Hydrogeochemical Characterization Research Articles

Hydrogeochemical characterization and water quality assessment of mountain springs: Insights for strategizing water management in the lesser Indian Himalayas

Hydrogeochemical characterization and water quality assessment of mountain springs: Insights for strategizing water management in the lesser Indian Himalayas

Hydrogeochemical characterization of shallow and deep groundwater for drinking and irrigation water quality index of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

A comprehensive hydrogeochemical analysis of 156 groundwater samples (106 shallow and 50 deep) was conducted in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. This study addresses a significant research gap by focusing on the hydro-geochemical composition and contamination of groundwater in the Kathmandu Valley, an area with limited detailed assessments. The novelty of this work lies in its comprehensive analysis of both shallow and deep groundwater, particularly concerning the high concentration of contaminants like arsenic, microbial pathogens, and ammonium, which are critical for public health. The results indicate that the mean concentration of turbidity, iron (Fe), and total coliform (TC) was exceeded the permissible range by National Drinking Water Quality Standards (NDWQS). Hydro-geochemical analysis using the Piper and Chadha diagrams showed the Ca2⁺-Mg2⁺-HCO₃ dominance, suggesting carbonate rock weathering and ion exchange as primary processes. Gibbs and mixing diagrams further supported these findings. The Water Quality Index ranged from 3.93 to 442.11 (mean: 66.87) for shallow water while 8.07 to 252.87 (mean: 79.24) with turbidity, iron, and ammonia significantly contributing to the overall index. Salinity hazard assessment considering total dissolved solids, sodium adsorption ratio, sodium percentage, magnesium adsorption ratio, and Kelly ratios, indicated that shallow and deep groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation, as confirmed by Wilcox diagrams. This study provides valuable insights into the groundwater quality of Kathmandu Valley and highlights the need for effective management strategies to ensure sustainable use of this vital resource, providing a nuanced understanding of groundwater quality and its implications for water management in the region. The findings can inform water treatment practices, policy-making, and future research, ultimately aiding in the development of safer and more sustainable groundwater management practices for the region.

Hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater using water quality index and multivariate statistical analysis in Binji town and environs, Sokoto basin, Northwestern Nigeria

The hydrogeochemistry of groundwater from Binji community and surroundings was assessed. The main aim of the study was to characterize the groundwater in the study area through the application of indexing and statistical methods. Measured PH revealed 12 samples to be acidic and 15 samples to be alkaline with majority of the samples from dug wells having PH that indicates alkalinity. The concentration of analyzed chemical parameters in sampled water revealed the dominance of Ca over other metals detected in the groundwater, with the dominance given in the order Ca˃ Mg ˃ Na ˃ K. The anions were dominated by HCO3 in the order HCO3 ˃ Cl ˃ SO4 ˃ CO3. Ca ion exceeded the Nigerian standard for drinking water quality (NSDWQ) and the World Health Organization (WHO) set limits in one sample, Mg in 14 samples while K exceeded in four samples. HCO3 exceeded both standards in 21 samples; Total dissolved solids and electrical conductivity were above the maximum permissible limits in four samples. Five different water types were identified in the area with Ca + Mg- HCO3 dominating other types. Computed water quality index (WQI) for drinking water gave values that are within the range of 18–77.5 indicating the groundwater to be within the excellent and good classes of suitable drinking water quality. Irrigation water quality index revealed the groundwater to be suitable except for the magnesium hazard. Correlation analysis gave a moderate positive correlation that ranges from 0.632 to 0.659 between total hardness, Mg and HCO3, and that between Mg and HCO3 indicates the contribution of these elements to the hardness of water. Principal component analysis gave six components with a total variance of 76.19% with eigenvalues above 1 with the range of 1.52 – 4.26. Cluster analysis performed on the hydrogeochemical parameters demarcated four clusters based on the sources, hydrogeochemical environment, and reactions between chemical variables. Correlation between many chemical species revealed formation under a common hydrogeochemical environment. Gibb’s plot showed the sources of chemical constituents of groundwater to be dominated by precipitation source. The groundwater of the area is hard water that is fresh and safe for drinking and other domestic uses.

