Environmental effects of irrigation and drainage network of Kheirabad area, SW of Iran

Abstract

The area is located on Behbahan City, Khuzestan province, southwestern on Iran. This study has been done according to available information in the databank of Khuzestan Water and Power Authority and also new measures in the area. Based on available data, the water quality of Kheirabad and Zohre River in sampling stations is not suitable for drinking. The study area is located on Khuzestan Province-Behbahan city, Iran. The hardness of water samples is in the category of very hard (over 300 ppm CaCO3), and Fe, Mn and Pb values are more than standards. In new sampling and 12-month monitoring of anions, cations, heavy metals and microbial parameters indicate that Hg, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, OC, T-coliforms and fecal coliforms in all stations for agricultural purposes and surface waters are more than standards and the sewage factories near the river have a noticeable effect on these contaminations. Furthermore, the high values of phosphate, ammonia and nitrate of some stations in wet seasons can be generated from agriculture wastes near the villages of the study area. In addition, because of outcrops of Gachsaran Formation in some stations, the concentration of ions is more than standards. So the results of Schuler diagrams indicate the water surface in the most cases is not suitable for drinking and based on Wilcox diagram all stations are located in C4S4 class.