studies aimed at finding appropriate solutions to mitigate its severity and reduce its risks to both the environment and humans.