Assessing the efficiency of WRASTIC method in determining the vulnerability of surface water resources in semi-arid region using the NSFWQI

Abstract

In this study, the WRASTIC method was used to assess the surface water vulnerability in sub-catchments of Kivi Dam's watershed which is located in the north-east of Iran using remote sensing and GIS techniques. Monthly change of the FC, pH, T, PO4, NO3, Tur and TS water quality parameters of the samples were measured in a one-year period. The NSFWQI of those sub-catchments were calculated based on average value of water quality parameters. Comparing the priorities of vulnerability and overall quality of surface water in studied sub-catchments showed the acceptable efficiency of WRASTIC method in assessing the vulnerability of surface water resources in semi-arid regions. Also, the results showed that among studies sub-catchments, the surface water in sub-catchment no. 1 has the most vulnerability (WRASTIC index = 56) and the worst overall quality (NSFWQI = 51).