Assessment Of Groundwater Quality Research Articles

Using isometric log-ratio in compositional data analysis for developing a groundwater pollution index

This study introduces a novel groundwater pollution index (GPI) formulated through compositional data analysis (CoDa) and robust principal component analysis (RPCA) to enhance groundwater quality assessment. Using groundwater quality monitoring data from sites impacted by the 2010–2011 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in South Korea, CoDa uncovers critical hydrochemical differences between leachate-influenced and background groundwater. The GPI was developed by selecting key subcompositional parts (NH4+-N, Cl-, and NO3--N) using RPCA, performing the isometric log-ratio (ILR) transformation, and normalizing the results to environmental standards, thereby providing a more precise and accurate assessment of pollution. Validated against government criteria, the GPI has shown its potential as an alternative assessment tool, with its reliability confirmed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. This study highlights the essential role of CoDa, especially the ILR -transformation, in overcoming the limitations of traditional statistical methods that often neglect the relative nature of hydrochemical data. Our results emphasize the utility of the GPI in significantly advancing groundwater quality monitoring and management by addressing a methodological gap in the quantitative assessment of groundwater pollution.

Machine learning-based ensemble model for groundwater quality prediction: A case study

ABSTRACT Groundwater quality is vital for public health and environmental sustainability. As managing large datasets is challenging for traditional methods, this study combines the hidden Markov model (HMM) and the artificial neural network (ANN), a machine learning-based ensemble model to predict groundwater quality in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India. In order to train the model, the acquired data is cleaned and normalized. HMM is used to find hidden patterns while the ANN architecture is used to forecast groundwater quality categories. Accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and F1-scores calculation are necessary to evaluate the model's performance. The effectiveness of the approach can be analyzed by k-fold cross-validation scores. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the HMM–ANN approach in groundwater quality prediction with an accuracy of 97.41%. Thus, the research contributes to groundwater quality assessment by offering a unique methodology that facilitates informed decision-making for water resource management and environmental conservation.

Groundwater Quality Assessment of a Crystalline Terrain at Semi-arid Region in Southern Parts of India

Groundwater Quality Assessment of a Crystalline Terrain at Semi-arid Region in Southern Parts of India

Groundwater in the coastal areas of Ghana: Quality and associated health risks

Self-supply water sources, particularly groundwater sources, play key roles in the water supply ecosystem of developing countries. Recent studies indicate that groundwater sources in coastal communities in Ghana are under threat from improper waste management practices, seawater intrusion and atmospheric aerosol deposition. In this study, Water Quality Index (WQI) and Nemerow's Pollution Index (NPI) were employed to assess groundwater quality in four coastal communities of Ghana. The health risks associated with metal pollution of groundwater were investigated using incremental life cancer risk and hazard quotient. pH of groundwater in all the studied communities were acidic during the rainy season. Electrical conductivity ranged from 0.44 to 2.61 mS/cm in the rainy season and from 0.43 to 2.45 mS/cm in the dry season for the four studied locations. Results also showed brackish conditions and mineralization of groundwater in Winneba, Accra, and Keta. Mean nitrate concentrations in Winneba and Accra were higher than the WHO standards for both the rainy and the dry season. Arsenic was higher than the acceptable level in Accra and Keta during the dry season, while iron was higher than the acceptable levels in Accra in both the rainy and dry seasons. Principal Component Analyses showed that Pb, As, and Fe had the highest loading in the first component in Essiama, while PO43-and Pb had the highest loading in the second component in Accra. WQI showed that the quality of groundwater in all the studied communities ranged from marginal to poor indicating that groundwater in the coastal communities often or usually departs from desirable quality. NPI revealed that NO3- , As, and Fe contribute to groundwater deterioration. Health risk assessment showed that As posed a high cancer risk in Accra and potential cancer risk in Essiama, Winneba, and Keta during the dry season. As also posed potential cancer risk in Accra during the rainy season. Non-cancer health risk was observed for As in Accra and Keta. The findings of this study suggest urgent regulations and monitoring strategies to improve groundwater quality in the coastal communities of Ghana.

