United States Salinity Laboratory Research Articles

Hydrogeochemical evaluation and characterization of water quality in the Phewa Lake, Pokhara, Nepal.

The study was carried out in the Phewa Lake of Pokhara Metropolitan City, Gandaki Province, Nepal, for geochemical assessment and characterization of the lake water quality. A total of 28 water samples were collected in each season from the different zones of the lake in March 2022 (pre-monsoon) and November 2022 (post-monsoon). The lake exhibitedelevated levels of PO43-, NO3-, and NH3, indicating that anthropogenic activities are interfering the lake water. The significant differences in many monitored physicochemical parameters between the pre- and post-monsoon visualize dilution effect in the lake during post-monsoon. Piper diagram illustrates that the majority of water samples in the lake are of Ca-HCO3 type. Additionally, Piper diagram, Gibbs diagram, and Mixing plot illustrate that carbonate weathering is dominant in both seasons. Principal component analysis (PCA) reveals significant correlations among NO3-, SO42-, Na+, and Cl-, demonstrating that pollution in the lake water is attributed to agricultural activities and domestic effluents. In the majority of samples,water quality index (WQI) depicts that the lake water quality is very poor to poor in the pre-monsoon and poor to good in the post-monsoon. Sodium absorption ratio (SAR), % Na (percent sodium), electrical conductivity (EC), cation ratio of soil structural stability (CROSS), and United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagram illustrate that the lake water is suitable for irrigation.

Hydrogeochemistry and Quality Assessment using Water Quality Indices of Surface and Groundwater of Konar Reservoir Region, Hazaribag District, Jharkhand, India

ABSTRACT In the present paper, the water quality of the Konar reservoir area in the Hazaribag district of Jharkhand, India, has been investigated and with this view, the different physico-chemical variables, including pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Electrical Conductivity, TDS, Temperature, cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+), anions (CO32−, HCO3−, Cl−, F−, SO42−, NO3−) have been analyzed. According to Schoeller diagram, the order of major cations and anions for groundwater are Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ and HCO3− > SO42− > Cl− > NO3− and for surface water are Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ and Cl− > HCO3− > NO3− > SO42− respectively. The calculated water quality index shows that 100% of the samples of surface water are of excellent water quality, while 17% of the samples of groundwater are of excellent and 83% fall under the good category. The Gibbs Plot indicates that the rock-water interaction mechanism is dominant, Giggenbach triangle indicates that the waters have not yet reached equilibrium and are still in an immature state, although the Piper plot demonstrates that most of the surface water samples (78%) are mixed facies of Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl− and 22% are of Na+–Cl− type. All groundwater samples are mixed facies of Ca2+– HCO3− type. According to the Durov plot, 100% of surface water samples exhibit simple dissolution or mixing and majority of the ions in all groundwater samples are calcium and bicarbonate, showing the influence of limestone deposits. Almost all of the water samples from the Konar reservoir area were found to be appropriate for irrigation, according to the Residual Sodium Carbonate, Residual Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Percentage, Permeability Index, Kelley’s Ratio, Sodium Adsorption Ratio, United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) and Wilcox diagrams.

Evaluation of river water quality using multivariate statistics and water quality indices: A case of Göynük canyon (Turkey)

