Suitability For Irrigation Research Articles

Appraising water resources for irrigation and spatial analysis based on fuzzy logic model in the tribal-prone areas of Bangladesh.

The lack of quality water resources for irrigation is one of the main threats for sustainable farming. This pioneering study focused on finding the best area for farming by looking at irrigation water quality and analyzing its location using a fuzzy logic model on a Geographic Information System platform. In the tribal-prone areas of Khagrachhari Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh, 28 surface water and 39 groundwater samples were taken from shallow tube wells, rivers, canals, ponds, lakes, and waterfalls. The samples were then analyzed for irrigation water quality parameters like electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), residual sodium bicarbonate (RSBC), magnesium hazard ratio (MHR), Kelley's ratio (KR), and permeability index (PI). Fuzzy Irrigation Water Quality Index (FIWQI) was employed to determine the irrigation suitability of water resources. Spatial maps for parameters like EC, KR, MH, Na%, PI, SAR, and RSBC were developed using fuzzy membership values for groundwater and surface water. The FIWQI results indicate that 100% of the groundwater and 75% of the surface water samples range in the categories of excellent to good for irrigation uses. A new irrigation suitability map constructed by overlaying all parameters showed that surface water (75%) and some groundwater (100%) in the northern and southwestern portions are fit for agriculture. The western and central parts are unfit for irrigation due to higher bicarbonate and magnesium contents. The Piper and Gibbs diagram also indicated that the water in the study area is magnesium-bicarbonate type and the primary mechanism of water chemistry is controlled by the weathering of rocks, respectively. This research pinpoints the irrigation spatial pattern for regional water resource practices, identifies novel suitable areas, and improves sustainable agricultural uses in tribal-prone areas.

Cation exchange and leakage as dominant processes in controlling salinity and strontium in sandy and argillaceous coastal aquifer: Insights from hydrochemistry and multi-isotopes

Coastal groundwater is crucial for supporting ecosystems and meeting the water needs of coastal communities. However, over-exploitation of groundwater resources, including fresh water and deep brine, leads to groundwater depletion and exacerbates saline intrusion, posing significant challenges to sustainable development. This study focuses on the south bank of Laizhou Bay, a typical area threatened by saline intrusion due to the salt industry’s extraction of deep brine and over-exploitation of fresh groundwater. To assess the impact on salinization processes, we employed hydrochemistry and multi-isotope techniques to study strontium (Sr) distribution and salinization in coastal groundwater, unraveling their origins and explaining hydrochemical processes. The hydrochemical analysis revealed that evaporite dissolution primarily contributes to salinity, especially in deep brine and saline water (TDS > 30 g/L). The relationship between 87Sr/86Sr and chlor-alkali index (CAI) and saturation index (SI) indicated distinct sources of Sr. In fresh and brackish water (<10 g/L), Sr originates from mineral weathering and dissolution (SIs of albite and calcite increase with salinity), while in deep brine and saline water, Sr is influenced by cation exchange (with CAI-Ⅰ and CAI-Ⅱ greater than 0). Additionally, the interplay of anthropogenic input (nitrate), Sr, and EC highlights the differential anthropogenic impact on shallow groundwater, emphasizing the relatively closed environment of deep brine. Multi-isotope analysis showed that the average 87Sr/86Sr of shallow groundwater samples in the cone depression is 0.7112, between that of upstream surface water and shallow groundwater (0.7119) and deep brine and saline water (0.7101), indicating groundwater extraction induces deep brine leakage into shallow groundwater, elevating salinity and Sr concentrations. This poses a direct threat to local water security, including irrigation suitability and health risks of drinking water.In conclusion, we categorized the relationships between 87Sr/86Sr and Sr under different hydrochemical processes into different end-members based on their origins. This offers valuable insights in comparable regions for identifying groundwater salinization and saline intrusion, and the use of Sr and its isotopes can also help trace cation exchange and deep brine leakage in coastal aquifers.

