Hydrogeochemistry and water quality assessment of shallow aquifers in the western flanks of Southern Western Ghats,SW India

The present study deals with the hydrogeochemistry and water quality of shallow aquifers in two important river basins—the Ithikkara and Kallada river basins—draining the south western flanks of Western Ghats in Kerala, South West India. Well water samples were collected from 20 dug wells with a depth range of 1 m below ground level (mbgl) to 18.2 mbgl during pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons of the year 2011–2012. These samples were analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters following standard methods and were evaluated for their interrelations and drinking water suitability. The pH of the water samples shows wide variation from highly acidic to highly alkaline water. About 80% of pre-monsoon samples recorded Fe²⁺ concentration above the permissible limit of drinking water standard. Water Quality Index (WQI) shows that majority of the well water samples fall in the category of excellent–good for drinking purpose. The results of the irrigation suitability assessment using the procedures like Percent Sodium, Sodium Absorption Ratio, Residual Sodium Carbonate, Kelly Index, Permeability Index, and Magnesium Hazard reveal that the well waters of the study area are fit for irrigation purpose. Na⁺/Cl^? ratio reflects the release of sodium to water due to silicate weathering. The samples have a Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ ratio equal or greater than 2 indicating the effect of silicate minerals in contributing Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions to the well water. The saturation indices reveal that groundwater is supersaturated with SiO₂. Among the causative factors that determine the hydrochemical quality of well water samples, silicate weathering plays a pivotal role with significant input of ions from anthropogenic sources.     

Hydrochemical assessment of groundwater from shallow aquifers in parts of Wadi Al Hamad,Madinah, Saudi Arabia

The present study was carried out in the Mulaylih area which forms a part of Wadi Al Hamad in the Madinah Province of Saudi Arabia. Thirty groundwater samples from agricultural farms were collected and analyzed for various physio-chemical parameters including trace elements. The area is occupied by the Quaternary alluvium deposits which form shallow unconfined aquifers. Evaporation and ion exchange are the major processes which control the major ion chemistry of the area. The extreme aridity has results in high total dissolved solid values (average of 9793.47 mg/l). Trace element concentrations are low and are mainly attributed to geogenic sources (silicate weathering). Na-Cl groundwater type is the main hydrochemical facies found in the area. The waters are found to be oversaturated with calcite/aragonite and dolomite. The average nitrate concentration was found to be 134.10 mg/l and is much higher than the WHO recommended limit of 50 mg/l in drinking water. Their high values are mainly associated with the application of N-fertilizers on the agricultural farms. The average fluoride concentration in the study was found to be 1.54 mg/l. The relation between F and Cl and Cl and Na reveals that the fluoride concentrations are mainly attributed to geogenic sources. A comparison of the groundwater quality with the Saudi drinking water standards shows that the water is unfit for drinking. The high salinity and sodicity of the groundwater make it unfit for irrigation. Principal component analysis resulted in extraction of four principal components accounting for 79.5% of the total data variability and supports the fact that the natural hydrochemical processes (evaporation and ion exchange) control the overall groundwater chemistry.     

Hydrogeological processes controlling the release of arsenic in parts of 24 Parganas district,West Bengal

A study was conducted to understand the hydrogeological processes dominating in the North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas based on representative 39 groundwater samples collected from selected area. The abundance of major ions was in the order of Ca²⁺ > Na⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ > Fe²⁺ for cations and HCO₃ ^? > PO₄ ^3? > Cl^? > SO₄ ^2? > NO₃ ^? for anions. Piper trilinear diagram was plotted to understand the hydrochemical facies. Most of the samples are of Ca-HCO₃ type. Based on conventional graphical plots for (Ca + Mg) vs. (SO₄ + HCO₃) and (Na + K) vs. Cl, it is interpreted that silicate weathering and ion exchange are the dominant processes within the study area. Previous studies have reported quartz, feldspar, illite, and chlorite clay minerals as the major mineral components obtained by the XRD analysis of sediments. Mineralogical investigations by SEM and EDX of aquifer materials have shown the occurrence of arsenic as coating on mineral grains in the silty clay as well as in the sandy layers. Excessive withdrawal of groundwater for irrigation and drinking purposes is responsible for fluctuation of the water table in the West Bengal. Aeration beneath the ground surface caused by fluctuation of the water table may lead to the formation of carbonic acid. Carbonic acid is responsible for the weathering of silicate minerals, and due to the formation of clay as a product of weathering, ion exchange also dominates in the area. These hydrogeological processes may be responsible for the release of arsenic into the groundwater of the study area, which is a part of North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas.     

