Abstract
To assess the quality of groundwater resources, samples were collected from 22 points for mean annual water years of 2003 and 2015 (mean minimum and maximum water table), and 19 parameters were examined and calculated. One of the objectives of this study was to evaluate the groundwater quality of the Ghaemshahr plain which includes the study of spatial and temporal changes of groundwater quality in different sectors and factors affecting it. In this study, combining statistical methods such as Pearson correlation coefficient, factor analysis, principal component analysis, and combined diagrams with hydrochemical methods are used to assess the chemical quality of groundwater. Samples were categorized by using cluster method and then the same samples were identified. Accordingly, samples were classified in four categories which represent the quality of groundwater in different districts. Factor analysis was used to identify the factors affecting the geochemical processes of the aquifer. Statistical methods showed that they can be used to complete the conventional methods in hydro-geochemistry as well as very precise results can be achieved. Based on the obtained results, saturation index of Ghaemshahr groundwater was super-saturated; and groundwater quality control of Ghaemshahr plain is hold by processes such as dissolution of halide (salt water intrusion of Caspian Sea and brackish fossil aquifers), calcite and dolomite (dissolution of limestone, dolomite, and marl in height), weathering sodium-rich plagioclases (clay minerals), and ion exchange.
Highlights
Water is a matrix of life and it is essential for all biological ecosystems; it is the life fluid and the material for the growth of vital developments on this planet that is habitat of all living beings [1]
Minimum values have not changed much in two years, but an abnormal increase can be seen in maximum values only in one well, which the most important reason is the influence of saline solution from fossil aquifer and to some extent may have been caused by sea saltwater intrusion
This represents an increase of chemical reactions in the range of weathering and interaction between water and rock; and its transferring to the middle part and its mixing with salt water leakage caused calcium and magnesium of deposits take place ion exchange with sodium and potassium, association with saline solution through the path and reverse ion exchange occurs in the same area
Summary
Water is a matrix of life and it is essential for all biological ecosystems; it is the life fluid and the material for the growth of vital developments on this planet that is habitat of all living beings [1]. Multivariate statistical analysis has been widely applied to provide quantitative values and its relationship with qualitative parameters of water and to present the existing processes in groundwater aquifers These studies are useful to: evaluate and interpret qualitative data set of groundwater [2]; provide proper vision to created processes; and identify issues related to possible sources of contamination or pollution processes, the interaction between river water and groundwater and mixing of groundwater’s [3]. The results from the factor analysis in the studied area of Zoweircherry and Kherran plains (Khuzestan province, SW Iran) reflect three major factors which have about 77 percent of the total amount of the subscription It includes the chemical processes of the dissolution of the salt, the infiltration of sodium chloride water from side of seasonal waterway; in Factor-2, the dissolution of gypsum, and in Factor-3, bicarbonate had the highest factor loading, which represent recharging from precipitation [6]
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