Suitability Of Groundwater Research Articles

Multicriteria-analysis of deep groundwater quality using WQI and fuzzy logic tool in GIS: A case study of Kebilli region, SW Tunisia

The suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes is potentially disturbed by a variety of factors, including climate change, salinization and risky agricultural practices. The region of Kebilli (Southwestern Tunisia) is marked by an arid climatic condition with a Saharan tendency. However, the spatial partition of the stress factors was not addressed so far in spite of the increasing demand for groundwater to the agricultural and domestic activities which supports the social and economic pressure. Therefore, Water Quality Index (WQI) and Fuzzy Logic models were applied to evaluate the groundwater quality in the Kebilli region for both drinking and irrigation purposes using the geographic information system (GIS) environment to analyze the spatial partition of various factors. According to the analytical results, the calculated values of WQI are between 83.421 and 436.858 for drinking and range from 50 to 77 for irrigation purposes. The prepared Fuzzy spatial maps show that the “desirable” and “acceptable” classes of groundwater quality samples are situated in the center of the studied region, while the “undesirable” quality of groundwater is observed mainly at the Southeastern sectors due to the domestic and agricultural activities besides the over-exploitation of the aquifer. In addition, the Fuzzy membership levels generated into a GIS-based maps give a high correlation of 0.88 and 0.79 with assessed values of WQI for both drinking and irrigation purposes respectively. Grouping analyses also confirm the resulted maps, in turn, the anthropogenic effects coincides globally with the unsuitable areas for both drinking and irrigation purposes. Consequently the perturbations in the fragile environment of the oasis ecosystem are closely related to the deterioration of the groundwater quality and the intensive use of fertilizers and pesticides for agricultural needs in the Kebilli region. The research results may improve the understanding of the groundwater sustainability and as support decision makers for planning the water management and its protection.

Spatial and temporal model for WQI prediction based on back-propagation neural network, application on EL MERK region (Algerian southeast)

For the aims of evaluate the groundwater suitability for human consumption, and modelling the water quality index, temporally and spatially, using Artificial Neural Network. 37 samples were harvested from eight different wells in the region during the period from 2016 to 2019 in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon to conduct the necessary analyses of pH, mineralisation, TH, TA, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, Cl−, HCO3−, SO42−, NO2− and NO3−. Based on WQI results, the groundwater of MioPliociene is classified as good and poor water in 34.5% and 65.5% of the samples, respectively. The seasonal variations of the chemical composition of water indicate a presence of NO3− and NO2− in an ascending way. It is also appeared that the aquifer was very sensitive to weathering. PCA illustrates the corelations. The WQI was always posed in a homogeneous group with TH and mineralization, which indicate that TH and mineralisation are main factors in controlling water quality. ANN method is used to create a model to predict WQI using mineralisation, TH, NO3− and NO2− as inputs. The model shows a performance of 1.64 as MSE. The suitability of model confirmed using Bland-Altman test. The test shows that the model is suitable for predicting WQI with an error rate of 9.3%.

Trace Elements in Groundwater of Chrompet Industrial area of Tamil Nadu

The concentrations of the trace elements Fe, Cu, Pb, Mn, Zn were studied in groundwater of Chrompet Industrial area of Tamil Nadu. The degree of trace element pollution and the suitability of groundwater for drinking purpose was assessed. The concentration of Pb found to be present above maximum permissible limit. More than permissible limit of Fe was found around the industrial area. The concentrations of Zn, Cu and Mn are well below the maximum permissible limit as recommended by ISI (1983) for drinking purpose

Application of the CCME water quality index to evaluate the groundwater quality of shouira village for drinking and domestic purposes in Nineveh governorate

In this research, the Water Quality Index (CCME) was used to determine groundwater suitability for drinking and domestic purposes. in the village of Shouira in Talafar district, northwest of Nineveh Governorate. This was carried out by subjecting 50 samples of groundwater to biological and chemical analysis. These parameters include pH, TDS, O2, T.A, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Cl, PO4, SO4, TPC, and F. Colif. The results show that groundwater is not suitable for drinking. It was found that the low value of CCME, which ranged between (17.9 - 32.7), is mainly due to the high value of most of the values of the measured parameters and the low oxygen values.

