Suitability Of Groundwater Research Articles

Groundwater Quality Assessment in the Northern Part of Changchun City, Northeast China, Using PIG and Two Improved PIG Methods.

As a numerical indicator, the pollution index of groundwater (PIG) has gained a great deal of popularity in quantifying groundwater quality for drinking purposes. However, its weight-determination procedure is rather subjective due to the absolute dependence on experts’ experience. To make the evaluation results more accurate and convincing, two improved PIG models (CRITIC-PIG and Entropy-PIG) that integrate subjective weights and objective weights were designed, and they were employed to appraise groundwater suitability for drinking purposes in the northern part of Changchun City. A total of 48 water samples (34 unconfined water samples and 14 confined water samples) with abundances of Ca2+ and HCO3− were collected and tested to obtain the data for the analyses. The results showed that 60.4%, 47.9% and 60.4% of the water samples manifested insignificant pollution and were marginally potable based on the values of the PIG, CRITIC-PIG and Entropy-PIG, respectively. Though 48% of the water samples had different evaluation results, their level difference was mostly 1, which is relatively acceptable. The distribution maps of the three sets of PIG values demonstrated that the quality of groundwater was the best in Dehui City and the worst in Nongan County. Groundwater contamination in the study area was mainly caused by the high concentrations of TDS, TH, Fe3+, F− and NO3−, which not only came from geogenic sources but also anthropogenic sources.

Comparison of classical and developed indexing methods for assessing the groundwater suitability for irrigation

AbstractIntroductionSeveral water quality indices exist to evaluate irrigation water quality (IWQ), but they have some limitations. This study attempted to develop a new Overall Irrigation Water Quality Index (Overall IWQIndex) using a rational subindex that is flexible enough and updated to signify irrigation water suitability. It considered the maximum verified desirable and permissible value of parameters, including the hazard class, a modified rating system of parameters in each hazard class, and diversified water parameters that have affected the soil and plants.Materials and MethodsA total of 40 calcite‐type groundwater samples were analyzed to evaluate the IWQ using the proposed Overall IWQIndex, some IWQ parameters, and different diagram‐based statistical methods.ResultsThe study results were correlated with each other critically, and finally, the suitability for IWQ was determined. The results revealed that the samples of the postmonsoon and premonsoon felt under the ‘good’ and ‘excellent’ categories, respectively.ConclusionThe study developed an indexing model that is easy to compute, rationalize and deliver accurate information on the suitability of irrigation water.

Groundwater Quality Assessment Using GIS for Agricultural Propose in Molakalmur Taluk, Karnataka

Objectives: To assess the carbonate concentration in relation to calcium and magnesium concentrations and to determine TDS and sodium concentration in relation to other cations. The study’s overall goal is to examine the suitability of groundwater for irrigation/agricultural purposes in Molakalmur Taluk of Chitradurga District, Karnataka, India. Methods: The current study was carried out to analyze the water quality and spatial distribution of physicochemical parameters of groundwater in study area. A total of 92 groundwater samples were collected during the pre-monsoon period; ArcGIS 9.2 was used to create a spatial distribution map based on a geographic information system. The concentrations of various ions like Ca+2, K+1, Cl-1, Mg+2, HCO3 -1, Na+1, CO3 -2, and SO4 -2 were evaluated as per BIS 3025 (2014) and compared to various irrigation standards like Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Percentage of Sodium (%Na), Magnesium Adsorption Ratio (MAR), Kelley’s Ratio/Kelly’s Index (KI), Permeability Index (PI) Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Hardness (TH), Total Salt Concentration, Chloride in irrigation water and integrated standards such as USSL and Wilcox diagram. Findings: During the pre-monsoon period, the majority of the samples in the study area fell into the hard to very hard water category. According to Evaluated water quality indices like SAR, MAR, PI, KI, SSP, Cl and total salt concentration around 5 to 15 percent water samples are not good for agricultural purpose and as per the integrated parameters like USSL and Wilcox the percentage samples that are unsuitable for irrigation is going up to 30 percentage due to presence of higher Electrical conductivity. Novelty: In the study region, there is no perennial river and the main ion chemistry of Molakalmur Taluk’s groundwater has never been investigated before. The present work attempts to study the suitability of water for agricultural purpose. The findings of the study will aid in the collecting of crucial data on groundwater quality in Molakalmur Taluk. The findings of the study could also help groundwater managers and urban planners to restore and improve groundwater quality. Keywords: Physicochemical parameters; Irrigational water quality; Salinity hazard; Alkalinity hazard; Geographic Information System

