Assessment Of Groundwater Quality Research Articles

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.

Spatial and seasonal groundwater quality assessment for drinking suitability using index and machine learning approach

Spatial and seasonal evaluation and monitoring of groundwater (GW) quality is essential for the sustainable management of this priceless resource and the provision of safe drinking water. Nevertheless, GW quality appraisal was not given due attention in the current study area (flat terrain part of the Tana sub-basin). This study sought to assess the seasonal and regional physicochemical GW quality parameters for drinking appropriateness using the drinking water quality index (DWQI) and support vector machine (SVM). The main cations in both the dry and wet study seasons were, in decreasing order, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Fe2+, according to the results. Conversely, the main anions were HCO3−, CO32−, Cl− or NO3−, SO42− and PO43−, ordered from higher to lower. During the two research seasons, Ca–HCO3 and Na–HCO3 were the predominant water types based on Piper diagram results. Reverse ion exchange and evaporation were the principal hydrogeochemical processes that control the hydrogeochemistry identified by Durov and Gibbs diagrams, respectively. Excellent GW quality class for drinking was demonstrated by the majority of geographical and seasonal DWQI readings over the two seasons. Nevertheless, during the rainy season, there was a noticeable decline in the GW quality condition around the northern shores of Lake Tana. Therefore, it is advised to implement comprehensive GW quality protection measures and improve system management to mitigate pollution to reduce health hazards in the examined region.

Innovative mapping of groundwater redox status and cation exchange conditions in a GIS environment

Understanding the complexities of regional groundwater quality is crucial for managing groundwater resources. Groundwater quality assessment involves investigating specific dissolved groundwater components, for example, comparing them to established standards. To fully understand all aspects of groundwater quality, one should assess composite properties, one being the redox status and another being the cation exchange condition. The first may, for example, impose a control on the degradation of organic micropollutants. While groundwater numerical indices can be easily interpolated and visualised using various GIS applications, consistently mapping the redox status and cation exchange conditions as non-numerical indices remains challenging. Furthermore, no study has yet conducted a regional-scale mapping of cation exchange classes in a GIS environment using extensive groundwater samples. To deepen our understanding of these groundwater components, we employed ArcGIS in this study to map the redox and cation exchange conditions in two stages. First, we mapped the groundwater components of interest, including Cl, SO4, SO4/Cl, Fe, NO3 and base exchanges of Na and Mg, by the most appropriate interpolation method identified by a geostatistical analysis. Then, variables were combined, and the conditional functions were used in ArcMap's Math toolbox to determine redox status or cation exchange classes. Our innovative GIS method for mapping regional redox status and cation exchange conditions was developed for 3350 groundwater sampling locations in the coastal lowlands of the Western Netherlands. The method was successful, with generally 75%–95% similarity between predicted and observed situations for most classes. The introduced method is more straightforward than others and can map other non-numerical linguistic indices like Wilcox groundwater and irrigation water classifications, as well.

Quality assessment using water quality indicators with geospatial analysis of groundwater quality El-Oued region, Northern Sahara, Algeria

ABSTRACT The present study was carried out to assess groundwater quality in two layers (Albian and complex terminal) intended for irrigation, to identify their original chemical composition and overall risk by different attack techniques in the province of El-Oued. Eleven physico-chemical parameters were measured at 16 locations. Emphasis was placed on the selection of irrigation water quality index (IWQI) inputs through the application of multivariate statistical analysis, the estimation of various classical irrigation indices, and the integration of geographic information systems. The results of the IWQI, sodium adsorption ratio, Kelly index, permeability index, residual sodium carbonate and magnesium hazard showed that the majority of groundwater samples were classified for irrigation purposes in the following categories: severely restricted (100%), low sodium and excellent (100%), good (93.75%), marginally safe (100%), good (100%) and suitable (81.25%), respectively. In addition, the majority of selected samples were classified as “good to eligible for irrigation” based on %Na as shown in the distribution map. Whereas the principal component analysis results show that the four factors together explain 72.74% of the total variance according to the Kaiser rule. Cluster analysis divides the parameters into three groups. In summary, the combination of the geographic system and irrigation quality indices is useful for identifying irrigation zones.