Assessment of Groundwater Quality for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes Using Hydro-Chemical and Water Quality Index Studies in Kurukshetra (Haryana), India

Assessment of Groundwater Quality for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes Using Hydro-Chemical and Water Quality Index Studies in Kurukshetra (Haryana), India

Hydrochemical characteristics assessment and evaluation of groundwater quality through MSTs and irrigation indices

Hydrochemical characteristics assessment and evaluation of groundwater quality through MSTs and irrigation indices

Integration of GIS and Water-Quality Index for Preliminary Assessment of Groundwater Suitability for Human Consumption and Irrigation in Semi-Arid Region

The Setifian high-plains region, Northeast of Algeria, grapples with challenges in water resource management. As the water demand intensifies across a diverse range of sectors, assessing groundwater quality becomes indispensable. This article responds to the critical need for a thorough assessment of groundwater quality in the Wadi Boussellam sub-watershed. Employing a GIS-based method, we evaluate groundwater geochemistry by estimating the Water Quality Index (WQI), offering a comprehensive overview of water consumption. The analysis of groundwater samples reveals distinct facies, including calcic bicarbonate, calcic chloride, calcic sulfate, and magnesium sulfate, contributing to an enhanced understanding of the hydrochemical composition in the Setif region. Hydrochemical indices, specifically the WQI, Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), and Na% are applied to assess groundwater suitability for various applications. The results indicate that most crops are generally suitable for irrigation, though they advise exercising caution with regard to human consumption. This study underscores the significance of regular monitoring to avert groundwater contamination and ensure sustainable use in the Setif region, providing insights that emphasize the ongoing necessity for efforts in water resource management and the preservation of this vital resource’s quality.

Assessment of groundwater quality for human consumption and its health risks in the Middle Magdalena Valley, Colombia

Groundwater is the primary source of water for people living in rural areas, especially during seasons when surface water is contaminated or unavailable. In Colombia, people use groundwater as drinking water without additional treatment. In addition, there is no infrastructure for wastewater collection and sewage treatment in the region of the Middle Magdalena Valley. The current study aims to evaluate the quality of groundwater in this region to determine any potential health hazards associated with its consumption. To reach the objective, three (3) physicochemical and microbiological sampling campaigns were carried out during different hydrological periods. A total of 428 groundwater samples were analyzed for over 28 parameters. The results were compared with the water quality standards proposed by the US EPA and Colombian regulations for human consumption. The analysis revealed the presence of total and fecal coliforms in 89% and 58% of the analyzed samples, respectively, identifying them as the main contaminants in groundwater. Furthermore, the pH levels did not meet the standards set by the US EPA in 33.8% of the cases and by Colombian regulations in 31.02%. Additionally, 32.8%, 17.6%, 14.3%, and 10.9% of the samples failed to meet the established thresholds for apparent color, magnesium, iron, and nitrates, respectively, under both standards. Moreover, only the analyses of selenium, mercury, and zinc complied with the quality standards under both regulatory frameworks. Based on the Colombian Drinking-Water Quality Risk Index (CDWQRI-IRCA), the risk associated with water quality meant for human consumption was assessed. The results showed that over 84% of the samples analyzed posed a high risk to human health, 4.6% posed a medium risk, 5.5% posed a low risk, and only 5.7% posed no risk at all. Additionally, official mortality statistics for children under four years old were reviewed, which revealed two deaths in 2019 due to Acute Diarrheal Disease (ADD) caused by consumption of contaminated water. Therefore, it is crucial to implement water treatment systems, establish aqueducts in rural areas, and conduct rigorous and systematic monitoring of drinking water to ensure it is safe for human consumption. It is also important to track morbidity and mortality rates associated with water consumption.

Investigating seawater intrusion and salinization using the integration of hydrochemical and geoelectrical techniques

Seawater intrusion poses a significant environmental threat to water resources, agriculture, and ecosystems. We investigated the extent of seawater intrusion and salinization in the eastern coastal aquifers of Saudi Arabia. Hydrochemical measurements and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) techniques were employed to assess groundwater quality and subsurface extension of seawater intrusion. Two resistivity profiles, 475 m long each, were analyzed to gain insights into subsurface geology and seawater intrusion. The inversion of the recorded resistivity data revealed four distinct subsurface layers. The uppermost layer consists of surficial deposits, followed by a sandy seawater intrusion layer, beneath that lies a marl layer, and at the bottom, a dolomitic-limestone layer representing the brackish-water aquifer. The ERT results are integrated with hydrochemical and hydrogeological results from 12 wells to overcome the limitations of the ERT. Our conclusions are required to develop efficient mitigation strategies and sustainable management of groundwater resources in the study area or similar coastal regions affected by seawater intrusion. Understanding and delineating the boundary between saline and fresh water is crucial for safeguarding water resources for agricultural purposes, preserving ecosystem health, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of water supplies in coastal areas.

