Trace elements in groundwater as indicators of anthropogenic impact

The distribution of several minor and trace elements mainly in fresh (dominating TDS 160–400 mg/l) groundwater of Latvia have been investigated by the Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique. An evaluation of results of about 700 analyses leads to the conclusion that concentrations of these elements is influenced by: pH–Eh conditions, groundwater residence time and diffuse contamination, whereas the role of water-bearing sediments is of secondary importance. Most trace elements are characterised by low mobility under alkaline and reducing conditions; concentrations in confined aquifers are much smaller than the Maximum Permissible Values for drinking water. The strongest anomalies of REE, Al and P were found in shallow groundwater around the former agrochemical storehouses.     

Water quality analysis of groundwater in crystalline basement rocks,Northern Ghana

Hydrochemical data are presented for groundwater samples, collected from fractured aquifers in parts of northern Ghana. The data was collected to assess the groundwater suitability for domestic and agricultural use. Results of the study reveal that the pH of the groundwater in the area is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. The electrical conductivity values, total dissolved solids (TDS) values and calcium, magnesium and sodium concentrations in the groundwater are generally below the limit set by the WHO for potable water supply. On the basis of activity diagrams, groundwater from the fractured aquifers appears to be stable within the montmorillonite field, suggesting weathering of silicate minerals. An inverse distance weighting interpolator with a power of 2 was applied to the data points to produce prediction maps for nitrate and fluoride. The distribution maps show the presence of high nitrate concentrations (50–194 mg/l) in some of the boreholes in the western part of the study area indicating anthropogenic impact on the groundwater. Elevated fluoride level (1.5–4 mg/l), higher than the WHO allowable fluoride concentration of 1.5, is recorded in the groundwater underlying the northeastern part of the study area, more specifically Bongo and its surrounding communities of the Upper East region. Results of this study suggest that groundwater from the fractured aquifers in the area exhibit low sodicity–low salinity (S1–C1), low sodicity–medium salinity (S1–C2) characteristics [United States Salinity Laboratory (USSL) classification scheme]. All data points from this study plot within the ‘Excellent to good’ category on a Wilcox diagram. Groundwater in this area thus appears to provide irrigation water of excellent quality. The hydrochemical results indicate that, although nitrate and fluoride concentrations in some boreholes are high, the groundwater in the study area, based on the parameters analyzed, is chemically potable and suitable for domestic and agricultural purposes.     

Hydrochemical framework of groundwater in the Ankobra Basin,Ghana

Hydrochemical and stable isotope (¹⁸O and ²H) analyses of groundwater samples were used to establish the hydrochemistry of groundwater in the Ankobra Basin. The groundwater was generally mildly acidic, low in conductivity and undersaturated with respect to carbonate phases. Major ions except bicarbonate were low and dissolved silica was moderately high. Silicate minerals weathering is probably the main process through which major ions enter the groundwater. Groundwater samples clustered tightly along the Global Meteoric Water Line suggesting integrative, smooth and rapid recharge from meteoric origin. The majority of the boreholes and a few hand dug wells cluster towards the Ca–Mg–HCO₃ dominant section of the phase diagram, in conformity with the active recharge and short residence time shown by the isotope data. Aluminium, arsenic, manganese, iron and mercury were the only trace metals analysed with concentrations significantly above their respective detection limits. Approximately 20%, 5%, 40% and 25% respectively of boreholes had aluminium, arsenic, iron and manganese concentrations exceeding the respective WHO maximum acceptable limits for drinking water. The relatively large percentage of boreholes with high concentration of aluminium reflects the acidic nature of the groundwater.     

塔里木河南岸地下淡水资源分布特征及成因分析--以哈得4油田水源地为例

塔里木河南岸地下水资源，卡要为受塔里水河控制的具有高矿化背景的地下水，在塔里木河洪水的淡化影响下，形成了一定范围的地下水淡化带．这种淡化水对油田供水具有战略意义，在一定程度上制约着油田建设的发展．通过对塔埋木河南岸地下淡水资源的分布特征与成因分析．为塔河南岸地下淡水资源的合理开发与利用指明了方向．     

Groundwater geochemistry in the Meshkinshahr basin of Ardabil province in Iran

The chemical analysis of 59 water wells in Meshkinshar area, Ardabil province NW of IRAN has been evaluated to determine the hydrogeochemical processes and ion concentration background in the region. The dominated hydrochemical types are Na–SO₄, Ca–HCO₃, Na–HCO₃ and Na–Cl in the whole area. Based on the total hardness, the groundwater is soft. According to electrical conductivity and sodium adsorption ratio, the most dominant classes are C1–S1, C2–S1 and C3–S1. The major ion concentrations are below the acceptable level for drinking water. The groundwater salinity hazard is medium to high but the Na hazard is low to medium and in regard of irrigation water the quality is low to medium. So the drainage system is necessary to avoid the increase of toxic salt concentrations.     