Use of Hyperspectral Reflectance and Water Quality Indices to Assess Groundwater Quality for Drinking in Arid Regions, Saudi Arabia

Combining hydrogeochemical characterization and a hyperspectral reflectance measurement can provide knowledge for groundwater security under different conditions. In this study, comprehensive examinations of 173 groundwater samples were carried out in Makkah Al-Mukarramah Province, Saudi Arabia. Physicochemical parameters, water quality indices (WQIs), and spectral reflectance indices (SRIs) were combined to investigate water quality and controlling factors using multivariate modeling techniques, such as partial least-square regression (PLSR) and principal component regression (PCR). To measure water quality status, the drinking water quality index (DWQI), total dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metal index (HPI), contamination degree (Cd), and pollution index (PI) were calculated. Standard analytical methods were used to assess nineteen physicochemical parameters. The typical values of ions and metals were as follows: Na2+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+, Cl− > SO42− > HCO3− > NO3− > CO32−; and Cu > Fe > Al > Zn > Mn > Ni, respectively. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of the examined groundwater samples revealed that Ca-HCO3, Na-Cl, mixed Ca-Mg-Cl-SO4, and Na-Ca-HCO3 were the main mechanisms governing groundwater chemistry and quality under the load of seawater intrusion, weathering, and water-rock interaction. According to the WQIs results, the DWQI values revealed that 2.5% of groundwater samples were categorized as excellent, 18.0% as good, 28.0% as poor, 21.5% as extremely poor, and 30.0% as unfit for drinking. The HPI and Cd values revealed that all groundwater samples had a low degree of contamination and better quality. Furthermore, the PI values showed that the groundwater resources were not affected by metals but were slightly affected by Mn in Wadi Fatimah due to rock–water interaction. Linear regression models demonstrated the significant relationships for the majority of SRIs paired with DWQI (R varied from −0.40 to 0. 75), and with TDS (R varied from 0.46 to 0.74) for the studied wadies. In general, the PLSR and PCR models provide better estimations for DWQI and TDS than the individual SRI. In conclusion, the grouping of WQIs, SRIs, PLSR, PCR, and GIS tools provides a clear image of groundwater suitability for drinking and its controlling elements.

Assessment of Groundwater Suitability for Agricultural Purposes: A Case Study of South Oued Righ Region, Algeria

Groundwater in the Touggourt region—or as its named, Oued Righ—in southeastern Algeria, is the only source of irrigation. To assess its suitability for agricultural purposes, we collected 72 samples from wells at this region, physical and chemical measurements were carried out for each water sample, and calculations of the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), permeability index (PI), soluble sodium percent (SSP), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), magnesium hazard ratio (MHR) and Kelley’s ratio (KR) were carried out, as these indices are often used to assess the suitability of groundwater for irrigation uses. Based on the irrigation water quality index (IWQI) values, a spatial distribution map for each parameter using the inverse interpolation technique (IDW) was produced by Geographical Information System (GIS). According to the IWQI map, about 35% of the water samples analyzed fall into the Severe Restriction category (SR), making it unsuitable for irrigation under normal circumstance. Again, the remaining 65% of the groundwater has a high restriction (HR) for use. Groundwater in the study area could be used for irrigation in highly permeable soils where salt-tolerant crops are grown. Adequate drainage and continuous monitoring of water quality are recommended.