Impact of rock-water interactions and recharge on water resources quality of the Agadir-Essaouira basin,southwestern Morocco

The Agadir-Essaouira area in the occidental High Atlas Mountains of Morocco is characterized by a semi-arid climate. The scarcity and quality of water resources, exacerbated by long drought periods, constitute a major problem for a sustainable development of this region. Groundwater resources of carbonate units within Jurassic and Cretaceous aquifers are requested for drinking and irrigation purposes. In this study, we collected 84 samples from wells, boreholes, springs, and rivers. Hydrochemical and isotopic data were used to examine the mineralization and origin of water, which control groundwater quality. The chemical composition of water seems to be controlled by water-rock interactions, such as dissolution of carbonates (calcite and dolomite), weathering of gypsum, as well as ion exchange processes, which explain the observed variability. Stable isotopes results show that groundwater from the mainly marly Cretaceous aquifer are submitted to an evaporation effect, while samples from the chiefly calcareous Jurassic aquifer indicate a meteoric origin, due to a rapid infiltration of recharge runoff through the karstic outcrops. The low values of δ¹⁸O and δ²H suggest a local recharge from areas with elevations ranging from 400 to 1200 m for the Cretaceous aquifer and from 800 to 1500 m for the Jurassic units.     

Controls on the chemistry of springs at Teels Marsh,Mineral County,Nevada

Evaporative process plays a dominant role in determining the water chemistry of the springs at Teels Marsh, a closed basin in western Nevada. Analysis of the spring waters indicates that calcium, magnesium, sulfate, and silica are removed from solution during dry periods, even though groundwater is undersaturated with respect to gypsum, amorphous silica, and sepiolite. The removal mechanism is precipitation of authigenic phases such as gypsum above the water table, in the vadose zone.In episodes of rain and snowfall in which none of the waters enters the phreatic zone, ions in the rain and snow accumulate near the ground surface. This accumulation of material, together with the sparse rain and snowfall, inhibits chemical weathering of silicate minerals. Only at high elevations in the basin is there sufficient fluxing of water through the alluvium for silicate weathering to make a significant contribution to the sodium content of the springs. When a sufficiently heavy rainfall occurs, salts are partially dissolved and the ions transported to the permanent groundwater. The kinetics of dissolution of secondary phases in the vadose zone exert an important control on the composition of the springs.     

Hydrogeochemical evaluation of Umut geothermal field (SW Turkey)

Tekkehamam geothermal field is located in the South of Menderes Graben (Aegean region) and is one of the most important geothermal sites of Western Anatolia. Umut geothermal field is a part of the Tekkehamam field. This study was conducted in order to determine the origin and hydrogeochemical properties of the geothermal waters. For this purpose, sampling was done in order to check the chemistry of the water, and ¹⁸O, ²H isotope analyses done at four wells, nine natural springs and three cold water sources. According to the results of the chemical analysis, the geothermal waters were determined to be of Na + K-SO₄ type. Additionally, ¹⁴C and ³H analyses were done in selected well and spring waters for the purpose of age determination of groundwater; most of the waters were determined to be submodern. Geothermometer calculations show that the reservoir temperature for the Umut geothermal field ranges between 148 and 180 °C. Stable isotope results indicate that Umut geothermal waters are meteoric in origin. Mixing between shallow and deep waters is the dominant subsurface process that determines the physical and chemical character of the waters.     

Assessment of chemical properties and hydro-geochemical coefficients at the Qareh Sou Basin,Golestan Province,Iran

This paper focuses on the Qareh Sou Basin in Golestan Province, Iran. Golestan Province is the third largest cereal producer in Iran and water scarcity and salinity are major problems in this area. This study attempts to facilitate the comprehension of system behavior with respect to water quality issues and hydro-geochemical coefficients within the Qareh Sou Basin. This study was carried out during the year 2010. Various parameters, such as pH, EC, chloride, sulfate, bicarbonate, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium have been determined for evaluation purposes. Then, Ca/Mg, Na/Cl, Mg/(Ca + Mg), Ca/HCO₃, (Ca + Mg)–(HCO₃ + SO₄), (Na + K)–Cl, (Ca + Mg + Na + K)–Cl, HCO₃ + SO₄, Ca + Mg and chloro-alkaline indices (CAI) were calculated. Results show that cation exchange probably is an important factor in the hydrochemistry and silicate mineral weathering. Also, CAI-1 plot against CAI-2 demonstrates that most of samples have positive values which suggest normal ion exchange in the system. The carbonic acid is the main agent of calcite, limestone and dolomite weathering which occurs in some stations. According to Chadha’s diagram, the type of water is determined as Ca–Mg–HCO₃.     