Sources of deep groundwater salinity in the southwestern zone of Bangladesh

Twenty groundwater samples were collected from two different areas in Satkhira Sadar Upazila to identify the source of salinity in deep groundwater aquifer. Most of the analyzed groundwater is of Na–Cl–HCO₃ type water. The trends of anion and cation are Cl⁻ > HCO₃ ⁻ > NO₃ ⁻ > SO₄ ²⁻ and Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺, respectively. Groundwater chemistry in the study area is mainly governed by rock dissolution and ion exchange. The dissolved minerals in groundwater mainly come from silicate weathering. The salinity of groundwater samples varies from ~1 to ~5%, and its source is possibly the paleo-brackish water which may be entrapped during past geologic periods.     

Hydrogeological and hydrochemical characterization of the Voltaian Basin: the Afram Plains area,Ghana

In the Afram Plains area, groundwater is the main source of water supply for most uses. The area is underlain by aquifers of the southern Voltaian sedimentary basin, which are predominantly sandstones, mudstones, conglomerates and shale. Ordinary least squares regression analysis using 41 well-test data from aquifers in the Afram Plains portion of the Voltaian system reveals that transmissivity, T, exists in a non-linear relationship with specific capacity, Sc. The analysis reveals that T = 0.769Sc^1.075 with R ² = 0.83 for aquifers in the area. The mudstone/conglomerate aquifer in the area appears to be the most variable in terms of both specific capacity and transmissivity with transmissivity ranging from 0.18 to 197.7 m²/day and 0.5 and 148.5 m³/day/m, respectively. Horizontal fractures and joints resulting from secondary fracturing appear to be the main determinants of both transmissivity and specific capacity in the area. PHREEQC modeling and mineral stability diagrams indicate that groundwater quality in the Afram Plains area is controlled by the incongruent weathering of silicate minerals in the aquifers. These processes concentrate calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, bicarbonate ion and quartz, leading to calcite, dolomite and aragonite supersaturation at most locations. Hierarchical cluster analysis performed on the raw chemical data reveals two main water types or facies: the calcium–sodium–chloride–bicarbonate facies, and the magnesium–potassium–sulfate–nitrate facies for the southern and northern sections of the Afram Plains area, respectively.     

A geochemical assessment of coastal groundwater quality in the Varahi river basin, Udupi District, Karnataka State, India

The Varahi Irrigation project site is located at 13°39′15″N (latitude) and 74°57′E (longitude) in Hole Shankaranarayana village, approximately 6 km from Siddapura, Kundapura taluk, Udupi district. A total of 59 groundwater samples were collected from dug and tube wells in November 2008 to evaluate hydrochemistry and suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes. The physico-chemical parameters estimated include pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), redox potential (Eh), total hardness (TH), total alkalinity (TA), temperature, major cations and anions, besides irrigation quality parameters like boron, sodium absorption ratio (SAR), % Na, residual sodium carbonate (RSC), residual sodium bicarbonate (RSBC), chlorinity index, soluble sodium percentage (SSP), exchangeable sodium ratio (ESR), non-carbonate hardness, potential salinity (PS), permeability index (PI), Kelly index (KI), magnesium hazard (MH), magnesium ratio (MR), index of base exchange. Chloride, sulphate and bicarbonate concentrations classified the groundwater samples into normal chloride, normal sulphate and normal bicarbonate water types, respectively. The Salinity (Class I; 98.3%), Chlorinity (Class I; 100%) and Sodicity (Class 0; 96.6%) indices suggest the suitability of groundwater for irrigation. The Wilcox diagram illustrates that 96.6% of the samples belongs to excellent to good category, while the US Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagram indicates the low salinity/low sodium content in 86.44% of samples (C1S1). Positive index of base exchange in majority of the samples (91.52%) indicates direct base exchange reaction or chloro-alkaline equilibrium in the study area. The positive value of RSC in majority of samples signifying higher concentrations of HCO₃ over alkaline earths indicates that groundwater are base exchange-softened water as there is an exchange of alkaline earths for Na⁺ ions. Majority of water samples fall in the precipitation dominance field based on Gibbs’ ratio.     