Assessment of irrigation suitability of water in Hirakud reservoir and Bargarh main canal, Odisha, India: A multivariate analysis

Assessment of irrigation suitability of water in Hirakud reservoir and Bargarh main canal, Odisha, India: A multivariate analysis

Hydrogeochemical Evaluation of Groundwater Quality and Its Applicability for Various Purposes in the Drought-Prone Konso Zone, Rift Valley, Southern Ethiopia

The present study area, the Konso Zone, is in Rift Valley, Southern Ethiopia, and highly depends on rivers and groundwater for economic and social development. Water availability in this area faces multiple challenges, including scarcity, quality concerns, and seasonal variations. In the Rift Valley region, including the present study area, groundwater quality is particularly problematic due to high fluoride levels. Moreover, the high concentrations of total dissolved solids in Konso Zone groundwater pose challenges for industrial, agricultural, and drinking purposes. GIS-based spatial analysis techniques, hydrogeochemical analyses, and water quality indices were used in the current study. The evaluation of water quality involved the utilization of both groundwater quality and irrigation water quality indices. In the study area, the cations and anions exhibited a general trend with Na+ &gt; Mg2+ &gt; Ca2+ &gt; K+ &gt; Fe2+ and HCO3− &gt; Cl−, SO42− &gt; NO3− &gt; F−. Multiple water types were identified within the research area, including Na-HCO3, Ca-Na-HCO3, NaCl, and Ca-Mg/Cl, with Na-HCO3 being the most prevalent. The formation of the NaHCO3 water type is primarily attributed to ion exchange processes, with siliciclastic aquifers being linked to cation exchange in sodium bicarbonate groundwater. Total Dissolved Solids and SO42− contaminants significantly impact the water quality, resulting in deterioration. Gibbs’s figure indicates that 50% of the water samples were found where rocks were weathered, demonstrating the importance of water-rock interactions in groundwater composition. Water samples containing more fluoride than the WHO’s limit of 1.50 mg/L were deemed unsuitable for consumption. Regarding irrigation suitability, most water samples from the Konso area were acceptable, except for the sodium percentage in 66.6% of the samples, which was unsuitable for irrigation. There are 26.67% of samples that are of questionable quality, 66.67% that are deemed inappropriate, and 26.67% that are deemed unacceptable. These findings underscore the pressing need for comprehensive strategies and interventions to address water quality issues in the Konso Zone, emphasizing the critical importance of monitoring and managing groundwater resources to ensure sustainable and safe water access for various regional uses.

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.

Comprehensive Analysis of Groundwater Suitability for Irrigation in Rural Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

An irrigation quality assessment for rural Hyderabad was made by determining the pH, EC, TDS and TH beside major cations and anions. This study employed various parameters to determine the suitability of groundwater for irrigation and its hydrochemistry. Permissible limits of major cations and anions revealed that approximately 26% of samples exceeded acceptable levels for Electrical Conductivity (EC), 87% for Ca2+, 89% for Mg2+, and 60% for Na+, while none exceeded the limits for K+. Conversely, 47% of samples for HCO3−, 91% for Cl−, and 100% for SO42−, NO3−, and CO32− proved suitability for irrigation. Notably, irrigation indices highlighted favorable results, with 100% conformity for SAR, SSP, RSP, and PI values, and substantial percentages of 78% and 85% for MH and KR values, respectively, affirming their suitability for irrigation practices. Employing the USSL diagram, 22%, 65%, and 11% of samples fall into the C2S1, C3S1, and C4S1 categories. According to the Wilcox diagram, 25%, 43%, 30%, and 2% are classified under C1, C2, C3, and C4 categories, respectively. The Gibbs ratio shows a concentration within the evaporation dominance, and CAI values showed positive ion exchange. Overall, Hyderabad’s rural areas are generally suitable for irrigation, apart from certain areas where water quality may not be acceptable for plants lacking high salt tolerance.

Water quality assessment of Bheemasandra Lake, South India: A blend of water quality indices, multivariate data mining techniques, and GIS.