Hydrogeochemical Characterization and Source Evaluation of Groundwater Contamination in Parts of the Uddanam CKDu Area, Southern India: Integrating Statistical, Geochemical Modeling, Pollution, and Health Indices

Hydrogeochemical Characterization and Source Evaluation of Groundwater Contamination in Parts of the Uddanam CKDu Area, Southern India: Integrating Statistical, Geochemical Modeling, Pollution, and Health Indices

Groundwater hydrogeochemical features in interpermafrost taliks on the example of the field in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

The hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater is a crucial aspect of studying the spatial and temporal variations in groundwater resources, which is crucial for water resource utilization and environmental protection. This article presents the hydrogeochemical profile of interpermafrost groundwater of the Middle-Upper Cambrian horizon local aquifer, based on a case study from a deposit in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia). Also, this study analyzes the impact of both natural and anthropogenic factors on the chemical composition of the groundwater

Hydrogeochemical Characterization and Usability Analysis of Deep Groundwater in the Eastern Part of Hetauda-Chitwan Dun Basin, Bagmati Province, Nepal

Groundwater is an essential commodity on which residents of the area are dependent for drinking and irrigation purposes. The study focuses on the evaluation of hydrogeochemistry and the suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes in the eastern part of the Hetauda-Chitwan Dun Valley. Altogether, seventeen groundwater samples were collected from deep aquifers and analyzed for different physical and chemical constituents. The groundwater has been characterized as slightly acidic and soft. The dominant anions and cations are in the order of HCO3- > Cl- > SO42- > NO3- and Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ respectively. The groundwater facies in the study area are dominantly the Ca-HCO3 type however some Ca-Mg-Cl facies were also identified. The groundwater chemistry in the area is predominantly governed by rock-water interaction where silicate weathering emerges as principal sources of ionic concentration. The analytical results compared with the National Drinking Water Quality Standard (NDWQS) show that all parameters lie within the permissible limit. The water samples fall under excellent to good classes in terms of drinking water quality index. Based on several indices like electrical conductivity (EC), salinity hazard (SH), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), and percent sodium (%Na) the groundwater is suitable for irrigation purposes. In contrast, magnesium ratio (MR) and soluble sodium percentage (SSP) show that 23.53% and 17.65% of the groundwater samples are unsuitable and doubtful for irrigation purposes, respectively. The outcome of the study can be better used for informed decision-making regarding water resource management and sustainable development in the evolving landscape of Hetauda Sub-metropolitan City.

Hydrogeochemical Characterization and Processes Controlling Groundwater Chemistry of Complex Volcanic Rock of Jimma Area, Ethiopia

The sustainable management of groundwater in the Jimma area is complicated by a lack of comprehensive studies on its chemical makeup and the geochemical processes influencing its hydrochemistry. This research aims to fill that gap by examining 51 groundwater samples from various sources, including deep groundwaters, shallow groundwaters, hand-dug well groundwaters, surface waters, and springs within the area primarily consisting of complex volcanic rocks. The goal is to describe the hydrogeochemical characteristics and determine the key processes affecting groundwater composition in this volcanic area. The study identifies clear patterns in cation and anion concentrations. For deep groundwaters, the average cation concentration is ranked as Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+, while shallow groundwaters, hand-dug well groundwaters, surface waters, and springs show a ranking of Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+. The major anions are typically ordered as HCO3− > NO3− > Cl− > SO42−. The quantitative hydrogeochemical analysis indicates that the freshwater types in the region are primarily Ca-HCO3 and Ca-Mg-HCO3, with some highly mineralized Na-HCO₃ waters also detected. The weathering of silicate minerals mainly drives the geochemical processes affecting groundwater chemistry. An increase in mineralization, suggested by saturation indices, points to a longer residence time underground, with deep groundwaters exhibiting the highest saturation levels and springs the lowest. This mineralization is especially significant for Mg-silicates and carbonates. Stability diagrams for feldspar minerals further demonstrate groundwater evolution along flow paths, revealing that shallow systems are in equilibrium with minerals like gibbsite, whereas deeper systems achieve stability with albite, Ca-montmorillonite, and microcline. Higher CO2 levels (10−1.5 to 100.5 atm), likely from mantle-magma degassing, add more HCO3− to the deeper aquifers. This study offers the first thorough characterization of the groundwater composition in the Jimma area and provides important insights into the Jimma area’s hydrogeochemical development, establishing a basis for enhanced groundwater management within this intricate volcanic aquifer system.