Assessment of groundwater suitability for irrigation in a gold mine surrounding area,NE Iran

The Kouh-e Zar mining area with iron oxide-rich types of Cu–Au (IOCG)-type gold mineralization is located in a fractured zone between two main “Darouneh” and “Taknar” faults in 35 km northwest of Torbat-e Heydarieh. In this study, the hydrogeochemistry and water quality of groundwater were examined for irrigation uses. Totally, 11 groundwater samples were collected in semi-arid area surrounding the mine. According to the irrigation water quality indices such as sodium absorption ratio, sodium percentage, residual sodium carbonate, residual sodium bicarbonate, potential salinity, salinity index, salinity hazard, permeability index and magnesium hazard, the water resources were appraised suitable to unsuitable. Na⁺ was a dominant cation and HCO₃^? was a dominant anion in the water samples. Fortunately, SO₄^2? content is low (<?250 mg/L) in the water samples because of low-sulfide content mineralization in this mine. Water–rock interaction was defined as the controlling process on groundwater chemistry based on the Gibbs diagram. Calculated saturation indices revealed that the anion and cations in groundwater originated from dissolution of minerals and evaporation process. In the case of dominant Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, they were originated by dissolution of carbonate minerals such as calcite, dolomite and aragonite. Na⁺ was likely originated by plagioclase weathering in the brecciated volcanic rocks. Though the sulfidic mineralization is not so high in the Kouh-e Zar area, however, considering the existence of metalogenic mineralization in the Kouh-e Zar area, there is also a risk potential of release of toxic elements into the groundwater on which further deep investigation is ongoing in the area.     

Quality characterization of groundwater in Koilsagar project area,Mahabubnagar District,Andhra Pradesh,India

Studies of groundwater chemistry in the Koilsagar project area of Andhra Pradesh indicate that the waters are sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, mixed cationic-mixed anionic, mixed cationic Na dominating bicarbonate, and mixed cationic Ca dominating bicarbonate types. Of them, sodium bicarbonate and mixed cationic Mg dominating bicarbonate types of waters are more prevalent.Isocone mapping of specific conductance indicates that the ionic concentration increases from east to west in the area. Graphical treatment of chemical data reveals that, in general, the area has basic water, whereas the left flank canal area is dominated by secondary alkaline water, and Pallamarri and Pedda Rajmur villages have strongly acidic waters. Ion-exchange studies show that cation-anion exchanges exist all over the area except for two places, which have a base exchange hardened type of water.Graphical representation further shows that most of the area has medium salinity-low sodium (C₂S₁) water useful for irrigation purposes. High salinity-low sodium (C₃S₁) and high salinity-medium sodium (C₃S₂) waters are present in some areas, which need adequate drainage to overcome the salinity problem.     

Hydrochemical characteristics and the effects of irrigation on groundwater quality in Harran Plain,GAP Project,Turkey

Improper design, faulty planning, mismanagement and incorrect operation of irrigation schemes are the principle reasons for the deterioration of groundwater quality in a large number of countries, in particular in semi-arid and arid regions. The aim of this study is to determine the dimensions of groundwater quality after surface irrigation was begun in the semi-arid Harran Plain. Physical and chemical parameters of the groundwater including pH, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC), sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate, sulphate, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, total phosphorus, total organic carbon and turbidity were determined monthly during the 2006 water year. The quality of the groundwater in the study area was assessed hydrochemically in order to determine its suitability for human consumption and agricultural purposes. In the general plain, the EC values measured were considerably above the guide level of 650 μS/cm, while nitrate in particular was found in almost all groundwater samples to be significantly above the maximum admissible concentration of 50 mg/l for the quality of water intended for human consumption as per the international and national standards. Total hardness reveals that a majority of the groundwater samples fall in the very hard water category. Interpretation of analytical data shows that Ca–HCO₃ and Ca–SO₄ are the dominant hydrochemical facies in the study area.     