Hydrogeochemical Characteristics, Quality Assessment and Health Impact Analysis of Groundwater for Drinking in the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh

Groundwater is the major source of water supply for drinking in the Chittagong University (CU) campus. A comprehensive analysis, in terms of physico-chemical, geochemical, trace metals and biological parameters, was performed to ensure the suitability of groundwater for drinking. According to Piper, Chadha, Pie and Schoeller diagrams, Ca-Mg-HCO3 type water was found both in winter and summer seasons. Gibb’s plot specified that majority of the samples fell in the rock dominance. The multivariate analysis indicated that the hydrochemistry was governed by both the geogenic and anthropogenic sources. Comparison of physico-chemical factors, ionic compositions and trace metals results with standard values suggested that majority of the parameters were within the acceptable limit, except pH and Fe, for both seasons. Additionally, drinking water quality index (WQI) showed that groundwater could be categorized as ‘excellent to good’ rank in the 92% and 84% samples of summer and winter seasons, respectively. Though coliform were found in very few samples, however, no carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk was observed. Collectively, CU campus groundwater is fit for drinking purpose. However, reduction of iron and removal of coliform are recommended. The present study may provide local authorities with insights into making rational decisions for sustainable groundwater management.

GIS-based assessment of groundwater quality index (DWQI and AWQI) in Tiruchendur Coastal City, Southern Tamil Nadu, India

The present study was conducted to evaluate the hydrochemical parameters to improve a water quality index for Tiruchendur, an agricultural area in the Tuticorin district of Tamil Nadu, India. The population growth and intensive agricultural activities in and around the groundwater system in the study area have a direct effect on the quality of this groundwater. A total of 39 samples were collected and analyzed for physicochemical parameters and assessed the suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes based on the Water Quality Index (WQI) mapping by the Geographic Information System (GIS). The measured data were used to compute irrigation factors such as sodium percentage (Na%), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC) and permeability index (PI) to determine the suitability of water for agricultural activities. The hydro-chemical facies reflect that 57% of Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl−-SO42− type of facies with an alkaline (Ca2+ and Mg2+) nature exceeds the alkalis (Na+ and K+) and chloride (strong acid) exceed HCO3− (weak acid) with the sequence of cation Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > K+ and anion Cl− > HCO3− > SO42− > NO3− respectively. The Drinking Water Quality Index (DWQI) results show that no area is in excellent to good water class for drinking while 41% of samples have poor water quality, 20% of samples have very poor categories and 39% are of inappropriate for drinking utilities. The Agricultural Water Quality Index (AWQI) indicates that the vast majority (41%) areas can be used for agriculture with Moderate Restriction and 5% of estuary areas are classified as having low restriction over agricultural use. This comprehensive research provides a geological database through such spatial surveys as the DWQI and AWQI, which will help to plan and improve the sustainable management of groundwater resource along with the Tiruchendur coastal city.

Integration of multivariate statistics and water quality indices to evaluate groundwater quality and its suitability in middle Gangetic floodplain, Bihar

This study is conducted along the middle Gangetic floodplain, to investigate the hydrogeochemical characteristics and suitability of groundwater for irrigation and human consumptions. Altogether 65 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for major ions and water quality parameters. pH of all the samples except 1 is found > 7, which suggests alkaline aquifer condition. Groundwater samples predominately belong to Ca-Mg-HCO3 water type followed by Na-HCO3, Mg-HCO3 and Mg-SO4 water types. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) combines groundwater into two distinct groups, Group 1 is found as less mineralized as the average EC value is found 625.3 μS/cm, while it is found 1375 μS/cm for Group 2. The results of correlation analysis and PCA suggest influence of natural and anthropogenic activities on groundwater. PCA extracts four major PCs which describes 71.7% of total variance. PC1 indicates influence of both lithogenic and anthropogenic activities on groundwater quality. PC2 and PC3 infer natural factors, and PC4 suggests influence of anthropogenic activities on groundwater. Exceeding concentration of F−, Fe and Mn above WHO guidelines are found as major public health concern. WQI of all except 4 groundwater samples suggests excellent to good water quality; however, 23% of the samples are not suitable based on WPI values. Irrigation indices suggest that groundwater is mostly suitable for irrigation; however, 10.7%, 12.3% and 3% samples for RSBC, MAR and KR, respectively, exceed the recommended limits and are unsuitable for irrigation. A proper management strategy and quality assurance is recommended before groundwater consumption and use in the study area.