Geophysical survey and radiometric assessment of aquifer strata and vulnerable groundwater quality of Ukwuani Ommunities in Delta State

The study assessed the aquifer strata and groundwater quality of Obeti, Umuaja, and Ebedei communities of Ukwuani, Delta State, Nigeria using electrical resistivity technique and sodium iodide [Na(TI)] detector. The electrical resistivity technique revealed that lithology has five to six geoelectric strata, which ranged from topsoil to clay formations with thickness of 0.6 to 6.0 m sits and aquifer resistivity range of 182.1– 6032.0 Ωm with depth of 29–70 m. These ranges indicate significant changes in the aquifer level and sufficient reservoirs for groundwater. To assess the activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K at the aquifer depth of 29–70 m groundwater, a total of fifteen groundwater samples were collect for analysis and the mean results are 9.00±1.24Bql−1, 4.82±2.95Bql−1 and 57.93±4.20Bql−1 respectively. These results are all above world threshold limits. However, the computed mean radiological health risk values for radium equivalent (Raeq), representative index (Iy), external hazard index (Hin), internal hazard index (Hex), absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), outdoor and indoor, and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) outdoor and indoor are 20.35±5.78 Bql−1, 0.15mSvy−1, 0.056mSvy−1, 0.08mSvy−1, 9.55μGyh−1, 11.71mSvy−1, 46.84mSvy−1and 0.04×10−3, 0.16×10−3 and 0.20×10−3 for the addition of (ELCR) outdoor and indoor respectively. The computed mean radiological values are below world threshold limits. Hence, the studied communities’ drinking groundwater is safe radiologically. It is advised that government, oil and gas operators and individuals should drill above 30 m depth for quality groundwater and should be treated before usage. These values will serve as baseline data.

Toward Decontamination in Coastal Regions: Groundwater Quality, Fluoride, Nitrate, and Human Health Risk Assessments within Multi-Aquifer Al-Hassa, Saudi Arabia

Toward Decontamination in Coastal Regions: Groundwater Quality, Fluoride, Nitrate, and Human Health Risk Assessments within Multi-Aquifer Al-Hassa, Saudi Arabia

GIS-based groundwater potential zonation and assessment of groundwater quality and suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes in the Shanmughanadhi river basin, south India

To develop a specific watershed scenario, the quantity and quality of groundwater resources must be assessed and monitored locally. In the present study, an attempt has been made to identify possible groundwater potential zones, determine the quality of groundwater resources in this region, and evaluate their suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes. This goal has been achieved with the combined use of the weighted index overlay analysis (WIOA), groundwater quality index (GWQI), Remote Sensing (RS), and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The proposed study area, Shanmuganadhi, is marked with superior rainfall, oscillating temperature, and runoff with litho-units encompassing charnockite (CHK) and hornblende biotite gneiss (HBG). Over-abstraction of groundwater and intensive agricultural practices have resulted in declining and degrading water quantity and quality in this area. The resulting integrated thematic map has been classified into five groundwater potential zones, namely poor, low, moderate, high, and very high, covering 3.2, 45.49, 15.3, 27.9, and 8.1% area, respectively. Sixty groundwater samples were collected during the pre-monsoon (PRM) and analyzed for major Physico-chemical parameters. From the water quality index assessment, over 28.0% of the samples fall within the “excellent,” 8.0% “good” and 4.0% “poor” in CHK, followed by 5.71% “excellent,” 48.57% “good,” 37.14% “poor,” 5.71% “very poor” and 2.87% “unsuitable” for drinking purposes in HBG terrain of this region. Irrigation indices also demonstrated that most of the groundwater samples in the CHK and HBG exposed zones exhibited good classes for irrigation purposes, as evidenced by the SAR and %Na+. The outcome, which shows the research area's groundwater potential zones, is beneficial for improved groundwater resource planning and management. It is concluded that for larger-scale groundwater-quality investigation and assessment, the groundwater quality index-making approach (GWQI) is more practical and dependable. Water planners and decision-makers may find it helpful in effectively controlling and monitoring groundwater quality at the basin or watershed scale. Reducing urban land use and natural runoff from farms can help prevent water contamination in some regions. To ensure the safe use of groundwater, long-term monitoring of these groundwater was suggested.

