Estimation of corrosion and encrustation from groundwater chemistry of the aquifers: A case study of Al Hammad zone

Abstract

This work propose new method to predict corrosion and encrustation from groundwater chemistry of the aquifers. The tendency of groundwater to react with minerals forming systems by corrosion mechanism and/or incrustation in water pumps, pipes, storage tanks, irrigation systems, and their accessories is examed. The chemical properties of the groundwater within the aquifers of eight hydrogeologic districts in the western portion of Iraq were used in the calculation of Ryznar Stability and Langelier saturation indices supported by Phreeqe software. The monitoring network of groundwater quality consisting of twelve physiochemical variables in 64 water wells has determined according to the water point inventory using a GPS apparatus. The hadrochemical data and corrosion indices have been presented in spatial distribution maps. The results have also correlated with Ryznar and Langelier classifications to determine the corrosion and incrustation potential, which is crucial for groundwater development and exploitation. The results show that the groundwater of all aquifers has a potential of incrustation with a majority percent of 95.4, while 4.2 % of the groundwater is continued to corrosion ability. A spatial variation in the ability of salts incrustation and/or corrosion mechanisms has observed between aquifers.