Groundwater Quality Index Mapping for Irrigation Purposes in the El Hezma‐El Hmila Aquifer (Medenine, Tunisia)

AbstractIn the El Hezma‐El Hmila region (Southeastern Tunisia), the Mio‐Plio‐quaternary aquifer is subject to excessive extraction of groundwater, leading to drops in potentiometric surfaces and a subsequent degradation of groundwater quality. Therefore, surveys have been conducted to provide some basic information on groundwater suitability. The assessment of the water quality for agricultural purposes is the principal aim of this study. To achieve this objective, an integrated approach to processing hydrogeological and geochemical data is used. The analytical physicochemical data from wells in the study area are processed with the geographic information system (GIS) using a multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA), simulationsgraphics, and an irrigation water quality index (IWQI). The two obtained IWQI maps based on GIS‐MCDA show different quality classes. In fact, using the weighted linear combination (WLC), only two classes (medium and low suitability with 11.5 and 88.5% of the study area, respectively) are displayed, whereas the Boolean logic model reveals four classes (good, permissible, doubtful, and unsuitable) for irrigation purposes. In this regard, the obtained results areconsidered an appropriate tool for agricultural planning as well as a guide for decision makers to identify areas where irrigation can be suitable without affecting both soil and water quality.

Hydrogeochemical Characterization, and Suitability Assessment of Drinking Groundwater: Application of Geostatistical Approach and Geographic Information System

Arsenic (As) contamination in drinking groundwater sources is a common environmental problem in Pakistan. Therefore, we collected a total of (n = 81) drinking groundwater samples from various groundwater sources, from two districts’ namely Ghotki (n = 44) and Nawab Shah (n = 37) of Sindh, Province, Pakistan. The current research aimed to investigate the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater with elevated arsenic (As), its effect on the health of local population living in the study area, potential sources of groundwater variables, and the suitability of groundwater for ingestion motive. The results showed that groundwater sample variables of both districts had moderate to high concentration levels. The cations concentrations were observed in decreasing order of Na+ > Ca+ > Mg+ > K+, for both districts, while anions abundance was HCO3− > Cl− > SO42− > F− > NO3− in the Ghotki, and HCO3− > SO42− > Cl− > NO3− > F− in the Nawab Shah, respectively. Arsenic (As) had low to high concentration levels in both districts, observed with average values of 10.1 μg/L and 21.0 μg/L in the Ghotki and Nawab Shah, respectively. The water type was mixed CaMgCl type in both districts, while the groundwater sources were saturated for CO3 minerals indicated by the saturation indices results. Principal component analysis showed the geogenic source of ion exchange, dissolution of minerals, weathering of host rocks and anthropogenic input of industrial activities, agricultural practices and domestic waste for groundwater contamination. The water quality index (WQI) exhibits that majority of groundwater samples (73.6% of Ghotki and 65.7% of Nawab Shah) were suitable for drinking. The non-carcinogenic risk (HQ) values of As were (>1) in groundwater samples of the Ghotki and Nawab Shah, while a high mean HQ value (8.78 × 100) was recorded for children in Nawab Shah. The carcinogenic risk (CR) values of As were significantly higher than the maximum threshold CR value (1 × 10–4). This study emphasized that monitoring strategies are substantially needed to mitigate the As contamination to reduce the potential health risk.

Groundwater Suitability Evaluation Using Entropy Weightage Quality Index (EWQI) Model and Human Health Cancer Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal in Eastern India.

This study evaluated the groundwater using the Entropy Weightage Quality Index model (EWQI). Eighteen samples were taken from the different wellbores during premonsoon seasons in 2021. The present study is aimed at developing a comprehensive approach for groundwater quality assessment and associated health risk along with the cancer risk due to the presence of heavy metals. The water quality of Ranchi city was found to be better except in the western zone. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that arsenic (As) was the most influencing element that deteriorated the potability of water which supports our study. The study looked at cancer and noncancer health hazards connected with heavy metal music. The value of hazardous quotient (HQ) was observed to be relatively higher in As (HQ > 1) and Ni, followed by Mn > Fe > Zn > Cu. Also, the children were at higher risk than adults. The cancer risk associated with arsenic was investigated and found that the northern part and southeast-west (lapung block) of the study are at higher risk. Prolonged ingestion of As causes diseases like arsenicosis that leads to enhanced chances of cancer risk. This research provides an immense research database to assess the potability of drinking water in a similar city like Ranchi.