An integrated approach combining water quality indices (WQIs), multivariate data mining, and geographic information system (GIS) was employed to examine the water quality of Bheemasandra Lake, located adjacent to a sewage treatment plant (STP) in Tumakuru city, India. The analysis of 22 lake water samples, examined before and after the monsoons, revealed that the physicochemical parameters namely - electrical conductivity, biochemical oxygen demand, turbidity, total dissolved solids, ammoniacal nitrogen, nitrates, phosphates, magnesium, total hardness, total alkalinity, and calcium - exceeded the acceptable limits stipulated by national and international standards. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment WQI (pre-monsoon: 25.3; post-monsoon: 33.9) and weighted arithmetic WQI (pre-monsoon: 3398; post-monsoon: 2093) designated the water as unsafe for drinking. Irrigation WQIs (sodium adsorption ratio, sodium percentage, residual sodium carbonate, magnesium hazard, permeability index, and potential salinity) implied water's suitability for irrigation. However, electrical conductivity indicated otherwise. Industrial WQIs (Larson-Skold Index, Langelier Index, Aggressive Index, and Puckorius Scaling Index) illustrated scaling propensity and the chloride sulfate mass ratio alluded galvanic corrosion potential. Hierarchical cluster analysis gathered 22 sampling points into two clusters (cluster 1: relatively lower polluted regions; cluster 2: highly polluted regions) for each season based on similarities in water features. Principal component analysis extracted four (79.07% cumulative variance) and six (87.14% cumulative variance) principal components before and after the monsoons, respectively. These components identified the primary pollution sources as urban sewage and natural lithological processes. WQI maps, created using the inverse distance weighted interpolation technique, enhanced the visualization of spatial-temporal variations. This study highlights the dire consequences of urbanization, STP pollution, and sewage management failures, necessitating that concerned authorities should implement policies and measures to curb the negative impacts on the environment and public health.

Water Quality Assessment Using the Water Quality Index, and Geographic Information Systems in Nador Canal, Morocco

In recent decades, water pollution has emerged as a significant concern, posing a threat to both humans and natural ecosystems. This study aimed to assess the spatial variations in water quality in the Nador Canal, Morocco using the water quality index combined with multivariate statistical techniques and geographic information systems (GIS). The parameters examined were then compared to the maximum permissible limit values recommended by Moroccan surface water standards and the World Health Organization. The results indicated that the WQI of Nador Canal is generally suitable for irrigation and unsuitable for drinking. It indicated that the quality of surface water in the Nador Canal is affected by organic pollutants, and this is evidenced by low levels of dissolved oxygen, the levels of elements were high, especially chlorine and sodium, in addition to a high concentration of ammonia, nitrate, and phosphate in some of the stations studied. Principal component analysis (PCA) results revealed that PC1–PC3 collectively accounted for 73% of the variation in surface water quality within the study area. The cluster analysis also proves that the water quality is relatively polluted. Potential contributing factors to surface water pollution include changes in the hydrological regime, household waste discharges, and agricultural activities. These findings furnish essential insights into water quality, particularly its suitability for irrigation, and contribute to enhancing the water quality management system of the Nador Canal in the Gharb region of Morocco.

Appraisal of groundwater suitability and hydrochemical characteristics by using various water quality indices and statistical analyses in the Wadi Righ area, Algeria

ABSTRACT This assessment research focuses on the hydrochemical characteristics and groundwater suitability in the Wadi Righ region, in southern Algeria. The statement of the problem revolves around determining water quality using various indices including Permeability Index (PI), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Water Quality Index (WQI), Sodium Percentage (Na%), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment's Water Quality Index (CCME WQI), Magnesium Hazard (MH), Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), and Kelly Index (KR). Additionally, statistical methods were utilized to establish correlations between these indices and chemical elements. The working method involved investigating hydrochemical parameters in Wadi Righ's groundwater and analyzing 52 samples. The results indicate that water quality, as assessed by the water quality indices, was categorized as very poor and unsuitable overall, with lower quality observed particularly in the central and southern regions. However, groundwater demonstrated excellence and suitability for irrigation purposes. Qualitatively, the findings suggest that there are significant relationships among irrigation suitability indices, as indicated by Pearson correlation analysis. These relationships stem from shared inputs and hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater. This analysis reinforces the quantitative findings and provides insights into the underlying factors influencing groundwater quality and suitability for irrigation in the Wadi Righ region.

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.