Hydrogeochemical characterization and human health risks associated with groundwater nitrate concentrations in the Saiss basin, Morocco

Groundwater has been facing not only prolonged climate change-induced groundwater shortage but also severe deterioration of groundwater quality from natural and/or anthropogenic sources. This study aims to determine the hydrogeochemical processes controlling groundwater chemistry in the Saiss basin, Morocco, and to assess seasonal changes in groundwater quality using the entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI). In addition, human health risks associated with groundwater nitrate (NO3−) contamination/pollution were investigated using the hazard quotient (HQ). Groundwater chemistry in the Saiss basin was mainly controlled by mineral dissolution/precipitation and direct cation exchange, with slight seasonal variations in the saturation indices (SIs). The EWQI suggested slight groundwater quality deterioration in the dry season due to increased NO3− concentrations. In fact, children were over two times exposed to non-carcinogenic issues associated with groundwater NO3− concentrations when compared with adults. The current study provides further insights into the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater to ensure safe regional water supplies.

Hydrogeochemical characterization and spatial analysis of groundwater quality in the Bono East Region, Ghana

Hydrogeochemical characterization and spatial analysis of groundwater quality in the Bono East Region, Ghana

Assessing the Origin and Mapping the Extension of Salinity Around Shrimp Culture Ponds in Rio Grande Do Norte (Brazil)

The increasing installation of shrimp farms in vulnerable coastal areas around the world generates an environmental impact and makes it urgent to develop methodologies and studies for assessing and scaling the potential risks and sustainability of these activities. One of the main hazards of these activities is that the prolonged inundation of excavated ponds for shrimp farming allows the percolation of saltwater in the surroundings, resulting in increasing groundwater salinity. Saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers, accompanied by salinization of soils, causes a decrease in available freshwater resources, a decline in crop productivity and the deterioration of the natural ecosystem. The coastal aquifer of Rio Grande do Norte State (Brazil) where, for years, several shrimp farm factories have been operating, reported some issues related to aquifer and soil salinization. The present study aims to assess the origin of and delineate groundwater salinization in a sector of this coastal aquifer using a low-budget procedure. The integration of hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical characterization by drilling shallow piezometers, measuring the hydrostatic level and analyzing the major ion concentrations of the groundwater has made it possible to establish that the origin of groundwater pollution in the studied area is caused by saltwater percolation from shrimp farms. The joint use of both characterization techniques has been shown to have an efficient cost–benefit ratio and less-intrusive methodology, which can be applied in other areas with similar environmental concerns.

Assessment of groundwater quality for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes using water quality indices and GIS technique in Gorgan aquifer

Given the rising concern about limited access to groundwater resource, it is crucial to assess water quality. A total of 68 samples were gathered from 34 wells during 2020 in the dry and wet seasons to study the hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater in Gorgan aquifer (Iran) using geographic information system (GIS) software. The mean values of pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, total hardness, fluoride, nitrate, sulfate, chloride, sodium and potassium were 7.42, 974.56 (µs/cm), 584.72 (mg/L), 105.56 (mg/L), 45.97 (mg/L), 296.89 (mg/L), 391.11 (mg/L), 0.33 (mg/L), 9.4 (mg/L), 89.82 (mg/L), 75.0 (mg/L), 30.55 (mg/L) and 1.79 (mg/L), respectively. The sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) varied from 1.86 to 8.66, below the allowable limits of < 10 set for irrigation. Additionally, 64.71 % of samples had a Langelier stability index less than zero, indicating a mild to high potential corrosivity of water. The hydrogeochemical facies of the groundwater were of Ca-Mg-CO3-HCO3 and Ca-Mg-Cl-SO4. This study provided a clear picture from hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater regarding the acceptability for drinking, irrigation and industrial usages. However, further monitoring is required to estimate the risks related to droughts, mineral dissolution, saltwater incursion and anthropogenic processes by using GIS and mathematical models.

Hydrogeochemical characterization and modeling vulnerability assessment using SINTACS methods: the case of the Hennaya aquifer (NW Algeria)

Hydrogeochemical characterization and modeling vulnerability assessment using SINTACS methods: the case of the Hennaya aquifer (NW Algeria)

Hydraulic and Hydrogeochemical Characterization of Carbonate Aquifers in Arid Regions: A Case from the Western Desert, Egypt