Evaluation of some groundwater quality parameters using geostatistics in the urban coastal aquifer of Bosaso plain, Somalia

Groundwater is a major drinking water resource in arid coastal regions. The groundwater quality of Bosaso city experienced degradation due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. This study was carried out to delineate the spatial distribution of groundwater quality parameters and evaluate groundwater suitability for drinking and irrigation uses. The groundwater samples were collected from Bosaso Plain to determine the pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and sodium and chloride concentrations. To categorize water quality for irrigation purposes, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) was calculated. Ordinary kriging procedure was performed in order to map the spatial distribution of groundwater quality parameters. The interpretation of laboratory analysis results revealed that the most of groundwater wells in the study area is unsafe for drinking purposes due to high salinity, except for the central area (Biyo Kulule). In terms of irrigation uses, the minor area may be under the risk of alkalinity or sodium hazard. However, all groundwater supply points are not suitable for irrigation due to the salinization risk and can be only used to irrigate high salt-tolerant crops. The final maps show that the groundwater quality decreases from southeast to the north of the plain. This indicates that the groundwater is probably subjected to the seawater intrusion. In this regard, the implementation of a groundwater monitoring program is necessary to achieve concrete results. Nevertheless, the most suitable groundwater quality is found to be at the central part of the Bosaso plain.

Groundwater source evaluation and quality checks, for drinking and irrigation uses in Eha-Amufu and environs, Eastern Nigeria

The research assesses the suitability of groundwater in Eha-Ndiagu and its Environs, astern Nigeria, for domestic and irrigation uses by analyzing the physicochemical, heavy metal, and bacteriological parameters in the area. The physicochemical analysis revealed that the groundwater is anthropologically contaminated by sewage and agricultural wastes.The forensic relevance and health implications of parameters with comparison to their respective recommended standards were elaborated. The parameter associations such as E coli, Chloride, Nitrate and total coliform counts were used to unravel sewage source of contamination while phosphate,nitrate and potassium were diagnostic of agricultural contamination Based on the conventional water quality index calculations, 60% of the water samples indicates poor water quality while 8% are within the good water range and 32% are within the very poor water range, and this finding was attributed to the presence of faecal and total coliform in the groundwater of the study area. MAR, PI, KR, SAR, and SSP were used to assess the groundwater suitability for irrigation use, and their respective spatial distribution maps were integrated and superimposed, for the production of an irrigation suitability map for the study area, delineating areas with poor, fair and good groundwater quality suitable for irrigation purposes. The map shows that about 95% of the groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation purposes while 5% are unsuitable.

Assessment of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purpose using hydrochemical studies in Dera Bassi town and its surrounding agricultural area of Dera Bassi Tehsil of Punjab, India

Present research aims to assess the suitability of groundwater of Dera Bassi town (Punjab) and its surrounding agricultural area for drinking as well as irrigation purpose. Thirty groundwater samples were collected (in February 2020) and analyzed for various physicochemical parameters. Results of physicochemical analysis were compared with Indian (IS 10500:2012) as well as WHO (2006) standards to ascertain the suitability of the groundwater samples for drinking purpose, and it has been found that results for almost all the parameters except alkalinity (at few sites) are within the permissible limit. The pattern of ionic dominance was observed in the order of Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ for cations and Cl− > NO3− > SO42− > F− for anions. Further, according to the observed Kelly’s ratio, sodium adsorption ratio, sodium percentage, corrosivity ratio and permeability index, the groundwater samples were found to be fit for irrigation purpose. However, the magnesium ratio and residual sodium carbonate revealed that groundwater of the area under study is not fit for irrigation purpose at some sites. The plot of SAR values versus EC values in the US Salinity Laboratory diagram revealed that the majority of the samples fall under water type C3-S1 (high salinity—low SAR) and 36.77% samples fall under water type C2-S1 (medium salinity—low SAR). Gibb’s diagram revealed that all samples fall under rock dominance category. The values of index of base exchange (CAI 1 and CAI 2) indicate that both direct ion and reverse ion exchange processes are taking place in the region.

Groundwater quality assessment using water quality index (WQI) under GIS framework

Groundwater is an important source for drinking water supply in hard rock terrain of Bundelkhand massif particularly in District Mahoba, Uttar Pradesh, India. An attempt has been made in this work to understand the suitability of groundwater for human consumption. The parameters like pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, copper, manganese, silver, zinc, iron and nickel were analysed to estimate the groundwater quality. The water quality index (WQI) has been applied to categorize the water quality viz: excellent, good, poor, etc. which is quite useful to infer the quality of water to the people and policy makers in the concerned area. The WQI in the study area ranges from 4.75 to 115.93. The overall WQI in the study area indicates that the groundwater is safe and potable except few localized pockets in Charkhari and Jaitpur Blocks. The Hill-Piper Trilinear diagram reveals that the groundwater of the study area falls under Na+-Cl−, mixed Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl− and Ca2+-{text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - } types. The granite-gneiss contains orthoclase feldspar and biotite minerals which after weathering yields bicarbonate and chloride rich groundwater. The correlation matrix has been created and analysed to observe their significant impetus on the assessment of groundwater quality. The current study suggests that the groundwater of the area under deteriorated water quality needs treatment before consumption and also to be protected from the perils of geogenic/anthropogenic contamination.

