Application of geographical information system (GIS) to groundwater quality investigation: A case study of Mardan district, Pakistan

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the groundwater quality of Mardan salinity control and reclamation project (SCARP) area and its suitability for irrigation purposes. A total of 18 villages were selected and water samples were taken from each one. Spatial data of the locations were taken by Magellan GPS Receiver. These samples were analyzed in the laboratory and then compared with the irrigation water quality guidelines suggested by WAPDA (Water and Power Development Authority Pakistan) and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) to determine the groundwater quality for irrigation. Analysis and mapping of ground water quality data were performed by using Arc GIS 9.2 software. Various statistical measures such as mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and confidence interval of groundwater quality data were calculated. The results indicated that majority of the ground water samples were in the range of marginal fit category of irrigation water quality. It is concluded that the ground water at certain locations get polluted due to seepage and percolation losses from surface. Key words: Mardan salinity control and reclamation project (SCARP), groundwater, water and power development authority Pakistan (WAPDA), geographical information system (GIS).