Source Of Water Supply Research Articles

Premilinary Assessment for Physcio-Chemical Parameters of Ground Water in and Around Gundlapochampally, Medchal Malkajgiri District Telangana

Abstract: Ground water is one of the most valuable natural sources of drinking water and various usages with increase in urbanization and industrialization, health conditions are influenced by the chemical aspects of groundwater and geology of the region. Access to wholesome drinking water remains an urgent necessity Ground water is one of the most valuable natural sources of drinking water and various usages. Within the world as it is directly related to the health. Groundwater accounts for more than 80% of the rural domestic water supply in India. The integrated ground water prospects maps are preferred by using different thematic layers like Geology, Geomorphology, Structures, Hydrology, etc. Drinking water quality data of Rural Water supply sources situated in Gundlapochampally village, Medchal district is studied for the parameters of pH, Electrical Conductivity, Total Dissolved solids, Total Hardness, Calcium Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Alkalinity, Acidity, Chloride, Nitrate, Floride, Bi-carbonate. The results ware compare with the drinking water standards given by World Health Organization and Bureau of Indian Standards. Thus this research work recommended that the potassium and bicarbonates Contaminated water in Gundlapochampally region is not at all fit for drinking as a solution it was suggested that the solid waste treatment plant should be setup to handle crisis.

Methods and techniques of architectural environment forming under the conditions of global climate change: the problems of flooding

This article highlights the methods and techniques of forming an architectural environment based on sustainable development, namely, how to adapt to the consequences of global climate change caused by the anthropogenic environment and its activities. One of the serious consequences of global climate change is an increase in the frequency and power of floods, especially they pose a danger to cities, where problems related to the comfort of human life are worsening. Floods destroy city infrastructure and endanger the city's water supply sources. Such natural disasters activate the scientific community to eliminate their consequences, on the one hand, on the other - to solve the shortage of water as an energy resource, raising the issue of developing technologies for accumulating its surplus and further use in many types of human life, as well as in the functioning systems of the city as a whole. The world scientific and practical experience of innovative methods of adaptation of the new and reconstruction of the existing architectural environment to climate changes in countries vulnerable to frequent flooding, which is a problem for Ukraine as well, is analyzed. The article analyzes methods from Denmark, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Pakistan, with which they create a flood-resistant architectural environment and turn the disadvantages of their flood-prone region of residence into advantages. The experience of these countries and their methods of combating natural disasters helps other regions of our planet to form a comfortable architectural environment that corresponds to today's rapidly changing weather conditions and the goals of sustainable development. The conducted analysis demonstrates a wide range of solutions to problems, from small elements of the architectural environment to the planning of individual districts and the city as a whole. These solutions are used individually, as well as in combination, which increases their effectiveness. Therefore, the use of a complex approach as the main method of forming the architectural environment under conditions of global climate change is revealed.

ASSESSMENT OF FORMATION SOURCES OF WATER BODIES

The article presents results on the utilization of stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes to understand the origin and dynamics of water resou8rces especially ground waters. Research involved sampling from test boreholes and gauging stations, laboratory research into the ratio of stable isotopes and a chemical analysis. Results showed that stable isotopes may change depending on a season, which indicates that a source of water supply also changes over time. Research also addressed the impact of evaporation processes on water bodies. Results provide valuable information to efficiently manage and preserve water resources in the region.

Magnetite-ferrocyanide-copper sorbents for recovery of cesium ions from low-activity liquid radioactive waters

The article is devoted to the development of nanoscale sorbents based on copper ferrocyanide and magnetites for the removal of cesium, strontium, and heavy metal ions in their simultaneous presence in a multicomponent two-phase low-level radioactive solution containing complexing agents and surfactants. It they noted that the highest values of cesium ion removal from low-level radioactive water - 99.96% and 99.62% - are obtained with sorbents based on 100% copper ferrocyanide and a mixture of copper ferrocyanide and industrial magnetite in a ratio of 2 to 1. The efficiency of the sorbents in terms of the distribution coefficient is 2394 and 1589.7 ml/g, which ensures the purification of radioactive water from trace concentrations of cesium ions to values of 2394 and 265.11. These sorbents provide water purification to values less than 2 Bq/cm3, which is typical for 1-4 classes of water quality in terms of radiation safety of groundwater and surface water as sources of centralised drinking water supply. It is noted that sorption of cesium ions on copper ferrocyanide and magnetite is carried out in the presence of water molecules and hydroxo groups. It is shown that artificial magnetite in its pure form exceeds the sorption capacity of industrial magnetite. This is due to the difference in the phase composition and particle size of the crystals. The results obtained will be use as components of the technological process in the Plasma-Sorb technology developed at the State Institution "The Institute of Environmental Geochemistry" of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine for the treatment of low- and intermediate-level radioactive water from Ukrainian nuclear power plants.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Practice: A Case of Lahan Municipality, Madhesh Province, Nepal