Natural and anthropogenic water pollution caused by heavy metals has become a major problem worldwide. As a result of these processes, many harmful heavy metals are mixed into the water and endanger the environment and human health. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the hydrogeochemical properties of the stream waters of Göynük Canyon (Göynük Stream), which is located in southern Turkey, an important touristic region of Antalya. A total of 44 water samples were retained to evaluate the geochemical type, heavy metal contamination level, and suitability for drinking and irrigation of Göynük Canyon Stream waters. All samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and multi-parameter portable water quality assessment.Analysed water samples were found to be of classes II and III in terms of overall water quality. The average hardness level is above the limit values. The results of geochemical analyses showed that the common water types in the region are Mg–Ca–HCO3, Ca–Mg–HCO3, Ca–Mg–HCO3–SO4, and Ca–Mg–HCO3–Cl-water facies. Most of the samples belong to the "rock weathering dominated" region represented in the Gibbs diagram. The hydrogen ion concentration (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) values vary between respectively 6.5–7.9; 230.4–720.8 μS/cm, and 149–468 mg/L. Cations and anions followed the order Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ and HCO3− > SO42− > Cl− > F− > NO3−. Heavy metal anomalies in water followed an increasing order: Cu < As < Pb < Ni < Ba < Fe < Cr < Mn < Zn < Sr. These heavy metals showed high index values (Poseidon index (PoS), contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), geochemical index (Igeo), heavy metals pollution index (HPI), contamination degree (Cd), in some water samples. There is a spatial anomaly in these locations related to limestone and ophiolite. This water can be used for irrigation purposes according to Wilcox, the United States salinity laboratory diagram (USSL), permeability index (PI), Kelly's ratio (KR), and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC).

Assessment of Surface Water Quality Using Entropy-WQI, Fuzzy-TOPSIS Analysis, Irrigation Indices and Spatial Interpolation Approaches in Mahanadi River Basin, Odisha, India

The current study is aimed at the assessment of surface water quality in the Mahanadi River, Odisha and its suitability for agricultural and consumption purposes, utilizing various indices of water quality such as Entropy Water Quality Index, Osmotic Pressure, Potential Salinity, Residual Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Adsorption Ratio and Kelly Index. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) mechanisms namely, fuzzy-TOPSIS modeling and GIS tools were used; additionally, the suitability of river water for industrial uses was evaluated using indices such as Ryznar Stability Index and Puckorius scaling index. From 2019 to 2023, samples from 19 sampling stations were collected and 21 physical and chemical parameters were evaluated and compared with the normative recommendations advised by WHO. The dispersion of surface water quality on land use changes was discovered using GIS approaches. Additionally, using ArcGIS software, the spatial variability of hydrological processes was determined using the IDW interpolation approach. The pH levels of certain sampling points were slightly above the acceptable limit. Tests revealed that the Total coliform (TC) and turbidity levels in the water samples exceeded critical limits, particularly in areas of the urban river basin that were irrigated with wastewater. The calculated values of EWQI lie between 14.6 and 1066. Entropy WQI values designated 2 locations (ST-8, 19) out of 19 sampling locations as poor category and another one testing point (ST-9) as extremely poor category. The study found that 84.21% of the water samples were of excellent quality for drinking, while 15.78% of locations had poor or extremely poor water quality. However, some indices were favorable for the usage of the water for irrigation purposes. Magnesium hazard (MH) readings at two sampling sites were above 50%, indicating that they were inappropriate for irrigation. USSL (United States Salinity Laboratory) diagrams categorized the water samples as C1-S1 (low salinity and low sodium) for almost 18 sites and C4-S3 (very high salinity and high sodium) for only ONE sample, respectively, suggesting river water’s irrigation suitability. Further, Piper diagrams revealed that most investigated waters were Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl- water type. In a later stage, from Gibb’s diagram, it was found that most samples fall under the rock-water dominance. Based on the above and all other investigation results, it was concluded that water is suitable for irrigation and drinking purposes in all sites, except for three locations. The reason may be due to long-term use of wastewater, anthropogenic activities, over-extraction of surface water and changes in land use patterns. To sum up, it is advantageous to combine physicochemical properties, EWQI, fuzzy-TOPSIS, and GIS tools to evaluate surface water suitability for consumption and agriculture and their regulating variables. The strategy utilized in this work will aid the water management authorities in ensuring the supply of safe water for stakeholders.