Assessment of groundwater quality and alkaline earth metals from the Al Masaraat basin at Al Dhahirah Governorate, Sultanate of Oman

ABSTRACT Comprehending the physicochemical properties of water is vital for efficient groundwater management in the research area. Groundwater often sees an increase in chemical element concentrations as it moves underground due to water-rock interaction. Water quality is assessed by comparing various parameter levels with drinking water standards. The primary goal of this study is to assess the groundwater quality from Al Dhahirah Governorate by analysing the physicochemical characteristics (pH, EC, TDS, TH, and T) and evaluating the concentrations of alkali and alkaline earth metals. It involved collecting groundwater samples from 11 different sites in the area and using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to analyse various elements, such as Ca, Na, Mg, and Sr. The study’s results reveal that the quality parameters of drinking water sources are within the Omani and World Health Organization (WHO) standards, except for Na, Mg, Sr, and TH level. The average concentrations of Na and Mg were 527.64 and 87.93 mg/L, respectively, while the average TH measured 658.86 mg/L, which is classified as very hard. The analysis of correlations among groundwater quality parameters indicates that physicochemical parameters influence the chemical properties of groundwater. To ensure safe drinking water, it is advisable to treat contaminated water before use and regularly monitor its quality. The findings contribute to the understanding of water quality in this region, providing valuable insights for environmental and public health considerations.

Hydrogeochemical analysis of groundwater quality during the pre- monsoon season of Manipur, India

ABSTRACT The water quality index (WQI) and irrigational index for groundwater were studied in the northeastern section of the Manipur Valley in northeast India. Water samples were collected in 2022 during the pre-monsoon season. To compute the water quality index for drinking water, the basic chemical parameters of total hardness, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, Calcium, Sodium, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Chlorine, and Hydrogen Carbonate were used. The assessment of bacteriological quality is also done, which is crucial for overall water quality evaluation, alongside physical and chemical analyze. For determining irrigation suitability, irrigational indices such as sodium absorption ratio, sodium percentage, and magnesium hazard were calculated. WQI, %Na+, Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), magnesium hazard, permeability Index and total hardness indicate that most water samples are harmless for irrigation and drinking purpose. They have affirmative relationships indicating that these characteristics are interdependent. Approximately 25% of the Piedmont zone groundwater is found to be unfit for agricultural and drinking usage. The encrustation of gypsum, halite, and evaporation into the Disang shares accelerate the dissolution of ions in Piedmont water, resulting in quality degradation. According to Gibbs plots, Durov Scatter Plot, and Hill Piper Trilinear Diagram of water dominated the rock-weathering process, while hydrochemical facies progressed from the beginning to the intermediate stage of Chadha’s graphical representation illustrates the progression of hydrochemical processes in surface water. Therefore, proper integrated water resource management and development are required for effective water resource utilization, particularly around the Piedmont zone. In recent years, the quality of groundwater has caused a significant deal of alarm, and an increasing number of studies relating to it have been published. The geological, structural, and geomorphological features in the intermontane Imphal Valley in Manipur, India, were identified using SRTM DEM data by QGIS Software. This area has simple geology and structural elements, making it an appropriate site to evaluate the use of remote sensing and GIS tools in geological studies. To prevent a water crisis, groundwater resources must be managed sustainably. The current study also concentrated on a bibliometric examination of groundwater management and access to gauge the state of the field. A bibliometric examination of these papers may offer insight into current research and trends. We are the first to join Groundwater Quality Assessment with bibliometric analysis. This prediction, if taken into consideration strategically during the planning of preventive measures for groundwater quality can help to analyze future evaluation to a great extent.

RETRACTED: Masood et al. Exploring Groundwater Quality Assessment: A Geostatistical and Integrated Water Quality Indices Perspective. Water 2024, 16, 138

The Water Editorial Office retracts the article “Exploring Groundwater Quality Assessment: A Geostatistical and Integrated Water Quality Indices Perspective” [...]