The study aims to assess the water, sanitation and hygiene practices in Lahan Municipality, Siraha district, The focus group discussion, participatory learning and action, key informant interview, direct observation etc., methods was used during the study. Alluvial aquifers are the source of water supply in the Terai region.
 Result shows that around 16% of households have access to piped drinking water that is extracted from the deep boreholes. The rest of the population has access to shallow boreholes and dug wells. The poor families have installed shallow boreholes less than 15 meters deep. Out of 10 wards in Lahan municipality, ward no. 4 is lagging far behind in terms of water, sanitation, hygiene and socio-economic status. Lahan Municipality has been affected mostly due to flood in monsoon season. Lack of safe toilet ranked first among the list of major problems. Similarly, less awareness on water, sanitation and hygiene and poor embankment ranked second and third respectively identified as major problems in Lahan Municipality. Around 77% of fecal sludge is unsafely managed in the areas. The gender inequality, poverty, caste-based discrimination also found the social problem in the society.

Integrated approach for groundwater potential exploration in Abbay River Basin, East Africa

This paper presents and examines groundwater potential zones with the help of remote sensing and GIS methods for controlling and investigating the geospatial data of each parameter. Groundwater is a very important source for water supply and others, considering its availability, quality, cost, and time-effectiveness to develop. It is virtually everywhere and yet variable in quantity. Because of several conditions, such as rapid population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural development, groundwater sources are under severe threat. Climate change plays an important role in the quality and quantity of groundwater potential. In addition, climate change severely affects parameters that influence groundwater recharge. Unreliable exploitation and poor quality of surface water resources tend to increase the decline in groundwater levels. Hence, it is necessary to identify groundwater potential zones that can be used to optimize and monitor groundwater resources. This study was conducted in the Abbay River Basin and identifies the location of groundwater potential for developing new supplies that could be used for a range of purposes in the study area, where groundwater serves as the main source for agricultural purposes rather than surface water. Seven selected parameters—lineament density, precipitation, geology, drainage density, land use, slope, and soil data—were collected, processed, resampled, projected, and reclassified for hydrological analysis. For the generation of groundwater zones, weightage was calculated using an analytical hierarchy method, reclassified, ranked, and overlaid with GIS. The obtained results of weightage were lineament density (37%), precipitation (30%), geology (14%), drainage density (7%), land use land cover (5%), slope (4%), and soil (3%). The consistency ratio estimated for this study was 0.089, which was acceptable for further analysis. Based on the integration of all thematic layers and the generated groundwater potential zones, the map was reclassified into five different classes, namely very good, good, moderate, poor, and very poor. The results of this study reveal that 1295.33 km2 of the study area can be considered very poor, 58,913.1 km2 is poor, 131,323 km2 is moderate, 18,557 km2 is good, and 311.5 km2 is very good. Any groundwater management project performed in the better regions would offer the greatest value. A similar study would be valuable before planning any water resource development activity, as this would save the expense of comprehensive field investigations. This study also demonstrates the importance of remote sensing and GIS techniques in mapping groundwater potential at the basin scale and suggests that similar methods could be applied across other river basins.

Law and Policy Framework Governing Wastewater (Reuse) Management in India

Abstract Freshwater resources are becoming scarce and severely affected due to urbanization and industrial pollution. The per capita water supply to every Indian household is getting lesser than the recommended level. In this scenario, wastewater is considered as a new source of water supply for agriculture, industrial use, etc. Apart from the water laws, the government also adopted various policies and schemes to promote the reuse of treated wastewater for non-potable uses. However, the ineffective implementation of water laws and wastewater policies brought a new set of challenges. It is in this connection this paper analyses the comprehensive overview of constitutional provisions, key provisions of relevant laws, policies, rules, regulations, judicial intervention on wastewater management, and reuse in India. It also identifies implementation challenges in the enforcement of wastewater laws and byelaws in India.