Simulation of Rock-Water Interaction in the Southwestern Part of El Minya Governorate of Egypt

Abstract Twenty-one groundwater samples were picked up from the southwest of El Minya Governorate, Egypt. These samples’ physicochemical characteristics were analyzed. Using a water quality index software (WQI) and the United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) staff chart, water samples were assessed for drinking and irrigation applications. The interaction between water and rock was assessed using the saturation index (SI), chloro-alkaline indices (CAI), Gibbs ratios (GC and GA), end-member diagram (END), corrosion ratio (CR), factor analysis, and dendrogram. Datasets elucidated that water samples were distinguished by SO42-, Na+, and Cl- dominance, excessive mineralization, hardness, and fresh to slightly saline water. The examined water is divided into two types: SO4. Ca-Cl. Mg (30%) and SO4. Na-Cl (70%). All samples were over-saturated with anhydrite, aragonite, calcite, dolomite, and gypsum minerals except for halite and sylvite minerals dissolution, according to SI. The existence of reversible ion exchange between alkaline earth’s (Ca2++Mg2+) ions in water and alkalis’ ions (Na++ K+) in solids; this is explained by the negative values of the chloro-alkaline indices, which point to recharging from rainfall. The Gibbs diagram showed that the dominant interaction is rock weathering. The silicate weathering and evaporite mineral dissolution control the water composition and salinity, which led to an excess of the dominant ions, as demonstrated by the END. Three wells in the research area are potentially unhealthy and unfit for irrigation and drinking.

Modelling groundwater vulnerability in a vulnerable deltaic coastal region of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, India.

Groundwater is the most reliable source of freshwater for human well-being. Significant toxic contamination in groundwater, particularly in the aquifers of the Ganges delta, has been a substantial source of arsenic (As). The Sundarban Biosphere Reserve (SBR), located in the southwestern part of the world's largest Ganges delta, suffers from As contamination in groundwater. Therefore, assessment of groundwater vulnerability is essential to ensure the safety of groundwater quality in SBR. Three data-driven algorithms, i.e. "logistic regression (LR)", "random forest (RF)", and "boosted regression tree (BRT)", were used to assess groundwater vulnerability. Groundwater quality and hydrogeochemical characteristics were evaluated by Piper, United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL), and Wilcox's diagram. The result of this study indicates that among the applied models, BRT (AUC = 0.899) is the best-fit model, followed by RF (AUC = 0.882) and LR (AUC = 0.801) to assess groundwater vulnerability. In addition, the result also indicates that the general quality of the groundwater in this area is not very good for drinking purposes. The applied methods of this study can be used to evaluate the groundwater vulnerability of the other aquifer systems.

Assessment of spring water quality of Khandbari Municipality in Sankhuwasabha District, Eastern Nepal.

The study was carried out in the Khandbari Municipality, Sankhuwasabha District, Eastern Nepal to document the spring location and assess the water quality of the spring water for drinking and irrigation purposes. A total of 85 springs were mapped, which are located from 274 to 2176 m in altitude. Spring water samples were collected from 33 springs in the pre-monsoon (November, 2021) and 31 springs in the post-monsoon (March, 2022). Correlation matrices, t-test, principal component analysis (PCA), Piper diagram, Gibbs diagram, water quality index (WQI), United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagram, and Wilcox diagram were applied for evaluating the spring water. All the physicochemical parameters were within the Nepalese National Drinking Water Quality Standard (NDWQS) and drinking water quality guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) except for pH in the pre-monsoon and iron in the post-monsoon season. The main contributors to the groundwater are Na+, Ca2+, Cl-, total dissolved solids (TDS), and total hardness, which exhibit significant correlations with electrical conductivity (EC) similar to TDS, suggesting their common source of origin. Based on the WQI, spring water is excellent in the post-monsoon and excellent and good in the pre-monsoon season. Furthermore, the spring water is excellent for irrigation purposes except for thepercent sodium in the post-monsoon and the magnesium ratio in the pre-monsoon season. Gibbs diagram illustrates that spring water is mainly governed by rock and precipitation dominance in some springs. The PCA indicates that anthropogenic activities (mixing of human waste and agricultural run-off in the spring water) are the main causes of contamination. Piper trilinear diagram demonstrates carbonate dissolution and silicate weathering as major processes for controlling the spring water chemistry. The study reveals that 62.5% of spring water was contaminated with microbes. For benthic macroinvertebrates, 18 springs were sampled, where nine orders and 17 families were recorded in the pre-monsoon and six orders and ten families in the post-monsoon season. The main influencing variables for macroinvertebrate assemblages are elevation, discharge, NO3-, and NH3.