Application of bioassays and physicochemical analysis for assessing groundwater quality of selected tube wells in a CKDu impacted area

Groundwater from tube and dug wells are primarily used for drinking purposes by rural communities inhabiting Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown aetiology (CKDu) impacted areas in Sri Lanka. Groundwater safety assessment using targeted physicochemical analysis alone is not adequate to capture interactive effects of chemical mixtures in the groundwater. This study explored for the first time combined use of physicochemical analysis and bioassays with root meristems of Allium cepa and erythrocytes of Cyprinus carpio to assess groundwater quality of selected tube wells in Medawachchiya (a CKDu impacted area), Sri Lanka covering pre-monsoon, monsoon and postmonsoon seasons. The pH, turbidity, arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, fluoride, chloride, nitrate and nitrite levels in the groundwater complied with Sri Lanka standards for potable drinking water in all seasons. Yet, alkalinity and total hardness levels in the groundwater exceeded national drinking water standards (nearly up to two folds) mostly in the monsoon season. Bioassays revealed genotoxic effects of the groundwater of some tube wells in pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. Observed genotoxicity may be associated with synergistic effects of contaminants including undetected and unknown chemicals in the groundwater depending on the season. The results support the use of bioassays as complementary tools for evaluating groundwater quality of CKDu hotspots considering consumer safety.

Groundwater Quality and Suitability Assessment in Tirupur Region, Tamil Nadu, India

The study aims to understand the hydrochemical characteristics and groundwater suitability for agricultural and drinking purposes. For this purpose, 21 groundwater samples were collected, and major physicochemical parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, temp, salinity, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3−, Cl−, and SO42− were analyzed, followed by the standard analytical procedures. Different groundwater quality graphical representations were constructed by using Aqua Chem software. The results indicate groundwater samples were alkaline with fresh to moderate saline in nature, sixty-eight percent of the samples were suitable for drinking in accordance with WHO, and thirty-two percent of the samples were unsuitable due to the excess amount of different ionic concentrations derived from natural and various anthropogenic sources. Irrigation water quality parameters such as SAR, EC, PI, Na %, RSBC, MR, and KR were used to understand the irrigation suitability. The US salinity diagram exemplifies that most groundwater samples fall in the C3S1 category with high salinity hazard and low alkali hazard. The Wilcox plot reveals that 80% of the samples were found under very good to permissible limits, and few samples fall with doubtful to unsuitable quality due to the excess amount of alkali and salinity. Permeability index values show that groundwater is suitable for irrigation. Three major hydrochemical facies were identified with the dominance order of mixed CaMgCl, NaCl, and CaCl. Gibb’s plot suggests that evaporation and rock-water interaction are the dominant natural mechanisms controlling the groundwater chemistry in the present study area.

Groundwater Quality Assessment of Nandyal district using Geographical Information System

Groundwater Quality Assessment of Nandyal district using Geographical Information System

Groundwater quality assessment in the La Mojana region of northern Colombia: implications for consumption, irrigation, and human health risks

Water quality is one of the most relevant issues related to water management, with water pollution and access to clean water for drinking and irrigation being common issues in developing countries. Groundwater is an available water source, especially where surface sources are scarce or unsuitable. In this sense, studies to improve knowledge of aquifers should be undertaken where information on groundwater resources is not available. In the current study, 50 groundwater samples were collected from rural and urban wells used by local communities for human consumption and to irrigate local crops. Several indices for drinking water and irrigation use have been used for the assessment of water quality. Conversely, the carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic human health risks due to exposure to heavy metals in the groundwater were estimated, as were the predominant hydrochemical characteristics. The groundwater water quality index (GWQI) shows values < 100 for all the samples; groundwater is recommended for drinking after disinfection. By contrast, the irrigation water quality index (IWQI) shows that 80% of groundwater samples pose a potential threat to irrigation, with restriction categories ranging from high to severe. The individual hazard quotients were < 1. However, the multielement and multipathway hazard index (HI) for children and adults were > 1, whereas As and Mn had a higher contribution to the HI. The Piper trilinear diagram shows that hydrochemical facies of Ca2+ and HCO3− are significantly dominant. By contrast, weathering of rocks and atmospheric precipitation is the dominant factors regulating the chemistry of groundwater in the aquifer system of La Mojana. Our findings indicate that there are significant potential noncarcinogenic health risks for local populations exposed to groundwater.