Evaluation of non-carcinogenic causing health risks (NCHR) associated with exposure of fluoride and nitrate contaminated groundwater from a semi-arid region of south India.

Groundwater is the foremost resource for drinking water supply in arid and semi-arid regions of the world, and also intake of contaminated drinking water is the major source for creating a several health risk for humans. To estimate the groundwater suitability for drinking and also to measure the non-carcinogenic health risk for infants, children, and adults, a total of 35 groundwater samples were collected from the semi-arid region of India and analyzed major ions including fluoride and nitrate. The results revealed that the concentration of fluoride ranges from 0.6 to 3.6mg/L and is about 2.4 times higher than the maximum allowable limit of 1.5mg/L for drinking water purposes. And nitrate contents varied from 17 to 120mg/L in which 54.29% of the groundwater samples exceeded the recommended limit of 50mg/L. The estimated individual non-carcinogenic health risk (INCHR) frequency is evidently displayed that intake of higher concentration of nitrate creates the greater detrimental health effects than fluoride. The contribution of individual non-carcinogenic health risk (INCHR) of nitrate is greater detrimental health effects than the fluoride. The results of total non-carcinogenic health risk (TNCHR) reflect the infants and also children were found to be more susceptible towards fluoride and nitrate-associated health risks in the investigated region. Fluoride-bearing minerals and different anthropogenic sources such as septic tank leakages, nitrogen fertilizers, domestic, agricultural, and animal wastes played a vital role in groundwater pollution and thereby non-carcinogenic human health risks. Therefore, a proper sustainable future plan is most important to mitigate the fluoride and nitrate contamination in the groundwater of the study region.

Hydrogeochemical assessment of groundwater quality: a case study of Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku, Rivers State

Abstract This study was carried out to assess the suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes by interpreting the hydrochemical species of groundwater samples. Six water samples were collected and assess to determine the concentration of some ions, pollution load index (PLI), contamination factor (CF), water quality index (WQI), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), magnesium hazard (MH), Kelly ratio (KR) and percentage sodium (%Na). The result revealed that most of the ions have concentrations within the WHO permissible limit for drinking water except biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and , which exceeded the WHO standard in some samples. The mean abundance of the cations is , while that of the anions is . The result reveals that and are the most abundant cation and anion respectively. CF reveals a low concentration (<1) of , , , , and high concentration (>1) of . The values of PLI were very low indicating no pollution. The WQI reveals the samples with excellent (<50) rating, while those above 100 (>100) were rated as poor. The SAR, MH, KR and %Na reveal the groundwater status for irrigation based on the ratings of the indices.

Application of the sub-indicator model to assess the suitability of groundwater for irrigation of livestock in Nimrud district, Nineveh Governorate, Iraq

This study assessed the quality of groundwater in the Nimrud area located in the southeastern part of Mosul, Iraq for drinking livestock by applying the weighted mathematical model (WQI). The area is characterized by rich agricultural potential especially the breeding of livestock and poultry. Ten wells were selected randomly in the study area during the dry season for sample collection and estimation of physical-chemical properties. The results indicate that 70% of the samples were of poor-quality water for livestock and poultry watering and, the rest were of good quality. This poor quality of water was attributed to the geological nature of the area, which leads to high rates of the studied properties, especially electrical conductivity, sodium and sulfate ions, which reached (5,069ppm, 664ppm, and 1,688ppm) respectively. The study recommended that desalinization and treatment of water be carried out before consumption by livestock for disease resistance and performance.

ASSESSMENT OF THE LEVEL OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINATION OF GROUNDWATER IN PARTS OF BIR NASSER AND BIR AHMED WATER FIELDS IN TUBAN DELTA IN ADEN AND LAHEJ GOVERNORATES - YEMEN