Assessment and Characterization of Groundwater Quality of Malabar Coast in Kerala, India

A study was conducted to assess and characterize the groundwater quality of coastal aquifer of the Vatakara-Koyilandy stretch in the Kozhikode district of Kerala. Mann-Kendall Test was used for analysing the trend in groundwater levels. The Piper diagram was applied to determine the chemical facies of the groundwater and identify the evolution of hydrochemical parameters of groundwater sources. The source of the dissolved ions in the groundwater was described by the Gibbs diagram. The suitability of groundwater for irrigation was determined using the United States Salinity Laboratory diagram. Geostatistical tools were used to describe the spatial variability of groundwater levels and salinity and the ordinary kriging method was used to plot the spatial variability maps. It was found that Na+ was the predominant cation with maximum concentration varying from 455.6 mg/l to 1844 mg/l during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon; respectively. Concentration of Cl- in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon varied from 184 mg/l to 2417 mg/l and 99 mg/l to 714 mg/l; respectively. Other anions in the groundwater were SO42- and HCO3- with an average concentration of 239.79 mg/l and 129.59 mg/l in pre-monsoon and 110.73 mg/l and 75 mg/l in post-monsoon; respectively. The trend in groundwater in confined and semi-confined aquifers showed negative trends whereas eight wells resulted in a significantly negative trend. However, a significant decreasing trend was observed in wells near the coasts. The most dominant cations were (Na+, and K+) and the dominant anions were SO42- and Cl-. The dominant cations and anions were from the mixing of seawater with the groundwater. The Na+ ions were also found to be from the same source. In most of the area, the groundwater was highly to very high highly saline with medium sodium and not suitable for irrigation. In the unconfined aquifer, 25.2% and, in the semi-confined aquifer 24.0% area was found to be unfit for irrigation.

Groundwater quality analysis using different water quality indices in the hard rock aquifer region in semi-arid environment

AbstractThe present study aimed to assess the groundwater quality in the hard rock aquifer system of the Nand Samand catchment for irrigation use by employing distinct water quality indices (sodium adsorption ratio, per cent sodium, electrical conductivity, residual sodium carbonate, soluble sodium per cent, Kelly's ratio, and permeability index) and also, using graphical illustration techniques (United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagram, Piper, Gibbs, Wilcox, and Chadha diagram, Rajasthan, India. Groundwater samples were collected in two seasons, i.e., pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons (for the years 2019 and 2020). Ninety-five samples were collected and analyzed to assess overall groundwater quality for irrigation use. The USSL diagram indicated that the maximum groundwater samples were classified under categories C3S1 and C4S1 during the pre-monsoon season, indicating groundwater suitable for irrigation. The major facies observed in groundwater are mixed Ca–Mg–Cl, CaHCO3, and Ca–Mg–Cl type. Gibbs's diagram depicts that the maximum groundwater samples belonged to the evaporation–crystallization zone, which raises salinity by raising sodium and chloride concerning the increase of total dissolved solids. The results showed that the majority of the samples are suitable for irrigation, and the suitability improves during the post-monsoon season.

EVALUATION OF WATER SOURCES IN KUMBO MUNICIPALITY, NORTH WEST REGION OF CAMEROON: A FUNCTION OF HYDROGEOCHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL STUDIES