Characterization of weathering profile and quality of groundwater over hard rock terrain

In this study, we present a detailed characterization of weathering profile and groundwater over a hard rock terrain showing the formation of kaolinite, groundwater quality assessment, and hydrogeochemistry. The crystal structure, chemical composition, and spectral characteristics of a weathering profile collected from Thiruvananthapuram district, the southern part of Kerala, India, were studied using XRD, ED-XRF, TG-DTA, UV-Vis-NIR, XPS, and FTIR spectroscopy. The physicochemical parameters of the groundwater were determined and evaluated for the groundwater suitability for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes based on the values of total hardness, TDS, corrosivity ratio, RSC, SAR, USSL classification, saturation index, and Schoeller and Stuyfzand classification derived using “HYCH” program. Interpretation of the results shows that the groundwater is suitable for drinking, irrigation, and industrial purposes. The characterization of the profile samples reveals that the aquifer is a weathered profile with the formation of kaolinite mineral at the bottom. The results show that the hydrogeochemical processes that exist in the present study area are controlled by precipitation, not by rock–water interaction or evaporation, which suggests that the groundwater chemistry is not influenced by the aquifer minerals.

GIS-based assessment of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purposes in central Iraq.

In many parts of the world, groundwater is considered to be a key source of fresh water for both the domestic and non-domestic sectors. Where groundwater extraction is implemented, systems to monitor water quality must ensure a safe and sustainable supply. Over the years, Iraq has suffered from surface water quality and supply problems, necessitating groundwater extraction in many regions. This study investigates groundwater quality in a region of central Iraq around Babylon city, covering an area of 5119km2. The data gathered for this study included maps, well locations and water quality data and was sourced from the relevant governmental departments. A base map of the focussed region was initially prepared following data collection. The analysed water quality parameters were used as an attribute database to produce thematic maps using a geographical information system (GIS) environment. In this paper, the water quality index (WQI) and the irrigation water quality index (IWQI) were calculated for different groundwater samples using various parameters including the Electrical Conductivity (EC), Cl-, HCO3-, Na+ and pH. Moreover, the groundwater suitability for irrigation purposes has been assessed using indices such as Kelly's ratio (KR), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), soluble sodium percentage (SSP) and permeability index (PI). Water quality index maps have been developed using the GIS environment. The obtained results reveal that the groundwater in the study location requires specific treatments to be usable.

Assessment of drinking and irrigation water quality using WQI and SAR method in Maâder sub-basin, Ksour Mountains, Algeria

Domestic and agricultural activities in arid regions of Ksour Mountains which stretching across the provinces of Naâma and El Bayadh in Algeria, depend mostly on groundwater due to the region’s climate, which is characterized by low rainfall and high evaporation. The paper aims to assess the suitability of groundwater for drinking and agricultural purposes in the Maâder sub-basin. The data used in this study have been collected from twenty-one (21) groundwater samples from the field. In the laboratory, the major anions and cations were analyzed, and other physicochemical parameters such as temperature, potential hydrogen (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) were measured in situ. The assessment of water potential for drinking uses was evaluated using the water quality index (WQI). While the evaluation of water quality for irrigation purposes was assessed using the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR). The results revealed that all water quality parameters were within the Algerian standards’ permissible limit. Most of the concentration falls within the allowable limits of World Health Organization standards, except for some samples. The water quality index (WQI) of the study area ranged from 44.71 to 80.67, which means that the groundwater falls into the category of excellent and adequate water. The SAR values varied from 1.06 to 2.78, indicating that all groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation purposes. The obtained spatial distribution maps of WQI and SAR show that groundwater's best quality is located in the northeast part of the study area, and the water quality exhibits a gradual increase in concentration from northeast to southwest. This work helps the decision makers better manage water resources and policy development in the region.