Using geochemical and pumping test data from 80 groundwater wells, the chemical, hydrologic, and hydraulic properties of the fractured Eocene carbonate aquifer located west of the Al-Minya district, the Western Desert, Egypt, have been characterized and determined to guarantee sustainable management of groundwater resources under large-scale desert reclamation projects. The hydrochemical data show that groundwater from the fractured Eocene carbonate aquifer has a high concentration of Na+ and Cl− and varies in salinity from 2176 to 2912 mg/L (brackish water). Water–rock interaction and ion exchange processes are the most dominant processes controlling groundwater composition. The carbonate aquifer exists under confined to semi-confined conditions, and the depth to groundwater increases eastward. From the potentiometric head data, deep-seated faults are the suggested pathways for gas-rich water ascending from the deep Nubian aquifer system into the overlying shallow carbonate aquifer. This mechanism enhances the dissolution and karstification of carbonate rocks, especially in the vicinity of faulted sites, and is supported by the significant loss of mud circulation during well drilling operations. The average estimated hydraulic parameters, based on the analysis of step-drawdown, long-duration pumping and recovery tests, indicate that the Eocene carbonate aquifer has a wide range of transmissivity (T) that is between 336.39 and 389,309.28 m2/d (average: 18,405.21 m2/d), hydraulic conductivity (K) between 1.31 and 1420.84 m/d (average: 70.29 m/d), and specific capacity (Sc) between 44.4 and 17,376.24 m2/d (average: 45.24 m2/d). On the other hand, the performance characteristics of drilled wells show that well efficiency ranges between 0.47 and 97.08%, and well losses range between 2.92 and 99.53%. In addition to variations in carbonate aquifer thickness and clay/shale content, the existence of strong karstification features, i.e., fissures, fractures or caverns, and solution cavities, in the Eocene carbonate aquifer are responsible for variability in the K and T values. The observed high well losses might be related to turbulent flow within and adjacent to the wells drilled in conductive fracture zones. The current approach can be further used to enhance local aquifer models and improve strategies for identifying the most productive zones in similar aquifer systems.

Hydrogeochemical Characterization and Multivariate Analysis of Groundwater in Pala, Burkina Faso: Implications for Sustainable Water Management

Hydrogeochemical Characterization and Multivariate Analysis of Groundwater in Pala, Burkina Faso: Implications for Sustainable Water Management

Hydrogeochemical characterization and statistical approach to assess the quality of the spring water in the Meknes-El Hajeb region, Morocco

Hydrogeochemical characterization and statistical approach to assess the quality of the spring water in the Meknes-El Hajeb region, Morocco

Geospatial interpolation and hydro-geochemical characterization of alluvial aquifers in the Thal Desert, Punjab, Pakistan.

This study seeks to assess the hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in the southern part of Thal Desert of Pakistan. The primary focus lies in identifying potential sources of contamination and evaluating their impact on groundwater and the ecosystem. Groundwater samples were collected from diverse sources including shallow hand pumps, tubewells, and dug wells, with depths ranging from 11 to 28 m. A comprehensive analysis was performed to scrutinize the physical, chemical, and microbial attributes of the samples. Utilizing visual aids like the Piper, Durov, and Gibbs diagrams, as well as Pearson correlation, scatter plots, Schoeller diagrams, and pie charts, the study evaluated the groundwater quality and its suitability for consumption. Results indicate that mineral infiltration from rainfall, domestic waste, and industrial effluents significantly affects groundwater quality, leading to widespread salinity. Weathering processes and ion exchange were identified as key factors contributing to elevate levels of bicarbonates, sodium, magnesium, and chloride ions. Employing the Water Quality Index (WQI) on 40 groundwater samples, findings reveal that 52.5% of samples demonstrated poor to not suitable quality, with 27.5% categorized as poor, 2.5% as very poor, and 22.5% not suitable consumption. Conversely, 47.5% of samples showcased good to excellent quality, with 25% rated as good and 22.5% as excellent. These findings provide valuable insights for hydrogeologists to develop appropriate strategies for water treatment and address any concerns related to groundwater quality.

General Hydrogeochemical Characterization of Groundwater in Coastal Aquifers of Kilwa Kisiwani Oceanic Island, South East Tanzania

General Hydrogeochemical Characterization of Groundwater in Coastal Aquifers of Kilwa Kisiwani Oceanic Island, South East Tanzania

Hydrogeochemical Characterization of an Intermontane Aquifer Contaminated with Arsenic and Fluoride via Clustering Analysis