The objective of this study is to assessed the of groundwater pollution, in some of Bir Nasser and Bir Ahmed waters fields, in Tuban delta, which are considered as the main sources of drinking water and household purposes for consumers in Aden Governorate. In this study, 20 groundwater samples have been collected from the fields of Bir Nasser and Bir Ahmed, in the period from February until July 2021. The evaluation of groundwater quality in the study area was based on 19 parameters such as: Temperature (T), Turbidity, Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solid(TDS), Total hardness(TH), Total Alkalinity (TA), Calcium(Ca2+), Magnesium (Mg2+), Sodium (Na+1), Potassium (K+1), Iron (II) (Fe2+), Sulfates (SO42-), Chloride (Cl-), Fluoride (F-), Nitrate (NO3-), Nitrite (NO2-), Total Coliform (TC) and Fecal Coliform (FC). Groundwater suitability for a drink and domestic purposes was compared with the World Health Organization specifications (WHO 2004) and the Yemen's ministry of water and environment standards (YMWE,1999). The results showed that most of the physical, chemical and biological parameters are higher than the permissible limit by (WHO 2004), with the exception of pH and nitrite, which were found below the standard limit. Reasons for the high parameters values of some study areas were the presence of the investigated wells near the population centers that use cesspits to dispose of waste water, as well as the closeness of the wells to the agricultural lands that use chemical and animal fertilizers, in addition to random drilling of wells, and excessive pumping for groundwater. Therefore, there is a need for appropriate treatment measures before the consumption of these waters by the populace to avoid long term accumulated health problems of these pollutants.

Hydrogeochemical characterization and suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation in Menzel Bourguiba aquifers (Northeastern Tunisia).

The aquifer system of Menzel Bourguiba, located in northeastern Tunisia, is an important groundwater resource that, for the last decades, has been a subject of excessive use by agricultural and industrial activities leading to the degradation of its water quality. To better understand the hydrochemistry of these aquifers, identify the main factors controlling their mineralization, and assess their suitability for drinking and agricultural purposes, 35 groundwater samples collected during the campaign of October 2019 were analyzed by different physicochemical methods. The results showed that the hydrochemical facies of the study area is characterized by two major types SO4-Cl-Ca and Na-Cl. The total dissolved solids (TDS) values range from 0.5 to 1.9g/L in the shallow aquifer and from 0.6 to 2g/L in the deep aquifer. The high rates are recognized downstream of the studied basin. The interpretation of multivariate statistical analysis and geochemical approaches revealed that rock-water interaction, dissolution and precipitation process, ionic exchange mechanisms, water irrigation return, and marine intrusion are the main factors controlling the mineralization of the study area groundwater. The comparison of the analytical data to the Tunisian and World Health Organization (WHO) standards unveiled that the majority of groundwater samples are unsuitable for drinking because of high nitrate contents, elevated electrical conductivity (EC), TDS values, and high concentrations of some chemical parameters. In addition, the sodium absorption ratio and the sodium percent parameters indicated that most of the analyzed samples are inappropriate for irrigation uses.

Assessment of groundwater quality in parts of Bikaner District, Rajasthan

Rajasthan's Bikaner District, part of the Thar Desert, is experiencing problems with falling groundwater levels, high salinity, fluoride and nitrate concentrations. Therefore, groundwater quality studies are underway to determine the suitability of groundwater for drinking purposes in the Bikaner district. Quality analysis is performed using parameters such as Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH, Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Nitrate, Sulfate, Chloride, Fluoride, magnesium, total hardness (TH) and Bicarbonate. Conductivity, TDS and TH increases were observed in the post-monsoon period. No such changes were observed in the sulphate, nitrate and fluoride concentrations after the rains. Most of the study areas have high salinity and are therefore unsuitable for consumption. However, all other chemical parameters are within the maximum allowable limits according to the BIS standard. Unconventional energy use desalination of groundwater is proposed to provide sustainable drinking water. Various industrial and mining man-made recharge structures (Pits with Borehole Technique) near the villages, resulting in higher groundwater levels and improved quality in neighboring areas. Success stories can be replicated in similar geographic environments. Large-scale artificial rainwater harvesting/storage/replenishment of potential aquifers is another management alternative, which can improve the chemical quality of groundwater.

Estimating suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation, in Odisha (India) by statistical and WQI methods.