Drinking water quality in Cooch Behar Municipality, West Bengal, India: Assessment using WQI and public perception

AbstractEffective assessment and management of groundwater quality are essential for safeguarding the integrity of freshwater resources. Cooch Behar Municipality of West Bengal has been chosen for the present study due to its reliance primarily on groundwater for drinking water. The study focuses on assessing groundwater quality in the study area, a planned city with a long history of urbanization. The primary objective is to analyze various parameters relevant to drinking water and compute the Water Quality Index (WQI) with the residents' perception. Forty water samples were collected from Cooch Behar Municipality's Public Health Engineering (PHE) department, encompassing all 20 wards. Each ward provided one sample from a Deep Tube Well (DTW) and a Shallow Tube Well (STW). EC, Fe, TH, Mn, pH, TDS, Turbidity, Ca, and Mg levels were determined using standard instruments and methods, and analyzed geospatial techniques and statistical methods were employed. Results revealed concerning levels of manganese (Mn) and total hardness (TH), exceeding permissible limits in 82.5% and 75% of samples, respectively. While some parameters remained within acceptable limits, computed WQI values ranged from 63.28 to 162.67, indicating significant overall water quality concerns. Alarmingly, 45% of samples were unsuitable for drinking, with an additional 40% classified as very poor. Notably, demographic factors such as household income and education level correlated with perceptions of poor water quality. Policy implications suggest the urgent need for a well‐structured management system to address these findings and ensure safe drinking water for residents.

Assessing groundwater quality dynamics in Madhya Pradesh: Chemical contaminants and their temporal patterns

Groundwater is essential for maintaining ecosystem health and overall well-being as a pivotal resource for plants and animals. The increasing public consciousness of the deterioration of groundwater quality has emphasized the significance of undertaking extended evaluations of groundwater water quality, particularly in regions undergoing substantial hydrological alterations. This study primarily aims to investigate the spatio-temporal variations in groundwater quality and evaluate its suitability for potable purposes in the region of Madhya Pradesh. The study combines the Mann-Kendall (MK) test and Sen's Slope (SS) to analyze the changes in groundwater quality of all 51 districts of Madhya Pradesh, India, utilizing 12 water quality indices using MATLAB. Data was sourced from the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) in India from the year 2001–2021. The data was then tested for homogeneity at all 1154 sampling stations using the software XLSTAT. Piper plot clustering characterized the state's groundwater as bicarbonate-calcium-magnesium (HCO3−-Ca2+-Mg2+) type. The study found that the groundwater in the area is heavily impacted by high levels of nitrate and hardness, which is caused by an increase in multivalent cations. The water was classified as ranging from hard to extremely hard, and approximately 25.49% of the state's groundwater has nitrate levels that exceed the acceptable limits. The MK test showed a significant increasing correlation in trends for parameters such as nitrate, sulfate, fluoride, chloride, bicarbonate, total hardness, and electrical conductivity. It also showed a significant decreasing correlation for calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. These results were observed at a confidence level of 95%. The analysis of trends has shown that human-related factors have a considerable effect on the characteristics of groundwater quality. It is therefore recommended that such human-related factors be taken into consideration when developing policies for managing groundwater resources. Consequently, these policies should emphasize the strict enforcement of rules and standards that limit the overuse of fertilizers, ensure the appropriate disposal of municipal solid and liquid wastes, and regulate industrial pollutants.