The Evaluation of Biological Treatment of Wastewater in the Yarmouk Station and Its Suitability for Aquaculture and Irrigation in Mosul City, Iraq

The Evaluation of Biological Treatment of Wastewater in the Yarmouk Station and Its Suitability for Aquaculture and Irrigation in Mosul City, Iraq

Assessment of hydrochemical characteristics and trace metals of Punpun River water – a tributary of the Ganga River

ABSTRACT This manuscript presents the first inventory of dissolved ions (cations and anions) and trace metals (Pb, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) in the Punpun River water to assess its irrigational suitability, pollution sources and hydrogeochemical processes. For this, the physicochemical parameters and trace metals in river water were analysed in the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The results showed that the concentrations of cations and anions were Ca2+ &amp;gt; Na+ &amp;gt; Mg2+ &amp;gt; K+ and HCO3− &amp;gt; SO42- &amp;gt; Cl− &amp;gt; NO3− &amp;gt; PO43-, respectively, in both the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. However, trace metal concentration in pre- and post-monsoon followed the trend of Pb &amp;gt; Mn &amp;gt; Cr &amp;gt; Ni &amp;gt; Cu &amp;gt; Zn &amp;gt; Co and Pb &amp;gt; Ni &amp;gt; Mn &amp;gt; Cr &amp;gt; Zn &amp;gt; Co &amp;gt; Cu, respectively. The results reveal that combined effects of rock weathering and evaporation-concentration influence hydrochemistry, along with anthropogenic factors like industrial effluents, urban domestic sewage and agricultural runoff. Piper and Durov plots suggest that the river water is dominated by Ca–Mg–HCO3− type, and the processes were governed by simple ion dissolution and mixing. However, the Gibbs plot shows that silicate and carbonate weathering govern the hydrochemical properties. Irrigational indices like sodium adsorption ratio, %Na, residual sodium carbonate, Kelly's ratio, magnesium hazard, and trace metals indicate that most of the water samples are suitable for irrigation. Comprehensive pollution index values suggest that the river water quality ranges from sub-clean to slightly to moderately polluted.

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.

ANALYSIS OF NOYYAL RIVER AND ITS POTENTIAL FOR IRRIGATION USING PHYTOREMEDIATION

The Noyyal River, a vital water source in India, faces contamination challenges affecting its suitability for irrigation. This study explores the potential of phytoremediation, specifically using Aloe Vera plants, to purify the river water. Aloe Vera is known for its ability to absorb pollutants and improve water quality. Through a series of laboratory experiments and field observations, the efficiency of Aloe Vera in removing contaminants from Noyyal River water was assessed. Preliminary findings indicate promising results, suggesting that Aloe Vera could be a sustainable and cost-effective solution for enhancing the river's water quality and making it suitable for irrigation. Further research and implementation of phytoremediation strategies using Aloe Vera could play a significant role in restoring and maintaining the ecological balance of the Noyyal River ecosystem. Keywords: Noyyal River, phytoremediation, Aloe Vera, water quality improvement.

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.

Mamdani-type fuzzy inference system for irrigational water quality

This paper aims to evaluate the quality of groundwater resources used for irrigation purposes using a Mamdani-type fuzzy inference system (MFIS). The MFIS is used to resolve ambiguities and uncertainties in economic, social, and natural systems and also facilitates the capture of expert knowledge in ways similar to human reasoning and thought processes. In this study, 20 groundwater samples were collected from various locations within the Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu, India, between January 2016 and December 2019. These samples underwent physical and chemical analyses to assess the suitability of the collected water resources for irrigation. The analysis utilizes the Mamdani Fuzzy Inference System, which combines values of Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR). Additionally, methods from the US Salinity Laboratory Staff were also employed. Ultimately, the groundwater quality in Mayiladuthurai is graded for irrigation use by this method. The results indicate that the MFIS reduces imprecision and uncertainty in data handling through the fuzzy membership function. The comparison of irrigation suitability results clearly demonstrates that the proposed MFIS method offers an improved assessment of the irrigation water quality level of the studied groundwater resources.