The water quality of some water sources in Kumbo municipality of Bui division in the Northwest Region of Cameroon were analysed to obtain physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters suitable for drinking, domestic and agricultural needs. A total of 34 water samples were collected. Water samples from a water catchment in 2016 and 2017, were sampled. In 2018, six boreholes (BH), six streams (ST), eight open wells (OW), and eight rivers (RW) were sampled. Major ions, heavy metals and bacteriological content were analysed. Ca2+ was the dominant cation in order Ca&gt; Mg &gt;Na and K. The dominant anion HCO3- was followed by NO3-, SO42- and Cl-. The chloride had an insignificant value in the water sources. The main water were; Ca-HCO3, Ca-Mg-HCO3 and Ca-Mg-HCO3-NO3. Silicate minerals, weathered mainly by acidolysis highly controlled the concentration of major ions in the water sources. A negligible concentration for the heavy metals was recorded within the water sources. This expressed an absence of aspects and sources that could introduce heavy metals into the water source environment in Kumbo. Fe2+ that readily converted into Fe3+ and Al3+ were witnessed in the water sources. The Sodium Absorption Ratio, Total Dissolved Solids, Residual Sodium Carbonate, Magnesium Hazard, Permeability Index, Percent sodium, pH, temperature, and electrical conductivity were some parameters analysed. They all fell within acceptable domains for their uses with reference to standard norms such as the World Health Organisation, Swiss, Bureau of Indian Standards, United States Salinity Laboratory, and the European Union. Total Hardness had a value that deviated greatly in all the water sources in comparison to the WHO (2004) norm. The water sources had values that expressed their suitability for irrigation. Bacteria identified in all of water sources and suggested their unsuitability. Drinking water, imperatively ought to be treated to eliminate possible bacteria. Lithology and human activity within the proximity of the water sources greatly compromised water quality. Proper management methods must be implemented to suitably and sustainably maintain and control water quality as an indispensable resource.

Assessment of Groundwater Quality in and around the Solid Waste Dump Site using Multivariate Plot Analysis

&lt;p&gt;Groundwater sources play an important role in meeting the day today needs of the present generation. Frequent monitoring of the ground water source plays an important part. The aim of this study is to analyze the quality of the ground water in and around the solid waste dumpsite near Sathyamangalam town in Erode district and to identify the variation in concentration with respect to time. Groundwater samples were collected from twenty-one locations and analyzed for pH, Electrical conductivity, Total Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Total Dissolved solids, Calcium, Magnesium, Chlorides, Sodium, Potassium, Nitrates and Sulphates. The collected groundwater samples were analysed using “Weighted Arithmetic Index” and the water quality was indicated using WQI - a number used to identify the water quality easily by the general public. From the results obtained, it is inferred that Water Quality Index changes with respect to pre-monsoon and post monsoon seasons and different time periods for the same location. The changes in water quality are not fully influenced by the open dump site and it may be due to weathering of rocks, use of fertilizers in agricultural lands. Majority of the samples are of poor quality with respect to drinking water quality index. Gibb’s plot, Wilcox diagram and United States Salinity Laboratory diagram are used to assess the suitability of groundwater samples for irrigation purpose. Most of the samples are good for agricultural use. Hence frequent and continuous monitoring of the groundwater quality is necessary to identify its suitability for drinking and agricultural purpose.&lt;/p&gt;&#x0D;

Hydrochemical Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Tongzi River, Guizhou Province, Southwest China

This study collected 31 water samples from the Tongzi River, Guizhou Province, Southwest China to conduct a risk assessment to understand the hydrochemical characteristics and major ion sources of irrigation and drinking water quality and their effects on human health. The results showed that ion abundance in the Tongzi River is Ca2+ (66%) &gt; Mg2+ (24%) &gt; K++Na+ (10%) for cations and HCO3− (75%) &gt; SO42−(21%) &gt; Cl− (4%) for anions. Additionally, the hydrochemical type of the water is Ca-Mg-HCO3, controlled by carbonate weathering. Methods including ion ratios, principal component analysis (PCA), and correlation analysis (CA) were used to analyze the source of main ions in the river water. PC1, with the most significant variance (54.9%), decides the hydrochemical characteristics and is affected by the positive loadings of SO42− (0.92), pH (0.85), Ca2+ (0.80), Cl− (0.72), Na+(0.66), NO3− (0.65), and K+ (0.57). PC2 explains 19.2% of the total variance, with strong positive loadings of Na+ (0.75), K+ (0.63) and Cl− (0.59). Mg2+ (0.84) and HCO3− (0.85) exhibits high loadings in PC3, explaining 9.3% of the variance. The results showed that intensive agricultural activities in the basin were the main source of nitrate NO3−, whereas SO42− was mainly derived from mining activities. The lower concentrations of Na+, K+, and Cl− were from coal combustion, domestic wastewater discharge, and agricultural fertilizer applications. The study area was mainly affected by carbonate rock weathering; natural processes (mainly the weathering of carbonate rocks) were still the main origin of Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3−. Moreover, the United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagram and the Wilcox diagram showed that 100% of the samples fell in the C2S1 zones, and the water quality had good suitability for irrigation. The health risk assessment (HRA) results showed that HQNO3− was much larger than HQNH4+ and indicated that nitrate pollution dominated non-health hazards. About 6.5% of the samples in the tributaries represented an unacceptable risk for infants and children, and the HQ value for infants and children was always higher than that for adults. Additionally, the non-carcinogenic health risk of riverine ions for infants and children in the Tongzi River was very noteworthy, especially in the tributaries.