The controlling hydrogeochemical processes of an intermontane aquifer in central Mexico were identified through multivariate statistical analysis. Hierarchical cluster (HCA) and k-means clustering analyses were applied to Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, F−, Cl−, SO42−, NO3−, HCO3−, As, pH and electrical conductivity in 40 groundwater samples collected from shallow and deep wells, where As and F− are contaminants of concern. The effectiveness of each hierarchical and k-means clustering method in explaining solute concentrations within the aquifer and the co-occurrence of arsenic and fluoride was tested by comparing two datasets containing samples from 40 and 36 wells, the former including ionic balance outliers (&gt;10%). When tested without outliers, cluster quality improved by about 5.4% for k-means and 7.3% for HCA, suggesting that HCA is more sensitive to ionic balance outliers. Both algorithms yielded similar clustering solutions in the outlier-free dataset, aligning with the k-means solution for all 40 samples, indicating that k-means was the more robust of the two methods. k-means clustering resolved fluoride and arsenic concentrations into four clusters (K1 to K4) based on variations in Na+, Ca2+, As, and F−. Cluster K2 was a Na-HCO3 water type with high concentrations of As and F. Clusters K1, K3, and K4 exhibited a Ca-HCO3, Na-Ca-HCO3, and Ca-Na-HCO3 water types, respectively, with decreasing As and F concentrations following the order K2 &gt; K3 &gt; K1 &gt; K4. The weathering of evaporites and silicates and Na-Ca ion exchange with clays were the main processes controlling groundwater geochemistry. The dissolution of felsic rocks present in the aquifer fill is a likely source of As and F−, with evaporation acting as an important concentration factor.

Hydrochemical characteristics and sources of groundwater pollution in Soubré and Gagnoa counties, Côte d’Ivoire

For many years, groundwater has been widely used to meet a variety of human needs. As a result of increased urbanization, industrial use, and agriculture, groundwater is inextricably affected by various threats, resulting in groundwater pollution. This current study was carried out to determine the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater in Gagnoa and Soubré counties as well as the main sources of pollution and their impact on groundwater chemistry and quality. A total of thirty (30) groundwater samples were collected from boreholes in September 2020. The following physicochemical and chemical parameters were analyzed: Na, Ca, K, Mg, SO4, NO3–N, HCO3, Cl, pH, EC and TDS. The results showed that groundwater was acidic with a pH range from 5.22 to 6.84, fresh and moderately mineralized with a TDS range from 55.96 to 744.46 mg/l. Hydrogeochemical characterization based on the Piper diagram and Gibbs plot was used to identify the groundwater types and the main mechanism controlling the groundwater mineralization. Five (5) water types were identified with the dominance of hydrogen carbonate facies and showed the presence of silicate weathering and carbonate dissolution in the area. This is consistent with the results inferred from Gibbs plot showing that groundwater chemistry is governed by rock-water interaction. The spatial distribution map of major ions showed the different locations where each ion is dominant.According to WHO standards, the parameters show values within the threshold limit except for some of them of which their values exceed the limit. Principal component analysis and ionic ratio plots showed that the high values of nitrate as nitrogen and sulfate observed are due to the influence of natural sources such as carbonate dissolution and anthropogenic activities such as sewage-manure and chemical fertilizers.Therefore, mitigation measures should be adopted to reduce the impact of human activities contributing to groundwater pollution to protect the groundwater quality and human health.

Hydrogeochemical characterization and water quality evaluation for drinking and irrigation purposes of coastal aquifers of Middle Andaman

A comprehensive study to characterize the hydrogeochemistry of the region and the impact of saltwater intrusion on groundwater was conducted along the eastern coast of Middle Andaman of Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Islands. The escalating population growth and intensified tourism activities have resulted in the over-extraction of groundwater. Seismic activities led to the opening of lineaments to the sea and the dissolution of limestone in the influence of seawater. 24 groundwater samples and 1 reference sample from sea were taken from various locations of middle Andaman. The analysis involved the determination of major cations, anions, and heavy metals using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission spectroscopy (ICP), spectrophotometry, and flame photometry. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction analysis, binary diagrams, Chloro-alkaline indices (CAI), Gibbs Plot, correlation matrix, Piper plot, Chadha’s plot and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to the major ions data indicated rock-water interactions, strong correlations among alkali and alkaline earth metals, and interactions between seawater and carbonate minerals respectively. The water quality index indicated “very poor to unsuitable for drinking purposes” in 24% of the samples. Additionally, indices for irrigation suitability; total hardness (TH), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and Magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR) were found to be detrimental for irrigation in 80%, 08%, and 12% of the water samples, respectively. These results highlight the importance of implementing effective water resource management techniques, such as groundwater extraction rates, adopting appropriate water treatment technologies to mitigate the adverse impacts of heavy metals, saltwater intrusion and maintain water quality for human consumption and agricultural use in the region.