Quality assessment of different polyethylene-packaged groundwater in the Ilorin metropolis of Nigeria for compliance with standards

There is a notable proliferation of sachet water brands in the Ilorin Metropolis of Nigeria. However, more information regarding their safety for human consumption is required. This study aimed to determine the quality attributes of sachet water produced within the Ilorin metropolis of Nigeria to ascertain their conformity with regulatory standards. Three sachet water companies were each selected from three Local Government Areas within the study area. Physicochemical and microbial analyses were conducted on the collected water samples within 24 hours of production and monthly during 4-month storage. The results showed that temperature (25.10-30.13 ℃) and turbidity (0.37-2.84 NTU) were within permissible limits. Total hardness (36.0-136.33 mg/L) and pH (6.42-8.86) significantly (p ≤0.05) increased during storage and were above standards in some samples. There were significant (p ≤0.05) variations in chlorides (2.83-8.57 mg/L), nitrates (0.15-0.64 mg/L), sulphates (4.70-7.12 mg/L), and sodium contents (10.16-18.74 mg/L) but all were within standards. While five of the nine sachet water brands complied (2-100 CFU/mL) with the limit of 100 CFU/mL for the total viable count, all the samples failed the zero-tolerance requirement for coliform. Possible fecal contamination was concluded as the main concern with the sachet water brands produced within Ilorin Metropolis, suggesting their unfitness for human consumption. The water brands may, therefore, pose severe health hazards to consumers and threaten public health. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the likely unfitness of some sachet water brands in the Ilorin Metropolis of Nigeria for human consumption, owing to fecal coliform. This underscores the need for regulatory agencies to intensify the certification process of prospective sachet water factories. Furthermore, regular inspections of certified factories and their practices and products are recommended to ensure continued compliance with regulatory standards.

Comparative assessment of hydrochemical characterization and groundwater quality for irrigation in an autochthonous karst aquifer with the support of GIS: case study of Altinova, Turkey

This study aims to present a comparative assessment of hydrochemical characterization and groundwater quality in karst aquifers with the support of GIS which is essential to correlate the source of water with climate and geology, and to evaluate suitability of water for various uses. The study area is the Altinova region in Turkey where intensive agricultural activities prevail and travertine covers 85% of the study area. A total of 25 groundwater wells were monitored by seasonal field measurements and extensive water quality analyses for a period of one year to establish correlation between groundwater quality, its source, regional climate, and geology. A comprehensive analysis was conducted to assess the groundwater's suitability for irrigation based on electrical conductivity, sodium adsorption ratio, sodium percentage, magnesium hazard, permeability index, residual sodium bicarbonate, Kelly’s ratio, and an irrigation water quality (IWQ) index. This multi-parameter evaluation was further integrated with geospatial analysis using ArcGIS, providing a detailed spatial understanding of hydrochemical variations across the area. Major cations and anions dominance were identified as Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ and HCO3− > Cl− > SO42−, respectively. Spatial mapping identified high concentrations of Ca2+, TDS, TH, and SO42− in non-karstic areas, occasionally exceeding WHO guidelines. Nitrate concentrations displayed varied spatial distribution. The SAR values generally matched C2-S1 and C3-S1 classes, suggesting medium to high salinity risks and low sodium presence. Based on the IWQ index and observed correlations with total dissolved solids, the groundwater in Altinova’s karstic aquifer is considered suitable for irrigation, with salinization largely due to ionic interactions and geology. The presented comparative assessment provides a holistic approach for understanding hydrochemical characteristics of karst aquifers, and analyzing the impacts of natural factors and anthropogenic pollution sources on groundwater quality.