The origin of high salinity and hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater in semi-arid area of the Linta Basin, Southwestern Madagascar

The Linta Basin, located in the Southwestern Madagascar, is a semi-arid area where groundwater in fractured media bedrock aquifer constitutes the main source of water supply. In the last two decades, highly mineralized groundwater was identified in this area; however, the origin of the salinity was not clear. The purpose of the study was to clarify the origin of salinity and to identify hotspots with groundwater unsuitable for water supply. Groundwater quality in this basin was investigated by hydrogeochemical and isotopic methods accompanied by mineralogical study. In total, 32 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed. The results showed that groundwater temperature varied from 25.2 °C to 31.7 °C. Values of pH and TDS varied from 6.55 to 8.24 and 221 to 5612 mg/L, respectively. The aquifer, which is mainly fractured, showed 7 groundwater types, namely Mg–HCO3,Na–HCO3 and also Na–C1, Mg–Cl, Na–Cl–HCO3, Mg–Cl–HCO3-, and Ca–Mg–HCO3. Two groups of variables have been identified by factor analysis; the factor F1 comprises EC, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42−, and Cl− whereas the factor F2 comprises HCO3−, K+, and Na+, and they were interpreted in terms of hydrogeochemical processes. Values of saturation indices (SI) for carbonate minerals were generally positive, indicating their possible precipitation. Based on the Gibbs diagram and factor analysis, groundwater mineralization is affected by water-rock interactions and evaporation, respectively. The important role of evaporation is confirmed by enrichment of stable isotopes with δ18O values up to 1.2 ‰. Processes such as base ionic exchange process and reverse ionic exchange process may also be important locally. The main origin of groundwater mineralization is the hydrolysis of silicate minerals such as feldspars and micas coupled with evaporation. In several wells, salinity is too high for water supply and nitrate concentration is above the WHO limit for drinking water. Results of the study highlighted groundwater chemistry formation processes and are applicable in other African countries with bedrock aquifers.

Coal Mine Drainage as a Source of Drinking and Industrial Water—The Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland

Water is one of the most important resources found on Earth, essential for all forms of life. Both the quantity and quality of water resources are crucial for the health of the population and for economic sectors, making water a factor in determining a society’s standard of living. Mine water serves as an appealing source of both drinking and technological water. Regardless of the exploitation method, it must be pumped to the surface and, usually, treated to meet environmental standards. In most cases, it is discharged to rivers. In this article, we present a model of the use of mine water from three pumping stations of decommissioned coal mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin—Jan Kanty, Saturn, and Boże Dary. Water from these pumping stations is characterized by good qualitative and quantitative parameters. The results of the physico-chemical composition analyses carried out in the years 2012–2022 did not reveal any excessive amounts of toxic components or treatment difficulties. Given the long operational lifespan of these pumping stations and their existing water extraction infrastructure, they emerge as promising sources of both potable and industrial water supply, demanding minimal treatment efforts.

Analysis of the physical chemistry of domestic water supply sources in choba, Port Harcourt, rivers state

Water are used for several important purposes but the most essential use considered on the basis of social and economic significance as it relates to the health of the population is human consumption and sanitation. Man needs constant and accessible supply of water to provide necessary prerequisite for important physiological and biochemical processes. On account of the general contention that water is more basic than all other critical stuff to life and in its pure state is commended key to health. This study aimed at to examine the physical characteristics of the water supply sources in Choba as a crucial factor for development and upon which the quality of life depends. Thus, water samples were collected from borehole and well water sources being the only available major sources of water supply in Rumuokocha, Rumuchakara, Igbogo, Owhipa, Ndudor and Rumualoghu communities that make Choba and the parameters investigated include pH, Temperature, Dissolved oxygen (DO), Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) and Salinity. The results of the analyses for temperature was t= 0.751 and t= 0.547 both at p<0.05 for borehole and well water sources implying no significant difference from the allowable limit by WHO whereas for DO, pH, salinity, TDS and conductivity, t= -51.966; -24.027; -24.796, -19.546 ;2.321and t= -51.966; -24.027; -16.966, -20.024; 2.272 for borehole and well water sources respectively indicating a statistically significant difference between the parameters investigated and the allowable limits. Similarly, the ANOVA result shows F= 400.384; 23.262; 19.997; 8502.215at p<0.05 for parameters like temperature, salinity, TDS and conductivity of the available water sources do not vary significantly in the area. Therefore, constant monitoring and assessment of physical water quality parameters, water treatment and assessment of bacteriological content and other relevant water parameters to holistically ascertain it suitability for adequate human use were recommended.