An index-based approach to assess groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation in Asir region of Saudi Arabia

The arid and the semiarid regions around the world mostly rely on groundwater to meet the domestic and other demands, due to absence of surface waterbodies and very inconsistent rainfall. With increasing pollution and extreme climatic influence, the quality assurance of groundwater becomes much important to determine its suitability for domestic needs and agriculture. A random sampling of 62 groundwater samples was conducted in the study region. The groundwater samples were analysed in the laboratory for all the major physico-chemical parameters. The pH of all except 4 samples was found > 7 suggesting dominance of alkaline environment. Results suggest that the major ion chemistry is greatly influenced by the extreme arid climatic condition; however, ion exchange and reverse ion exchange along with dissolution of carbonate minerals govern the major ion chemistry in groundwater. High nitrate (NO3) exceeding the WHO guideline of 50 mg/L is a major public health concern along with high alkalinity and electrical conductivity (EC). Water quality index (WQI) was estimated based on the variables analysed in the lab to determine its appropriateness for drinking. The irrigation suitability of groundwater was estimated based on several indices such as sodium percentage (Na%), permeability index (PI), residual sodium bicarbonate (RSBC), magnesium hazard (MH), Kelly’s ratio (KR), and magnesium absorption ratio (MAR). WQI values of 62.9% of groundwater samples indicate good quality of water followed by 25.8% in poor range of water quality and 6.4% and 4.8% of samples are respectively under excellent and very poor water classes. The irrigation indices, i.e. Na%, RSBC, MH, KR, and MAR, are found within the suitable range; however, 53.3% of the samples has PI values < 25% indicating that water is not suitable and it might increase the permeability of soil which leads to accumulation of ions in soil resulting in low productivity. USSL diagram suggests that 17.7% of the samples falls under C2S1 (medium salinity-low sodium hazard), 72% of the water samples falls under C3S1 (high salinity-low sodium hazard), and 10% of the samples falls under C4S1 zone (very high salinity-low sodium hazard), suggesting good, moderately suitable, and poor water quality for irrigation. The groundwater is found to be impacted mainly due to arid climate as based on SO42−/Cl− ratio, it depicts the similarity with seawater/salt pans. A proper groundwater management strategy and assessment of its suitability should be done before groundwater for domestic and agricultural consumption.

Triangulation Approach for Mapping Groundwater Suitability Zones in Coastal Areas Around Lagos, Nigeria. Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Technique

ABSTRACT Water quality in Lagos's coastal area is prone to constant seawater intrusion due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifer is a major challenge to human survival and therefore needs urgent attention due to deficiency in groundwater quality. This study applies integrated techniques to map groundwater suitability zone (GSZ) around the Lagos coastal area for sustainable development. The objectives were achieved by preparing eight different thematic layers that influence groundwater suitability viz; drainage density, geology, geomorphology, lineament density, rainfall, longitudinal conductance, slope, and transverse resistance. Weighting assignment, normalization and, pair-wise comparison of the thematic maps were done using Saaty’s Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) model before being integrated through the geographical information system (GIS) spatial analyst model with weight overlay to generate the overall groundwater suitability map. The integrated result reveals that 7% of the research location has very low suitability, 32.2% low, 47.8% moderate, and 13% high groundwater suitability. Thus, the groundwater suitability zone (GSZ) was validated via Electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) and the result reveals a good correlation. The research has proven the efficacy of integrating different surface and subsurface data for effectively mapping the groundwater suitability zone (GSZ).

ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY FOR DRINKING PURPOSE IN CHARKHI DADRI BLOCK IN CHARKHI DADRI DISTRICT, HARYANA