Occurrence of soluble salts and moisture in the unsaturated zone and groundwater hydrochemistry along the middle and lower reaches of the Heihe River in northwest China

Deforestation, over-development of water resources and population growth have contributed to degeneration of vegetation in the Heihe River Basin in northwest China. Salts and water contents are the most important factors affecting the growth of vegetation in this arid area. This study was conducted to determine soluble salt levels of soils in the unsaturated zone and the hydrochemistry of groundwater at 14 sites in this region. Concentrations of soluble ions in the soils deceased with depth. Soil ion contents increased at depths below the root system of native plants. Sulfate was the dominant anion in both the unsaturated zone and the groundwater. Total dissolved solids (TDS) in groundwater ranged from less than 1 g/L in the middle reaches of the watershed to about 10 g/L in the arid lower reaches. In the middle and upper reaches of the watershed, salinity in soil and groundwater decreased. Groundwater was highly variable in hydrochemistry. The lower reaches was predominated by SO₄–Na•Mg and SO₄–Mg•Na type water, whereas in the middle reaches groundwater is characterized by lower TDS and HCO₃-dominated type water. Evapotranspiration is responsible for occurrence of the soluble salts in the soil profiles. Dissolution is the dominant chemical process in the middle reaches, whereas evapotranspiration prevails in the lower reaches of the Heihe River.     

Preliminary evaluation of hydrochemistry of the Kalambaina Formation, Sokoto Basin, Nigeria

Hydrochemical investigations in the Kalambaina Formation have been initiated to determine potability and suitability of the shallow groundwater for domestic and agricultural uses. This limestone formation is an extensive aquifer supplying water to livestock and domestic wells in its outcrop areas. The aquifer is recharged by rainfall and discharges mainly into the Sokoto–Rima River system and lakes at Kware, Gwadabawa and Kalmalo in Nigeria. Because recharge to the aquifer is mainly from rainfall, the quality of the groundwater is controlled essentially by chemical processes in the vadose zone and locally by human activities. Water samples were taken at 11 sites comprising boreholes, dug wells and a spring and were chemically analysed for their major ion components. Hydrochemical results show water of fairly good quality. It is, however, hard and generally of moderate dissolved solids content. Concentration of the total dissolved solids is between 130 and 2,340 mg/l. Concentrations of ions vary widely but a high concentration of K⁺ is found in places. NO₃⁻ is on the higher side of the World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limits, indicating pollution in such areas. Groundwater chemistry is predominantly of two facies, namely the calcium–magnesium–bicarbonate and calcium–magnesium–sulphate–chloride facies. These facies probably evolved primarily as a result of dissolution of calcium and magnesium carbonates as well as some human/land-use activities.     

A study on hydrochemical elucidation of coastal groundwater in and around Kalpakkam region, Southern India

The chemical composition of 29 bore well water samples throughout the Kalpakkam region, South India, was determined to identify the major hydrogeochemical processes and the suitability of groundwater for domestic and irrigation purposes. The hydrochemical data were analyzed with reference to World Health Organization (WHO) standards and their hydrochemical facies were determined. The Piper plot shows that most of the groundwater samples fall in the field of mixed calcium–sodium–bicarbonate type followed by sodium–chloride, calcium–bicarbonate and mixed calcium–magnesium–chloride water types. The concentration of total dissolved solids exceeds the desirable limit in about 14% of samples; alkalinity values exceed the desirable limit in about 34% of the samples. The concentration of sulphate is well within the desirable limit at all the locations. The dominance of various heavy metals in the groundwater followed the sequence: Zn > Fe > Mn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Cr > Cd. Among the metal ions, the concentration of chromium and cadmium are within the permissible limit. Data are plotted on the US Salinity Laboratory diagram, which illustrates that most of the samples fall in the field of high salinity and low sodium hazard, which can be used to irrigate salt tolerant and semi-tolerant crops under favorable drainage conditions. Based on the analytical results, chemical indices like sodium adsorption ratio and residual sodium carbonate were calculated which show that most of the samples are good for irrigation.     