Geological and hydrogeological structure of the Sheshma terrigenous complex of the Belsky uplift

Relevance. The importance of industrial and technical water supply to an oil field in the north-east of Perm region. The requirements to subsoil use and environment protection demand a sanitary restriction zone of the water supply source in the northern part of the field. The current study of a geological structure and groundwater conditions and circulation of Sheshma aquifer complex will assess its resources and elaborate on organization of water supply to the oil field. Aim. To study geological structure and groundwater conditions of Sheshma aquifer complex. Objects. Formations rocks and groundwater conditions of Sheshma terrigenous complex. Methods. Studying the archival records, conducting a hydro-geological survey of the territory, drilling groundwater exploration wells, conducting pilot-filtration works on groundwater exploration wells in the flooding and low-water period. Results. The authors have discovered Sheshma formation thickness, which ranges from 100–150 to 300 m, and lithological composition of rocks and groundwater conditions of Sheshma aquifer complex. It was established that groundwater is deposited as a system of separate isolated water-bearing interlayers and blocks within the Durinsky trough. The most water-bearing zones were identified. Two aquifers of fine-grained and coarse-grained sandstones were detected in low-permeability thickness of Sheshma formation. The aquifers are not hydraulically connected and are separated from each other by a 40 m thick layer of water-resistant mudstones. Groundwater is deposited as strata with Neumann's boundary conditions, orientated sublatitudinally, from west to east. The obtained data can be further used to solve the issues of water supply within the area under study and the rational use of these waters.

Geochemical evolution along regional groundwater flow in a semi-arid closed basin using a multi-tracing approach

Groundwater is the main source for domestic drinking water supply, irrigation, and industrial activities in Zacatecas in central Mexico, a good example for numerous semiarid regions worldwide, however, there is insufficient information about characterization and evolution of the baseline water quality to create hydrogeological conceptual models, fundamentals for the future planning of new sources of groundwater supply for the population, especially under ongoing global climate change conditions. By a multi-method analysis that included geological, geophysical, hydrochemical and isotopic tools this investigation allowed the identification of: a) local flows, represented by shallow groundwater and shallow wells, hosted over basin fill sediments with low average temperatures (≈ 23.3 °C), variation in water types related to anthropogenic activities, low trace elements concentrations, δ18O and δ2H signatures indicating surface water and tritium being present in this system, b) intermediate flows (25 °C), identified in wells with depths of 100 to 200 m, water circulating through the basin fill sediments and the sequence of volcanic rocks characterized by intermediate concentrations of trace elements, and groundwater ages calculated for this system vary from 1,000 to 6,000 years, c) regional flows in volcanic rocks, characterized by groundwater from wells with depths of more than 200 m, high temperatures (up to 31.5 °C) and elevated concentrations of trace elements. The δ18O and δ2H signals are more homogenous and the 14C residence times for this flow system are greater than 8,000 years, and d) regional flows in Cretaceous rocks, with depths greater than 400 m, the highest temperatures (≈ 43.7 °C) and intermediate concentrations of trace elements. The δ18O and δ2H signals are homogenous and δ13C can widely be associated with carbonate shales. The hydrogeochemical evolution has been documented along a 62 km flow line to develop a robust conceptual model, reflecting the water–rock interaction in the system. Physicochemical parameters, as well as major and trace element concentrations, reflect a distinct evolution according to the flow paths and their increase is generally proportional to the residence time. Likewise, processes of dissolution of feldspars and some clay minerals from initial weathering in the basin fill sediments, as well as devitrification of the glassy matrix in the volcanic rocks are taking place in the evolution of the system.The results obtained through the analysis of water–rock interaction in this research can be applied to other semi-arid regions with geogenically impacted aquifers, due to the geological and climatic similarity with numerous volcano-sedimentary basins around the world.

Influence of the functional and morphological features of floodplain water bodies on the indicators of water quality

ABSTRACT The construction of dams on large rivers significantly changes the hydrological regime. The morphology and functional features of floodplain water bodies have a significant impact on water quality parameters. The electrical conductivity, transparency, water temperature and dissolved oxygen content of 302 water bodies located in the Dnipro River floodplain were investigated. The variability of water quality indicators is explained by different sources of water supply to the floodplain reservoirs, as well as by the geological characteristics of the soil. The genesis of lakes of a certain shape is related to the geological and geomorphological conditions of the floodplain, which is the reason for the connection between the functional characteristics of water bodies and water quality indicators in them. Predictors of the probability of oxygen stress are the proximity of the sandy border to the reservoir and the elongated shape of the reservoir.