Water is important for living organisms on the Earth. Present development activities have put pressure on water resources. Groundwater is under more stress because of high exploitation for drinking, irrigation and industrial purposes. In the arid to semi-arid climatic zones groundwater is very important for sustaining day to day activities and agriculture and industrial purposes. The present study area Charkhi Dadri block in Charkhi Dadri district, Haryana was selected to 0 0 study groundwater quality for drinking purpose. The geo-coordinates of the study area are latitudes 28.49 N to 28.70 N 0 0 and longitudes 76.05 E to 76.47 E and covers an area of 396.57 sq. km. In the study area ten groundwater samples were collected in double capped 250 ml plastic bottles. Geo-coordinates of the sample locations were noted using mobile GPS. Chemical analysis of all the ten groundwater samples were done using Tamilnadu Water Supply and Drainage Board (TWAD), Chennai prepared Field Water Testing kit for twelve chemical parameters viz. pH, alkalinity, hardness, chloride, total dissolved solids (TDS), fluoride, iron, nitrite, nitrate, ammonia, phosphate and residual chlorine. Chemical analysis results were entered in excel software and prepared bar graphs. Result of groundwater samples analysis were compared with BIS (IS 10500:2012) drinking water standard to know the suitability of groundwater for drinking purpose. The study shows that pH ranges 7 to 8, alkalinity 200 mg/l to 450 mg/l, hardness 130 mg/l to 800 mg/l, chloride 40 mg/l to 1200 mg/l, TDS 552 mg/l to 2820 mg/l, fluoride 0.5 mg/l to 5 mg/l, iron nil to 0.3 mg/l, ammonia nil to 1 mg/l, nitrite 0.2 mg/l to 1 mg/l, nitrate 45 mg/l to 100 mg/l, phosphate nil in all the ten groundwater samples and residual chlorine nil to 0.2 mg/l. The study is highly useful for planning and monitoring of groundwater for drinking purpose in the study area.

Assessment of Groundwater Quality for Domestic and Irrigation Purposes in Northern Bamenda (Cameroon)

Safe and reliable drinking water availability constitutes a nightmare in many towns of developing countries and is usually appreciated from its physical appearance without prior knowledge of its chemical and biological properties. This study investigates the suitability of groundwater for domestic and irrigational purposes through physico-chemical and bacteriological analyses in the Northern part of Bamenda Town (Cameroon). Thus, 20 groundwater samples were collected from hand-dug wells and spring sources in September 2018 (rainy season) and February 2019 (dry season) and physico-chemical and bacteriological characteristics were determined. The results revealed that pH ranged from 5.5 to 6.6, thus enabling the classification of the water as slightly acidic. Electrical conductivity varied between 0.01 - 0.06 μS/cm. The relative abundance of ions was such that Ca2+ > K+ > Mg2+ > Na+ for cations and HCO-3 > Cl- > NO-3 > SO-4 for anions. The water types were Ca-Mg-NO3 in both dry and rainy seasons. The results revealed that the mechanisms controlling groundwater chemistry are rock weathering and atmospheric precipitation. Indicator bacteria such as E. coli, Shigella, Enterobacteria, Vibrio, Streptococcus and Staphylococcus were detected in the studied groundwater samples, thus the water sources may pose a threat to public health.

Spatial distribution characteristics of irrigation water quality assessment in the Central-Western Guanzhong Basin, China

Groundwater plays an important role for agricultural irrigation in the Guanzhong Basin. In order to investigate its spatial distribution characteristics of groundwater suitability for irrigation in the central-western Guanzhong Basin, total 97 groundwater samples were collected and analysed. Four indicators, including sodium percentage (Na%), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), magnesium hazard (MH), and potential salinity (PS), were selected to evaluate the groundwater for irrigation use. The results show that the groundwater in the southern and western areas is more suitable for irrigation than that in the northern and central areas of the basin. Besides, the consistent evaluation results are obtained based on these four indicators, which indicates that they are applicable for the assessment of groundwater irrigation use in study area. Furthermore, the findings of this study would provide guidance for spatial management decision of irrigation groundwater in the central-western Guanzhong Basin.

Hydrogeochemistry of groundwater at El Moghra area, north Western Desert, Egypt

ABSTRACT Thirty-three groundwater samples were collected from recent drillings conducted as a part of the 1.5 million feddan (Acres) national reclamation project at El Moghra area. These samples were analysed for the concentrations of the major ions (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cl, SO4, HCO3 and CO3) along with different physicochemical parameters (pH, TDS and EC). The assessment of these groundwater samples was obtained to evaluate groundwater suitability for different purposes (drinking, irrigation, and domestic purposes). The investigated aquifer has slightly acidic to alkaline water with pH value ranged from 6.71 to 8.7. The salinity (as TDS) value varies from 2236 mg/l (Brackish water) to 7830 mg/l (saline water). In the study area, the concentrations of major ions are generally higher than the maximum standard limits for drinking and domestic purposes. The main chemical water type according to the hydrochemistry composition is NaCl. The groundwater of the study area is unsuitable for drinking and domestic purposes; however, it can be used for irrigation as the cultivation of salt-tolerant crops (Jojoba and Olives) especially in the western part of the study area. Five VES stations were measured to identify by the subsurface section which consists of different alternated layers of sand intercalated with clay.