Change Detection of Groundwater Level and Quality in Coastal Aquifers of Malabar Region in Kerala, India

A study was conducted to assess the changes in groundwater level and quality for the period 2005-2020 in the coastal aquifer of the Vatakara-Koyilandy stretch in the Kozhikode district of Kerala. Hydrogeochemical analysis of groundwater quality parameters, irrigation water quality analysis and preparation of spatial variability of groundwater level and salinity were used for the study. The Piper diagram was used to track the change in the hydrochemical parameters of groundwater sources in 2005 and 2020 and identify changes in the chemical facies of the groundwater. The Gibbs diagram was used to identify the source of the dissolved ions present in the groundwater in both years. The United States Salinity Laboratory diagram was used to assess the groundwater's suitability for irrigation. The spatial variation of water table elevation and salinity were compared using the ordinary kriging method of interpolation. An increase in seawater intrusion into the wells and a reduction in irrigation water quality was indicated by the change in the Hydrochemical facies, and the shifting of more groundwater samples in the evaporation dominance zone in the Gibbs plot. The spatial variability of groundwater level indicates a reduction in premonsoon in both years. On the North coast, a 4% increase in the area under groundwater level &lt; 2m. the reduction in the groundwater table on the coast increases the chance of sweater intrusion and thereby increased salinity. Even though the study area receives heavy rainfall during monsoon and recharging of the coastal aquifer, seawater intrusion progressed landward from 2005 to 2020 during the premonsoon and affected the groundwater level and quality over this period.

Assessment of groundwater geochemistry for drinking and irrigation suitability in Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh using GIS-based statistical inference.

The quality of groundwater in the Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh is poorly studied despite the fact that it is the only supply of water for both drinking and irrigation and people use it without any pre-treatment. The evaluation of groundwater quality and suitability for drinking and irrigation is presented in this study. Groundwater samples were collected and analysed by standard neutralisation and atomic emission spectrophotometry for major anions (HCO3-, SO42-, Cl-, F-, NO3-), cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+), and heavy metals (Cd, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Pb). The geographic information system (GIS) and statistical inferences were utilised for the spatial mapping of the groundwater's parameters. The potential water abstraction (i.e. taking water from sources such as rivers, streams, canals, and underground) for irrigation was assessed using the sodium absorption ratio (SAR), permeability index (PI), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and Na percentage. According to the findings, the majority of the samples had higher EC, TDS, and TH levels, indicating that they should be avoided for drinking and irrigation. The positive correlation coefficient between chemical variability shows that the water chemistry of the studied region is influenced by geochemical and biological causes. According to the USSL (United States Salinity Laboratory) diagram, most of the samples fall under the C2-S1 and C3-S1 moderate to high salt categories. Some groundwater samples were classified as C4-S3 class which is unfit for irrigation and drinking. This study suggests that the groundwater in the study area is unfit for drinking without treatment. However, the majority of the samples were suitable for irrigation.