Twelve major hydro-geochemical parameters derived from about 1134 water samples were studied to understand spatial variation of groundwater quality in the coastal state of Odisha. Multivariate statistical analysis techniques, i.e., cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA), and varimax rotation were used to classify various types of groundwater, and plausible sources that control the quality of water in the region. The concentration of major ions varies in the order of Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ and HCO3- > Cl- > SO42- > F-. Out of the three clusters identified, the 2nd cluster is having more mineralization and relatively poor quality of groundwater as compared to the first and the third cluster. Furthermore, estimates of the Water Quality Index (WQI) indicate that the groundwater in the area can be classified from excellent to medium quality. Furthermore, the sodium absorption ratio (SAR) and Kelly's ratio (KR) suggest that about 70% of groundwatersamples are of low to medium salinity, whereas about 30% show higher salinity. The Wilcox diagram reveals that almost 90% of the groundwater is suitable for irrigation. The mining activity appears less likely to be affecting the quality of subsurface water. Water-rock interactions and evaporation-crystallization may be the two dominant factors that appear to control the groundwater away from the coastal areas. Results of this study may be useful to identify the suitable sites for groundwater extraction for drinking and irrigation purposes, besides being useful to the policy-makers in formulating effective plans for preventing further contamination of groundwater aquifers.

Groundwater Quality Assessment Using Groundwater Quality Index and Multivariate Statistical Methods and Human Health Risk Assessment in a Coastal Region of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of groundwater for drinking purposes and assess the associated human health risks for different age groups in a coastal province of Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Twenty groundwater samples were collected in Soc Trang Province, and various water quality parameters were analyzed. The data were employed to calculate entropy-weighted groundwater quality index (EWQI), principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis (CA), and non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for adult and children health. The results revealed that groundwater in some locations, especially in GW19, was polluted by hardness, total dissolved solids, NH4+, Cl-, Fe, total coliform, and E. coli. In addition, 5 principal components from the PCA results could explain 84.5% of the total variation of groundwater quality, which also suggested that the potential groundwater pollution sources were geochemical processes, agricultural activities, domestic and industrial wastewater, seawater intrusion, and excessive nitrogen fertilizer application. The CA results showed that monitoring locations can be divided into 4 clusters based on their similarities in groundwater quality, and the most polluted group was found at cluster IV (GW19). The computed EWQI values ranged from 20.05 to 738.52, with approximately 45% of total samples classifying good to excellent water quality. The sampling points with undrinkable quality are mainly located in the northeast and center of the province. The ratio of children and adults under the threat of adverse health effects due to drinking groundwater contained non-carcinogenic substances (NH4+, NO2-, NO3-, Cd, Cu, F-, Mn, and As) ranged from 5 to 40%, and children had higher risks compared to adults. Additionally, the consumption of As-contaminated groundwater also poses carcinogenic risks for children, female and male adults ranging from 4.80×10-6 to 1.33×10-4. The findings of this study can provide helpful information for policymakers in the development of long-term water management strategies to protect community health.

Nitrate in groundwater and agricultural products: intake and risk assessment in northeastern Iran

The suitability of groundwater and agricultural products for human consumption requires determining levels and assessing the health risks associated with potential pollutants. Here, particularly pollution with nitrate still remains a challenge, especially for those urban areas suffering from insufficient sewage collection systems, resulting in contaminating soil, endangering food safety, and deteriorating drinking water quality. In the present study, nitrate concentrations in the commonly consumed fruit and vegetable species were determined, and the results, together with the groundwater nitrate levels, were used to assess the associated health risks for Mashhad city residents. For this assessment, 261 water samples and 16 produce types were used to compute the daily intake of nitrate. Nitrate in groundwater was analyzed using a spectrophotometer, and produce species were examined using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. Ward’s hierarchical cluster analysis was applied for categorizing produce samples with regard to their nitrate content. Additionally, to account for the sanitation hazards associated with groundwater quality for drinking purposes, total coliform and turbidity were also assessed using the membrane filter (MF) technique and a nephelometer, respectively. Nitrate concentrations exceeded the prescribed permissible limits in 42% of the groundwater wells. The outcomes also exhibit significantly higher nitrate accumulation levels in root-tuber vegetables and leafy vegetables compared to fruit vegetables and fruits. Using cluster analysis, the accumulation of nitrate in vegetables and fruits was categorized into four clusters, specifying that radish contributes to 65.8% of the total content of nitrate in all samples. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of nitrate and Health Risk Index (HRI) associated with consumption of groundwater exceeded the prescribed limit for the children’s target group in Mashhad’s south and central parts. Likewise, EDI and HRI values for produce consumption, in most samples, were found to be in the tolerable range, except for radish, lettuce, and cabbage, potentially posing risks for both children and adult consumers. The total coliforms in groundwater were found to violate the prescribed limit at 78.93% of the sampling locations and were generally much higher over the city’s central and southern areas. A relatively strong correlation (R2 = 0.6307) between total coliform and nitrate concentrations suggests the release of anthropogenic pollution (i.e., sewage and manure) in the central and southern Mashhad.