Evaluate the groundwater quality and human health risks for sustainable drinking and irrigation purposes in mountainous region of Chongqing, Southwest China

Groundwater is crucial for agriculture and domestic consumption. This research investigated the hydrogeochemical properties and contaminant sources of groundwater within the mountainous terrain of northern Chongqing, with the objective of evaluating its appropriateness for irrigation and potable use. The hydrochemical type of the groundwater was HCO3 − Ca, dominated by silicate and calcite dissolutions. High NO3− (29.03% exceeds 10 mg/L) were attributed to the overuse of agricultural fertilizers. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted to determine the groundwater suitability for agricultural and potable uses. The results showed that groundwater in the southwestern region, particularly within the Yangtze River mainstem watershed, exhibited less suitability for irrigation owing to its lower mineralization, in contrast to the northeastern region near the Daning River watershed. But this trend is reversed for drinking purposes. Overall, the groundwater was appropriate for both drinking (93.55% were classified as excellent) and irrigation (70.98% were classified as low restriction) purposes in the study area. Deterministic and probabilistic noncarcinogenic health risk analyses centered on nitrate exposure revealed that infants (with 13.79% of samples >1) were at greater risk than children (8.58%), adult males (6.98%), and adult females (5.24%). This underscores the urgency to reduce nitrogen fertilizer usage and improve water management in the region. This research will provide guidance for the sustainable groundwater management in mountainous regions.

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.

Water resources and physicochemical properties of the Mio-Pliocene aquifer complex in the M’leta Plain, Western Algeria

The aquifers in the M’léta Plain are crucial for supplying drinking water and supporting industrial and agricultural water needs. However, they are facing a pollution risk and environmental degradation. The present study aims to assess the groundwater quality in the M’léta Plain, focusing on its physicochemical properties, statistics of the aquifer, pollution risks, and factors influencing the water mineralisation process. The analysis of 16 samples reveals that the water contains high levels of sulphates and chlorides, often accompanied by sodium, calcium, or magnesium. This suggests two distinct water types or facies: one characterised by sodium chloride or calcium chloride, and the other with calcic or sodic sulphate waters, sometimes including magnesium sulphate. These facies may be attributed to the influence of different formations at the outcrop. Statistical analyses reveal a strong correlation between electrical conductivity and the majority of chemical elements, indicating the impact of freshwater interacting with the underlying rock formations on mineralisation. Some results also show undersaturation of certain minerals. Furthermore, the study evaluates the water's suitability for irrigation in the M’léta Plain in accordance with Richards’ classification.

Suitability of treated wastewater for irrigation and its impact on groundwater resources in arid coastal regions: Insights for water resources sustainability

Water scarcity threatens agriculture and food security in arid regions like Saudi Arabia. The nation produces significant quantities of municipal wastewater, which, with adequate treatment, could serve as an alternative water source for irrigation, thereby reducing reliance on fossil and non-renewable groundwater. This study assessed the appropriateness of using treated wastewater (TWW) for irrigation in a dry coastal agricultural region in Eastern Saudi Arabia and its impact on groundwater resources. Field investigations were conducted in Qatif to collect water samples and field measurements. A multi-criteria approach was applied to evaluate the TWW's suitability for irrigation, including complying with Saudi Standards, the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), the National Sanitation Foundation water quality index (NSFWQI), and the individual irrigation indices. In addition, the impact of TWW on groundwater was assessed through hydrogeological and isotope approaches. The results indicate that the use of TWW in the study area complied with the Saudi reuse guidelines except for nitrate, aluminum, and molybdenum. However, irrigation water quality indices classify TWW as having limitations that necessitate the use for salt-tolerant crops on permeable and well-drained soils. Stable isotopic analysis (δ2H, δ18O) revealed that long-term irrigation with TWW affected the shallow aquifer, while deep aquifers were minimally impacted due to the presence of aquitard layer. The application of TWW irrigation has successfully maintained groundwater sustainability in the study area, as evidenced by increased groundwater levels up to 2.3 m. Although TWW contributes to crop productivity, long term agricultural sustainability could be enhanced by improving effluent quality, regulating irrigation practices, implementing buffer zones, and monitoring shallow groundwater. An integrated approach that combines advanced wastewater treatment methods, community involvement, regulatory oversight, and targeted monitoring is recommended to be implemented.