Ground Water Quality Assessment of Different Villages of Kheda District of Gujarat, India

The Kheda district lies in the Cambay basin situated between Saurashtra crater and Aravalli Swell and Deccan Shield in the east. The basin comprises both marine formations, is the principal source of water supply for middle Gujarat region. The quality evaluation for this groundwater is very important tool for sustainable development and decision for water management. A survey work conducted during April-May, 2016 for ground water quality assessment of ‘Kheda district of middle Gujarat. A total of 160 groundwater samples, from shallow, springs, and deep aquifers, were collected, storage and analysed to evaluate its quality suitability for domestic and agriculture purposes. The result of quality of underground wells/tube wells water revealed that the EC values ranged 0.51 to 8.50 with a mean value of 2.04 dS m-1. The waters were alkaline in reaction (pH 7.97). The overall RSC values ranged from -4.80 to 10.50 with a mean value of 2.41 me L-1. The overall mean value of SSP was found 34.34, which varied from 8.00 to 77.26. The SAR values ranged from 0.36 to 29.96 with a mean value of 7.48.

Chemical Characteristics and Genetic Analysis of Karst Groundwater in the Beijing Xishan Area

As an important water supply source in Beijing， karst groundwater has played an irreplaceable role in the security of urban water supply and ecological environment protection in the past 70 years. The Xishan karst groundwater system， located in the upper reaches of western Beijing， belongs to ecological conservation areas. There are several centralized water supply fields in this area. In this study， the Xishan karst groundwater system was taken as the research object. A total of 120 karst groundwater samples in this area were investigated by using statistical analysis， ion ratio， and principal component analysis （PCA） methods to explore the spatial distribution characteristics and formation mechanism of groundwater hydrochemistry. The research results showed that： ① the groundwater quality of the Xishan system was generally good， with the characteristics of neutral pH and low salinity. A total of 84.17% of the water samples were classified as hard water. The chemical type of groundwater was mainly HCO3-Ca·Mg. ② The chemical composition of groundwater was mainly affected by the water-rock interaction， and the weathering source of rock was mainly the dissolution of carbonate. ③ The results of principal component analysis showed that 34.41% of the chemistry formation of groundwater could be explained by carbonate dissolution， 27.33% by rock salt and evaporate dissolution， 11.76% by aquifer sediment dissolution， and 10.30% by domestic sewage discharge. From the recharge area to the runoff area and then to the discharge area， the TH and TDS gradually increased. Coal mining drainage and human activities were the main factors that caused groundwater degradation and variable hydrochemical types in the piedmont. In the future， it is necessary to further strengthen environmental governance， control point and non-point source pollution， and continuously monitor key areas to provide scientific support for ecological and environmental protection.

Water isotopic composition traces source and dynamics of water supply in a semi‐arid agricultural landscape

AbstractChanges in seasonality and form of precipitation alter the structure and function of grassland and steppe ecosystems and pose challenges for land management and crop production in regions like the Northern Great Plains, North America. This research uses isotopic composition of water (δ18O and δ2H) to explore the sources and fate of soil water in lower‐elevation agricultural areas of the Judith River watershed, in the headwaters of the Missouri River, USA. Extensive non‐irrigated cereal crop production in this area occurs on well‐drained soils and depends on careful water management. Our observations indicate that colder precipitation contributes isotopically distinct water to cultivated terrace soils relative to downgradient groundwaters and streams. Riparian waters also exhibit a higher fraction of contributions from colder precipitation relative to terrace groundwaters and streams. Apparent contributions from colder precipitation in terrace and riparian soil waters suggest that snowmelt is a key component of the water supply to these systems. Riparian waters also show evidence of evaporation suggesting that water spends sufficient time in some ponds and open channels in the riparian corridor to reflect fractionation by evaporation. The evolution of water isotopic composition from soils to shallow aquifers to stream corridors indicates source water partitioning as precipitation moves through this semi‐arid agricultural landscape. The apparent mixing processes evident in this evolution reveal source water dynamics that are necessary to understand plant transpiration, solute processing, and contaminant leaching processes.