Hydro-Geochemistry and Groundwater Quality Assessment of Ouargla Basin, South of Algeria

This study aims to evaluate the hydro-chemical characteristics of Ouargla, Algeria basin groundwaters harvested from the Mio Pliocene aquifer. The study covered 70 samples; the physical parameters, potential of hydrogen (pH), and electrical conductivity EC μS.cm−1 were determined in situ, using a multiparameter; the laboratory analysis included dry residuals DR (mg/L), calcium Ca2+ (mg/L), magnesium Mg2+ (mg/L), sodium Na+ (mg/L), potassium K+ (mg/L), bicarbonates HCO3− (mg/L), sulfates SO42− (mg/L), and chloride Cl− (mg/L). The piper diagram shows that the Ouargla basin ground waters divided into two facies, sodic chlorinated in 93% and sodic sulphated in 7% of samples. The United States Salinity Laboratory Staff (USSL) diagram was used to detect the suitability of groundwater in irrigation where the results show that the groundwater was classed into two classes, poor water (C4 S4) and bad water (C4 S4). Furthermore, indices such as the Kelly index (KI), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium solubility percentage (Na%), and magnesium hazards (MH) confirm the negative effect of groundwater on soil permeability in 96%, 80%, 89%, and 53% of samples. The permeability index (PI) shows that the analyzed samples were considered as doubtful (71%) and safe (29%), otherwise there is no risk related to residual sodium carbonate (RSC). The geo-spatial distribution of deferent indices shows that all the study area has poor groundwater for irrigation, except the south-west part, where the groundwaters of this sub-area do not form a problem related to RSC.

Hydrochemical and quality assessment of irrigation water at the trans-himalayan high-altitude regions of Leh, Ladakh, India

A total of seventy irrigation water samples were collected from Leh, Ladakh, India, to determine their hydrochemistry profile and water quality for irrigation purposes. Water quality indices such as total hardness (TH), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), potential salinity (PS), permeability index (PI), Kelly's ratio (KR), sodium absorption ratio (SAR), corrosivity ratio (CR), and chloroalkaline indices (CAI) were measured. The Piper diagram, Durov's diagram, and United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagram were drawn to determine the water types, ion exchange processes, and rock–soil–water interaction. The findings indicated that the hydrochemical characteristics of irrigation water are naturally alkaline. Furthermore, water quality parameters revealed that the study area’s surface water is suitable for irrigation purposes, despite relatively high TH and MH levels. The level of CR indicated that water should not be transported using metal pipes. The CAI and Durov's plot indicated direct ionic exchange processes controlling water chemistry. Additionally, this irrigation water is mainly dominated by the Ca2+–Cl−–SO42−, Na+–K+–CaCO3 + HCO3−, and Na+–K+–Cl− type, which indicates silicate rock weathering along with some anthropogenic input. The USSL salinity diagram indicated a medium salinity and low Na hazard. Hence, it is concluded that the rock weathering cycle is the natural source of all the cations and anions, and these ions pass directly from water to rock and vis-à-vis, along with some input of anthropogenic activity.

Water criteria evaluation for drinking and irrigation purposes: a case study in one of the largest rivers of Sundarbans World Heritage region

Abstract Pasur river is one of the largest rivers in the World Heritage Sundarbans mangrove forest region of the southwestern part of Bangladesh. Due to lack of alternative sources, more than 1 million inhabitants living in the Pasur river basin area rely heavily on the river water for domestic, irrigation, and industrial purposes without proper and reliable information on the water qualities and contamination types. The study aimed at evaluating the suitability and sustainability for irrigation and consumption practices, and suitable hydrogeochemical techniques and quality of Pasur river water of Sundarbon region of Bangladesh were investigated. Water samples were collected from six locations during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons and assessed for suitability for drinking and irrigation application. The water quality index (WQI) was calculated to evaluate the suitability for drinking. WQI indicates that the river water samples during both the seasons are safe for drinking in the good category. Sodium percentage (Na%), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), magnesium hazard (MH), residual sodium carbonate (RSC) were investigated to assess the feasibility for agricultural applications. Most of the indices, such as SAR, Na%, and RSC results recommend that the river water is safe for irrigation. A suggestion is made that MH in river water should be controlled for the use of water in irrigation. United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagram and Wilcox diagram analysis also identified that river water as a usable category for irrigation purposes is feasible during both seasons.