Groundwater Quality Assessment of Newly Developed Dwarka Region, New Delhi, India

Groundwater Quality Assessment of Newly Developed Dwarka Region, New Delhi, India

Spatial Distribution of Seawater Intrusion Based on Various Lithologies in Pesanggaran Subdistrict, Banyuwangi, Indonesia

Seawater intrusion often occurs in shoreline areas closest to alluvium rock lithology and is caused by excessive groundwater exploration. In Pesanggaran Banyuwangi, saline groundwater was found at approximately 8000 m from the shoreline. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse the spatial distribution of seawater intrusion based on rock lithology, Electrical Conductivity (EC), and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in Pesanggaran, Banyuwangi. A descriptive-quantitative survey method was used to assess groundwater quality based on EC, TDS, and spatial distribution parameters. Interpolation with Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) method was used to map seawater intrusion and its relationship to each parameter. The results showed that moderate-saline groundwater was found in several areas far from the coast with volcanic rock lithology, namely Kalibaru formations (Qpvk) and limestone lithology at Batuampar formation. Groundwater in shoreline areas (Alluvium) was dominated by freshwater due to the deposition process found in alluvium lithology, which could form an aquifer with high quantity. Saline groundwater in Batuampar and Kalibaru formations showed salt minerals flushing related to shallow marine deposition since the tertiary period. In conclusion, Pesanggaran Subdistrict had uneven spatial distribution, and no significant relationship with distance from the shoreline, but it was related to the deformation process for each lithology.

Assessment of post-war groundwater quality in urban areas of Mosul city /Iraq and surrounding areas for drinking and irrigation purposes by using the Canadian Environment Water Quality Index CCME-WQI and Heavy Metal Pollution Index HPI

The negative impact of war acts in the conflict area of the city of Mosul and its surroundings on groundwater quality and thus its use as drinking water, in domestic applications and for irrigation was addressed. Therefore, 8 wells were analyzed from January to September 2022 using the parameters pH, E.C., TDS, % salinity, COD, phosphate, nitrate, sulfate and the heavy metals Cd, Pb, Zn, Cr and Ni, and water quality was evaluated using a mathematical model based on the CCME WQI, the HPI and present salinity. Due to salinity, 6 of the 8 wells were moderately suitable for irrigation and 2 wells were difficult in use. According to the CCME WQI criteria, 4 wells were highly and 3 wells were moderately contaminated for drinking water supply and domestic use, and therefore unusable or limited usable, while 3 wells were unusable and 2 wells were moderately usable for irrigation purposes. For irrigation, only one well showed low and 2 wells showed marginal contamination. The HIP revealed good quality of 3 wells, poor quality of 2 wells and unsuitability of 3 wells (drinking water/ domestic use) or very poor quality (irrigation), respectively. According to all approaches, the wells located in the conflict area consistently showed poor water quality. Thus, war had a significant negative impact on groundwater quality in the conflict area, as the surface-near wells located here showed comparatively high levels of contaminations and heavy metals due to the infiltration of contaminated surface water, damaged sewage networks and infiltration of rainwater after passing through highly polluted soils. Cadmium, followed by lead, were the dominant water contaminants, which is why caution is advised before using this well water.

Assessment of Groundwater Quality of Taluka Bulri Shah Karim, District Tando Muhammad Khan, Sindh, Pakistan

Groundwater in Pakistan is the main drinking water source, highlighting the significance of regularlymonitoring its quality. There have been several examples of high concentrations of elements like arsenic and nitrate ingroundwater that harm human health and the environment. Our aim with this study was to assess the groundwater qualityof the sub-district Bhulri Shah Karim for drinking and irrigation purposes. We collected groundwater samples from 53shallow bore well hand pumps in October and November 2018. We determined the concentration of four cations, fiveanions and other parameters like pH, turbidity, TDS, total hardness, EC, alkalinity, total iron, and arsenic. Thegroundwater was found to be very hard, and the relative abundance of cations and anions was Na+&gt; Ca2+&gt; Mg2+&gt; K+ andCl‾ &gt; HCO3‾ &gt; SO42‾ &gt; NO3‾ &gt; F‾. The concentrations of arsenic and iron varied from 0 to 0.2 mg/L and 0.02 to 3.6mg/L, respectively. We discussed groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purposes by calculating the waterquality index, sodium adsorption ratio, percent of sodium, permeability index, and residual sodium carbonate. Inconclusion, the groundwater of the studied area is suitable for drinking on average and irrigation. However, some watersamples were high in arsenic content, and some were highly saline and may need some prior treatment