Hydro-environmental status and soil management of the River Nile Delta,Egypt

The sea level rise has its own-bearing on the coastal recession and hydro-environmental degradation of the River Nile Delta. Attempts are made here to use remote sensing to detect the coastal recession in some selected parts and delineating the chemistry of groundwater aquifers and surface water, which lie along south-mid-northern and coastal zone of the Nile Delta. Eight water samples from groundwater monitoring wells and 13 water samples from surface water were collected and analyzed for various hydrochemical parameters. The groundwater samples are classified into five hydrochemical facies on Hill-Piper trilinear diagram based on the dominance of different cations and anions: facies 1: Ca–Mg–Na–HCO₃–Cl–SO₄ type I; facies 2: Na–Cl–HCO₃ type II; facies 3: Na–Ca–Mg–Cl type III, facies 4: Ca–Na–Mg–Cl–HCO₃ type IV and facies 5: Na–Mg–Cl type V. The hydrochemical facies showed that the majority of samples were enriched in sodium, bicarbonate and chloride types and, which reflected that the sea water and tidal channel play a major role in controlling the groundwater chemical composition in the Quaternary shallow aquifers, with a severe degradation going north of Nile Delta. Also, the relationship between the dissolved chloride (Cl, mmol/l), as a variable, and other major ion combinations (in mmol/l) were considered as another criterion for chemical classification system. The low and medium chloride groundwater occurs in southern and mid Nile Delta (Classes A and B), whereas the high and very high chloride (classes D and C) almost covers the northern parts of the Nile Delta indicating the severe effect of sea water intrusion. Other facets of hydro-environmental degradation are reflected through monitoring the soil degradation process within the last two decades in the northern part of Nile Delta. Land degradation was assessed by adopting new approach through the integration of GLASOD/FAO approach and Remote Sensing/GIS techniques. The main types of human induced soil degradation observed in the studied area are salinity, alkalinity (sodicity), compaction and water logging. On the other hand, water erosion because of sea rise is assessed. Multi-dates satellite data from Landsat TM and ETM+ images dated 1983 and 2003 were used to detect the changes of shoreline during the last two decades. The obtained results showed that, the eroded areas were determined as 568.20 acre; meanwhile the accreted areas were detected as 494.61 acre during the 20-year period.     

Groundwater availability in the shallow aquifers of the southern voltaian system: a simulation and chemical analysis

A steady state groundwater flow simulation model was developed using available well data and general hydrogeological and geological information, for the Afram Plains area, Ghana. The hydrochemistry of groundwater from wells in the area was then evaluated to determine its suitability for irrigation and domestic uses. The assessment of the irrigation quality of groundwater from this area was based on salinity (EC) and sodium adsorption ratios (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and permeability indices (PI). The simulation model reveals that groundwater in the Afram Plains area generally flows from the midsections in the neighborhood of Tease and surrounding areas, where significant recharge takes place, to the outer regions and discharges into the Volta Lake in the southern and eastern sections of the area. Flow magnitude and piezometric maps suggest that there is probably of less potential for groundwater extraction for sustainable irrigation in the central regions of the area, when compared to the other discharge areas. This study reveals that more than 70% of the samples analyzed fall within the C2–S1 category, referring to the medium level salinity and low sodium. Medium salinity waters may be used for irrigation on coarse textured soils with good permeability. About 15% of the data fall within the C3–S2 category, referring to water of high salinity and medium sodicity. High salinity, medium sodicity irrigation water cannot be used on fine-grained soils where drainage is restricted. This is because restricted flow is likely to result in the accumulation of salts in the root zones of crops, leading to salinity and soil clogging crisis. About 3% falls within the C3–S3 (high salinity, high sodicity) category. This category requires special soil management including improved drainage, heavy leaching and the use of chemical amendments on the water. Only one point plots within the extreme salinity–sodicity range. Concentrations of fluoride, arsenic and other natural elements in the area generally fall well within the world health standards for domestic water.     

南襄盆地泌阳凹陷赵凹安棚油田深盆油(气)藏

泌阳凹陷赵凹安棚油田深层系部分油(气)藏属于深盆油(气)藏,即深盆致密砂岩油(气)藏。利用深盆气藏理论和分析方法,通过对其成藏要素分析,发现其深层系油(气)藏具有深盆油气藏的典型特征。构造呈现单斜背景上的鼻状,自西北向东南生油中心倾没;赵凹安棚油田深层系内油水分布较为复杂,在横向连续储层内,出现了油水关系倒置的深盆油(气);储层属非均质低渗透储层;从深盆油(气)观点看,属一种动态致密砂岩油(气)藏;地层压力异常低,甚至负异常压力。在泌阳凹陷勘探程度极高油区,如果进行思想变革,就能实现资源的突破。     