Creating the Distribution Map of Groundwater for Drinking Uses Using Physio-Chemical Variables; Case Study: Al-Hilla City, Iraq

Surface water and groundwater are significant for population and other activities due to the decreasing surface water flow toward Iraq. Therefore, there is a need to analyze groundwater’s quality and classification and its applicability as an alternative in various human activities in the study area. This study utilized the groundwater quality index model for drinking uses (GW.Q.I.) and entered the resulting values in the GIS environment. This model was applied to 56 wells in Al-Hillah city by measuring twelve variables in each well. The measured variables were calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), sulfate (SO4), bicarbonate (HCO3), total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrate (NO3), and electric conductivity (EC). The prediction map of GW.Q.I. was produced in the GIS. Then, the distributing map was divided into six categories based on the suitability of groundwater for drinking uses. The areas’ values of six categories with their ratings were about 5 km2 (excellent), 122 km2 (good), 610 km2 (poor), 63 km2 (very poor), 36 km2 (contaminated), and 24 km2 (very contaminated). For the entire study area, the average value of the GW.Q.I. was 177, classified as poor for drinking uses.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Abu Rawash Electric Generation Plant, Egypt

Groundwater in Abu Rawash area has particular importance where it is the source of water used for agricultural, domestic and industrial purposes. Nine groundwater samples from shallow wells were available during summer 2019 and were analyzed for physicochemical characteristics. The physicochemical parameters indicated that the water type is dominance of Na- K- Cl-SO4. These data has been used for preliminary evaluation of suitability of groundwater for irrigation purposes using groundwater quality indices which are irrigation water quality index IWQI, Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), and Permeability Index (PI). The average obtained values of IWQI, SAR, RSC, PI respectively were 32.91, 25.35, -31.17, and 76.55 mg/l. According to the IWQI classification, approximately 67% of the groundwater samples were served restriction with no toxicity risk for most plants, while about 33% of samples were high restriction on their use for irrigation. According to the SAR classification, approximately 44% of the groundwater samples were fairly poor, while about 56% of samples were Unsuitable on their use for irrigation. Based on the RSC and PI classification all ground water samples were more suitable for irrigation.

A mathematical approach to evaluate the extent of groundwater contamination using polynomial approximation

Abstract Groundwater is being contaminated rapidly due to various anthropogenic activities and geogenic sources. In this direction, assessment of water quality analysis is the basic requirement for nurturing the human being and its evolution. The Water Quality Index (WQI) parameter has been widely used in determining water quality globally. The study aims to provide the suitability of groundwater in the specified region using the polynomial approximation method for drinking and irrigation purposes along with the computation of WQI using the conventional method. Weierstrass's polynomial approximation theorem along with longitudinal and latitudinal values has been used to evaluate the polynomial regarding various physicochemical parameters. To validate the obtained results from the present approach, groundwater quality data collected and analyzed from the Pindrawan tank area in Raipur district, Chhattisgarh, India, have been used. The result is obtained, i.e., the intermediate value of the parameters obtained correctly from the mathematical modeling, with an average error of 7%. This polynomial approximation method can also be used as the substitute of inverse modeling to determine the location of the source in the two-dimensional system. The approach output can be beneficial to administrators in making decisions on groundwater quality and gaining insight into the tradeoff between system benefit and environmental requirement.