Assessment of groundwater quality for drinking purposes of Malda District, India: Using WQI and GIS technique

Assessment of groundwater quality for drinking purposes of Malda District, India: Using WQI and GIS technique

Shallow groundwater quality and health risk assessment of fluoride and arsenic in Northwestern Jiangsu Province, China

Assessing groundwater quality is critical to regional water resource conservation and human health safety, especially in areas with co-existence of toxic constituents fluoride (F−) and arsenic (As). In this study, fourteen groundwater samples were collected in Feng County, Northwestern Jiangsu Province to identify dominant contaminants and their spatial distribution and health risk. The composition and variation characteristics of major ions (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, SO42−, HCO3−, and NO3−) and trace elements (F−, As, and Mn) were analyzed. The hydrochemical results revealed that high F− groundwater was mainly distributed in the northern areas whereas As-riched groundwater was primarily distributed in southern areas. Notably, over 85.7% and 21.4% of the shallow groundwater samples exceeded the drinking water quality standard of 1.5 mg/L for F− and 10 µg/L for As, respectively. Based on the water quality index (WQI) appraisal result, 71.4% of the groundwater in the study area is classified as “poor”, and thus unsuitable for drinking directly. We assessed the human non-carcinogenic health risk of F− (HQFluoride) and As (HQArsenic) and the carcinogenic health risk of As (CRArsenic). The calculated hazard quotient (HQ) for F− indicated nearly all groundwater samples have an unacceptable risk (HQ > 1) for each age group. However, HQArsenic values revealed that 28.6%, 21.4%, 21.4%, and 21.4% of groundwater samples posed potential non-carcinogenic health risks for infants, children, females, and males, respectively. The calculated results of CRArsenic showed that 0%, 21.4%, 28.6%, and 28.6% of groundwater samples posed unacceptable health risks (CR > 1.0 × 10−4) to infants, children, females, and males, respectively. The groundwater irrigation suitability assessment results showed that 21.4% of samples were doubtful to unsuitable for irrigation, and 85.7% owed magnesium hazards. The findings of this study will assist policymakers in formulating proper remedial policies and mitigation strategies to ensure the safety of drinking and irrigation water.

Hydrochemical characterization and comprehensive water quality assessment of groundwater within the main stream area of Yishu River.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the hydrochemical characteristics, controlling factors, and water quality of groundwater in the main stream area of Yishu River (MSYR), a study was conducted using water quality data collected during both the dry and wet seasons. Through statistical analysis, hydrochemical methods, fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, and health risk evaluation modeling, the water chemical characteristics of the main stream area of Yishu River were studied, and the water quality of the area was comprehensively evaluated. The findings indicate that HCO3- and Ca2+ are the predominant anions and cations in the MSYR during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Moreover, anion concentration in groundwater follows HCO3- > SO42- > NO3- > Cl-, while cations are ranked as Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+. Overall, the groundwater manifests as weakly alkaline and is predominantly classified as hard-fresh water. During the wet season, there is greater groundwater leaching and filtration, with rock and soil materials more readily transferred to groundwater, and the concentrations of main chemical components in groundwater are higher than those during the dry season, and the hydrochemical types are primarily characterized as HCO3-Ca·Mg and SO4·Cl-Ca·Mg types. These results also suggest that the chemical composition of the groundwater in the MSYR is influenced mainly by water-rock interaction. The primary ions originate from the dissolution of silicate rock and carbonate rock minerals, while cation exchange plays a critical role in the hydrogeochemical process. Groundwater in the MSYR is classified mostly as class II water, indicating that it is generally of good quality. However, areas with high levels of class IV and V water are present locally, and NO3- concentration is a crucial factor affecting groundwater quality. In the wet season, more groundwater and stronger mobility lead to greater mobility of NO3- and wider diffusion. Therefore, the risk evaluation model shows that nitrate health risk index is higher in the wet season than it is in the dry season, with children being more vulnerable to health risks than adults. To study groundwater in this area, its hydrochemical characteristics, water quality, and health risk assessment are of great practical significance for ensuring water safety for residents and stable development of social economy.

Integrated Approach to Hydrogeochemical Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Major Industrial Zone of Punjab, Pakistan.