Hydrogeochemical evaluation of groundwater in the lower Offin basin,Ghana

Alumino-silicate mineral dissolution, cation exchange, reductive dissolution of hematite and goethite, oxidation of pyrite and arsenopyrite are processes that influence groundwater quality in the Offin Basin. The main aim of this study was to characterise groundwater and delineate relevant water–rock interactions that control the evolution of water quality in Offin Basin, a major gold mining area in Ghana. Boreholes, dug wells, springs and mine drainage samples were analysed for major ions, minor and trace elements. Major ion study results show that the groundwater is, principally, Ca–Mg–HCO₃ or Na–Mg–Ca–HCO₃ in character, mildly acidic and low in conductivity. Groundwater acidification is principally due to natural biogeochemical processes. Though acidic, the groundwater has positive acid neutralising potential provided by the dissolution of alumino-silicates and mafic rocks. Trace elements’ loading (except arsenic and iron) of groundwater is generally low. Reductive dissolution of iron minerals in the presence of organic matter is responsible for high-iron concentration in areas underlain by granitoids. Elsewhere pyrite and arsenopyrite oxidation is the plausible process for iron and arsenic mobilisation. Approximately 19 and 46% of the boreholes have arsenic and iron concentrations exceeding the WHO’s (Guidelines for drinking water quality. Final task group meeting. WHO Press, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2004) maximum acceptable limits of 10 μg l⁻¹ and 0.3 mg l⁻¹, for drinking water.     

Hydrochemical appraisal of groundwater and its suitability in the intensive agricultural area of Muzaffarnagar district,Uttar Pradesh,India

Muzaffarnagar is an economically rich district situated in the most fertile plains of two great rivers Ganga and Yamuna in the Indo-gangetic plains, with agricultural land irrigated by both surface water as well as groundwater. An investigation has been carried out to understand the hydrochemistry of the groundwater and its suitability for irrigation uses. Groundwater in the study area is neutral to moderately alkaline in nature. Chemistry of groundwater suggests that alkaline earths (Ca + Mg) significantly exceed the alkalis (Na + K) and weak acids exceed the strong acids (Cl + SO₄), suggesting the dominance of carbonate weathering followed by silicate weathering. Majority of the groundwater samples (62%) posses Ca–Mg–HCO₃ type of hydrochemical species, followed by Ca–Na–Mg–HCO₃, Na–Ca–Mg–HCO₃, Ca–Mg–Na–HCO₃–Cl and Na–Ca–HCO₃–SO₄ types. A positive high correlation (r ² = 0.928) between Na and Cl suggests that the salinity of groundwater is due to intermixing of two or more groundwater bodies with different hydrochemical compositions. Barring a few locations, most of the groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation uses. Chemical fertilizers, sugar factories and anthropogenic activities are contributing to the sulphate and chloride concentrations in the groundwater of the study area. Overexploitation of aquifers induced multi componential mixing of groundwater with agricultural return flow waters is responsible for generating groundwater of various compositions in its lateral extent.     

Salinization of groundwater in arid and semi-arid zones: an example from Tajarak,western Iran

Study of the groundwater samples from Tajarak area, western Iran, was carried out in order to assess their chemical compositions and suitability for agricultural purposes. All of the groundwaters are grouped into two categories: relatively low mineralized of Ca–HCO₃ and Na–HCO₃ types and high mineralized waters of Na–SO₄ and Na–Cl types. The chemical evolution of groundwater is primarily controlled by water–rock interactions mainly weathering of aluminosilicates, dissolution of carbonate minerals and cation exchange reactions. Calculated values of pCO₂ for the groundwater samples range from 2.34 × 10⁻⁴ to 1.07 × 10⁻¹ with a mean value of 1.41 × 10⁻² (atm), which is above the pCO₂ of the earth’s atmosphere (10^−3.5). The groundwater is oversaturated with respect to calcite, aragonite and dolomite and undersaturated with respect to gypsum, anhydrite and halite. According to the EC and SAR the most dominant classes (C3-S1, C4-S1 and C4-S2) were found. With respect to adjusted SAR (adj SAR), the sodium (Na⁺) content in 90% of water samples in group A is regarded as low and can be used for irrigation in almost all soils with little danger of the development of harmful levels of exchangeable Na⁺, while in 40 and 37% of water samples in group B the intensity of problem is moderate and high, respectively. Such water, when used for irrigation will lead to cation exchange and Na⁺ is adsorbed on clay minerals while calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) are released to the liquid phase. The salinity hazard is regarded as medium to high and special management for salinity control is required. Thus, the water quality for irrigation is low, providing the necessary drainage to avoid the build-up of toxic salt concentrations.