The Capability of Rainwater Harvesting as an Alternative Water Supply

This Rainwater Harvesting System (RWH) is considered the Best Management Practice (BMP) which is being implemented in Malaysia. This system is not only intended to slow down the flow of runoff the surface is even used as a free and safe alternative source of water supply. However, it is mentioned that the system is not viable and impractical considering the construction and maintenance costs that had to be borne by the users of the system. However, several studies inside and outside the country show the Return on Capital (ROC) factor for this system only in a short period, i.e., between two and three years. This article aims to identify the capability of the experimental study site of Rabbitland Jengka Pahang, Malaysia in providing the most suitable or potential location to apply the RWH system. Moreover, it predicts the capability of the RWH system as well as the ROC ability of the system. Results indicate that the level of the system’s reliability is high and the ROC for the investment of the system takes only 36 months to recover the cost of the investment. The National Water Quality Standards (NWQS) for Malaysia proved that RWH and groundwater used are in class 3 which is suitable for livestock drinking, and external domestic uses, and needs extensive treatment for drinking purposes.

The study of water balance at Karai sub watershed

Water balance could be a clue of water available in a watershed. It could interpreted the amount of water supply and demand in an area.The extream condition of water excess or water deficiency would be flood and drought disaster. This research is aimed to obtain the value of water balance components in Karai Sub Watershed. The research result shown the source of water supply that 100 percent from rainfall was 2,811 mm/year and the total of water lost was about 1,988 mm/year that be in the form of water demand in this watershed. Several water demand in this watershed was the amount of water lost from interception about 540 mm/year, evapotranspiration about 1,382 mm/year, surface runoff abouta 42.82 mm/year, and domestic needs about 22.95 mm/year. In general, the excess water storage in Karai Sub Watershed amount 822.14 mm/year that about 29.25 percent of water supply.

Use of isotope techniques to evaluate the recharged ability of the upper Pleistocene aquifer in the Nambo Plain

In the Nambo Plain, the monitoring data on dynamics and quality of groundwater has shown declining signs in quantity and quality both in the existing groundwater aquifers, and the exploitation of groundwater in recent time is believed to be a cause of this decline. That shows the need for further research, especially on the modern recharge ability of the existing groundwater aquifers, to re-evaluate the groundwater potential of the region. For that purpose, isotope techniques are applied to evaluate the recharge ability of the upper Pleistocene aquifer, an important source of water supply in rural areas in the Nambo Plain.
 In this study, groundwater, river water and rainwater samples were collected and analyzed for stable isotope composition, tritium, radiocarbon and major hydro-chemical parameters. Data on stable isotope composition in groundwater are used to define the origin of groundwater while tritium and 14C content are used to determine groundwater age and to predict the aquifer’s recharge zone; and in combining with the stable isotope composition and tritium content of river water to evaluate the dynamic relationship between river water and groundwater.
 The obtained results show that: i) Groundwater in the study aquifer is originated from meteorological water and formed at different stages. ii) The high 3H and 14C content in some groundwater samples indicate that the aquifer has modern rainwater infiltrated as a recharge source. iii) The similarity of stable isotope composition in the Vam Co river water and groundwater adjacent to the river shows that there is a hydraulic relationship between them. This is an important basis for assessing the recharge ability to the qp3 aquifer of the Vam Co river water.

Hydrochemical assessment of groundwater using multivariate statistical methods and water quality indices (WQIs)

Groundwater quality assessment is crucial for the sustainable management of water resources in arid regions, where groundwater is the primary source of water supply and increasing demand raises concerns. The study area in Southwest Algeria relies heavily on groundwater as a source of water supply, and the increasing demand for freshwater raises concerns about the quality of groundwater. To assess the hydrochemical characteristics and water quality of groundwater in the Ain Sefra region, multivariate statistical methods, geochemical modeling and water quality indices were employed. The study revealed that the groundwater samples could be classified into four water groups using hierarchical cluster analysis Q mode (HCA), namely Ca–Mg–HCO3, Ca–Mg–Cl–SO4, Ca–SO4 and Na–Cl. Factor analysis was used to identify the main factors controlling the study area’s hydrochemical processes. The results indicated that water–rock interaction, reverse ion exchange and anthropogenic pollution were the main hydrochemical processes affecting groundwater chemistry. The water quality index indicated that the groundwater was suitable for human consumption, with only 2.32% of the samples being unsuitable. Additionally, the groundwater was suitable for agricultural use, but salinity control was necessary. The saturation index values showed that the groundwater was supersaturated with aragonite, calcite, dolomite, anhydrite and gypsum, and undersaturated with halite. Ca-smectite, Mg-smectite and kaolinite were identified as the primary processes controlling the chemical composition of groundwater. The application of multivariate statistical methods, geochemical modeling and water quality indices provided a comprehensive understanding of the hydrochemical characteristics and water quality of groundwater in the Ain Sefra region. The findings of the study can serve as a useful basis for future studies on groundwater quality assessment in the region.