Groundwater contamination with arsenic (As) is a significant concern in Pakistan's Punjab Province. This study analyzed 69 groundwater samples from Faisalabad, Gujranwala, Lahore, and Multan to understand hydrogeochemistry, health impacts, contamination sources, and drinking suitability. Results revealed varying as concentrations across districts, with distinctive cation and anion orders. Faisalabad exhibited Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > K+ > Fe2+ for cations and SO42- > Cl- > HCO3- > NO3- > F- for anions. Gujranwala showed Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ for cations and HCO3- > SO42- > Cl- > NO3- > F- for anions. In Lahore, demonstrated: Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Fe > K+ for cations and HCO3- > SO42- > Cl- > NO3- > F- for anions. Multan indicated K+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > Fe for cations and HCO3- > SO42- > Cl- > F- > NO3- ) for anions. Hydrochemical facies were identified as CaHCO3 and CaMgCl types. Principal Component Analysis (PCA), highlighted the influence of natural processes and human activities on groundwater pollution. Water Quality Index (WQI) result reveal that most samples met water quality standards. The carcinogenic risk values for children exceeded permissible limits in all districts, emphasizing a significant cancer risk. The study highlights the need for rigorous monitoring to mitigate (As) contamination and protect public health from associated hazards.

Assessment of groundwater quality, source identification, and health risk around oil and gas drilling sites

Assessment of groundwater quality, source identification, and health risk around oil and gas drilling sites

Assessment of Groundwater Quality for Irrigation in the Sidi Allal Region Using Irrigation Water Quality Index

Assessment of Groundwater Quality for Irrigation in the Sidi Allal Region Using Irrigation Water Quality Index

Assessment of Groundwater Quality Using the Pollution Index of Groundwater (PIG), Nitrate Pollution Index (NPI), Water Quality Index (WQI), Multivariate Statistical Analysis (MSA), and GIS Approaches: A Case Study of the Mnasra Region, Gharb Plain, Morocco

Groundwater, an invaluable resource crucial for irrigation and drinking purposes, significantly impacts human health and societal advancement. This study aims to evaluate the groundwater quality in the Mnasra region of the Gharb Plain, employing a comprehensive analysis of thirty samples collected from various locations, based on thirty-three physicochemical parameters. Utilizing tools like the Pollution Index of Groundwater (PIG), Nitrate Pollution Index (NPI), Water Quality Index (WQI), Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), as well as Multivariate Statistical Approaches (MSA), and the Geographic Information System (GIS), this research identifies the sources of groundwater pollution. The results revealed Ca2+ dominance among cations and Cl− as the primary anion. The Piper and Gibbs diagrams illustrated the prevalent Ca2+-Cl− water type and the significance of water–rock interactions, respectively. The PIG values indicated that 86.66% of samples exhibited “Insignificant pollution”. NPI showed notable nitrate pollution (1.48 to 7.06), with 83.33% of samples rated “Good” for drinking based on the WQI. The IWQI revealed that 80% of samples were classified as “Excellent” and 16.66% as “Good”. Spatial analysis identified the eastern and southern sections as highly contaminated due to agricultural activities. These findings provide valuable insights for decision-makers to manage groundwater resources and promote sustainable water management in the Gharb region.

Assessing groundwater quality in semi-arid conditions: a geographic information systems-integrated approach using water quality index

Meeting freshwater demands in water-scarce regions is imperative, given challenges like hydric stress, urbanization, aridity, and population growth. This study focuses on the Tebessa aquifer system, a critical water source facing escalating demands. A primary objective is to identify actionable management strategies to improve groundwater quality dynamics in semi-arid regions. The methodology involves a comprehensive assessment of groundwater health using the Water Quality Index (WQI) approach. This method integrates diverse parameters influenced by intensive agricultural and industrial activities. Additionally, spatial relationship analysis, facilitated by Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, is employed to gain insights into complex hydrogeological processes. The multi-parameter strategy implemented results in water quality maps that highlight various ions, revealing spatial disparities and assigning quality priority classes from 'Good' to 'Poor' across the groundwater. The research, conducted in the semi-arid Tebessa-Morsott Plain, encompasses field and laboratory investigations to delineate hydrochemical traits, including alkalinity, salinity, and heightened ion concentrations. The results of the study contribute to scientific understanding by uncovering interrelationships and spatial intricacies, offering valuable insights for water resource governance. The effectiveness of the methodology, incorporating WQI and GIS, is demonstrated in the comprehensive evaluation of groundwater quality. Ultimately, this research provides a foundation for informed decision-making and sustainable management of groundwater resources in semi-arid regions.