Groundwater quality assessment and hydrochemical characteristics in Wera Didjo, Southern Ethiopia

Groundwater quality assessment study was conducted in Wera Dijo, Southern Ethiopia. The study's objective is to understand water chemistry suitability for domestic and irrigation activities. In the study area, only regional hydrochemistry work has been done; hence this study focused on the detailed water chemistry of the study area. Twenty-eight shallow and deep water samples were collected, and major physical and chemical parameters were studied. The important hydrochemical facies of water present throughout this region are Ca–Mg–HCO3, Ca–Mg–SO4 and Na–HCO3–Cl. Except for fluoride, sodium, and potassium ion, the levels of major cation and anion were found to be below the World Health Organization's allowable limits for drinking purposes in the majority of the study area. The fluoride ion in groundwater exceeded the highest allowable amount of 1.5 mg/L for drinking water in fifteen of the samples. The sodium percentage, permeability index, sodium absorption ratio and The United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) categorization were used to evaluate the water in this study location for irrigation purposes. Based on several water quality parameters overall, the research area water chemistry was suitable for drinking, agricultural activity and industrial use.

Water for irrigation at the Antônio Conselheiro settlement, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Irrigation is an essential technology for the increase in productivity, improvement of quality of produce, increase in producers’ income, and the good quality of water is fundamental for the success of those benefits. The presence of salts in high concentrations may cause salinization of the soil, toxicity in plants and damage to irrigation equipment, such as sprinkler clogging, which causes environmental and economic losses. This study aimed at characterizing and classifying the quality of water for irrigation in the Antônio Conselheiro Settlement (AAC, in Portuguese) area, located in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Samples were monthly collected from the main water sources in the area, the Sepotuba and Juba rivers, and Tarumã creek, from October 2014 to September 2015. The assessed variables were bicarbonate, calcium, chlorides, electric conductivity, magnesium, pH, and sodium. The results were compared with the parameters established in the literature and were used to classify the waters by means of the Piper diagram and the United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagram. Out of the assessed variables, only electric conductivity, pH and SAR presented restrictions to use in irrigation. The Piper diagram classification indicates the presence of chloride sodic waters (59%), bicarbonate sodic waters (38%), and mixed chloride waters (3%). Good or excellent waters were found in 88.2%. Therefore, the water available in the AAC area, in surface and underground sources, may be used in sprinkler and localized irrigation systems without major harm to the soil or to the crops.

Groundwater quality evaluation for potable and irrigation uses in the semi‐arid region of southern Iran

AbstractIran is in a serious freshwater shortage crisis because its major part is located in arid and semi‐arid areas. This research evaluated the groundwater quality in terms of potable and irrigation uses in the wet and dry seasons in the Kazeroon plain, southern Iran. In this study, a total of 408 groundwater samples were gathered from 68 boreholes to measure water quality indices, such as acidity (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), bicarbonate (HCO3−), chloride (Cl−), sulphate (SO42−), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+). Geographical information system technology was also applied to draw maps of spatial changes of water quality parameters. The results showed that groundwater quality indices had the minimum and maximum values of pH (6.9–8.6), EC (414–9,813 μmho cm−1) and TDS (278–6,180), TH (175–3250), HCO3− (152–518), Cl− (5–1950), SO42− (17–2371), Ca2+ (30–681), Mg2+ (12–607), Na+ (1–1303) and K+ (0.8–18) (mg L−1). Based on World Health Organization standards, the results indicated that all of the aquifer water in the plain except for the northern region was of poor and very poor quality for potable usages. Also, the United States Salinity Laboratory diagram showed that the groundwater quality is doubtful for irrigation. Therefore, the cultivation pattern in this plain should be switched towards salt‐tolerant crops.