Origin of major dissolved ions in groundwater within the Lower Pra Basin using groundwater geochemistry,source-rock deduction and stable isotopes of 2H and 18O

Hydrochemical and stable isotopes (¹⁸O and ²H) analyses of groundwater samples were employed to establish the origin of major dissolved ions in groundwater within the Lower Pra Basin. Results showed that, the major processes responsible for chemical evolution of groundwater include: silicate (SiO₄)^4? dissolutions, ion exchange reactions, sea aerosol spray and pyrite (FeS₂) and arsenopyrite (FeAsS) oxidations. The groundwater is strongly acidic to neutral, with pH generally range from 3.5 to 7.0 pH units and mean 5.9 (±0.5). Approximately 89 % of boreholes had pH values outside the World Heath Organization (WHO, Guidelines for drinking water quality, 2004) guideline value for drinking water due principally to natural biogeochemical processes and therefore, not suitable for potable purposes. Electrical conductivity (EC) range from 57.6 to 1,201 μS/cm with mean 279.3 (±198.8) μS/cm. Total dissolved solids (TDS) range from 32 to 661 mg/L with mean 151.7 (±106.8) mg/L, with 98.6 % of groundwater as fresh (TDS < 500 mg/L). The chemical constituents generally have low concentrations and are within the WHO (Guidelines for drinking water quality, 2004) guideline value for drinking water. The relative abundance of cations and anions is in the order: Na⁺ > Ca²⁺> Mg²⁺ > K⁺ and HCO₃ ^? > Cl^? > SO₄ ^2?, respectively. A plot of ?¹⁸O ‰ against ²H ‰ showed that, ground and surface waters clustered on or closely along the Global Meteoric Water Line, suggesting that, the waters emanated principally from meteoric source with evaporation playing an insignificant role on the infiltrating water.     

Evaluating groundwater suitability for the domestic,irrigation, and industrial purposes in Nanded Tehsil,Maharashtra, India,using GIS and statistics

Hydrogeochemical characteristics of groundwater and its suitability for domestic, irrigation, and industrial purposes were evaluated in Nanded Tehsil. A total of 50 representative groundwater samples were collected from dug/bore wells during post monsoon season 2012 and analyzed for major cations and anions. The order of dominance of cation and anions were Na > Ca > Mg > K and HCO₃ > Cl > CO₃ > SO₄ > NO₃, respectively. The rock weathering and evaporation processes are dominant in controlling the groundwater quality in the study area. Electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solid (TDS) show high positive correlation with total Hardness (TH), Ca, Na, and Cl. As per the WHO and BIS standards for domestic water purposes, TDS, TH, Ca, Mg, Na, and Cl exceed the safe limits in 16, 22, 6, 18, 12, and 15 %, respectively; therefore, majority of samples show that the groundwater is suitable for drinking. The spatial distribution maps of physicochemical parameters were prepared in ArcGIS. The suitability of groundwater for agriculture purpose was evaluated from EC, TDS, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), and %Na which ranges from excellent to unsuitable, so majority of the groundwater samples are suitable for irrigation. The U.S. Salinity Laboratory (USSL) diagram shows that most of the groundwater samples are characterized as in high salinity-low sodium hazard type water (C₃-S₁). All the groundwater samples are suitable for industrial use except sample numbers 44 and 48. Thus, most of the groundwater samples from this study confirm the beneficial use of aquifers in the area for domestic, agricultural, and irrigation purposes. However, sample numbers 44 and 48 identify the two aquifers in the study area which are problematic and need particular remedial measures if they are to have beneficial use.     

Assessment of shallow groundwater in Lake Nyos catchment (Cameroon,Central-Africa): implications for hydrogeochemical controls and uses

In 1986, carbon dioxide gas exploded from Lake Nyos and killed about 1,800 people. After that disaster, various administrative and research activities have been conducted to mitigate subsequent disasters. However, none of those endeavors have characterized the groundwater chemistry to identify hydrogeochemical processes that control the water chemistry, and the quality of the water for domestic and agricultural uses that support the lives of un-official resettlers around Lake Nyos. Conventional hydrochemical techniques coupled with statistical and graphical analysis were therefore employed to establish the baseline hydrochemical conditions, assess processes controlling solutes distribution in shallow groundwater in the Lake Nyos catchment and explore its usability. Groundwater samples were analyzed for their physical and chemical properties. The wide ranges of electrical conductivity and total dissolved solid values reveal the heterogeneous distribution of groundwater within the watershed. The relative abundance of major dissolved species was Ca > Mg > Na > K for cations and HCO₃ >>> Cl > SO₄ > NO₃ for anions. Piper diagram classified almost all water samples into mixed CaMg–HCO₃ water type. Major ion geochemistry reveals that, in addition to silicates weathering (water–rock interaction), ion exchange processes regulate the groundwater chemistry. Principal component analysis supports the occurrence of water rock interaction. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the chemistry of groundwater in the study area is controlled by three main factors, and suggests no hydraulic connectivity between deep lake water and groundwater in the catchment. The quality assessment of the groundwater showed that groundwater parameters are within the acceptable limit of the World Health Organization and Nigeria guidelines for drinking and domestic uses, and water found to be good for irrigation.     

Findings on water quality in Upper Mustang (Nepal) from a preliminary geochemical and geological survey

The major ion and trace element chemistry of water samples, including springs, rivers and irrigation ditches, collected during a survey on August 2016 in the Upper Mustang region of the Mustang District of Dhawalagiri Zone (Nepal) has been investigated. The Upper Mustang region, a cold desert, represents a hot-spot for climate change: indeed, violent hailstorms and rainstorms have been recently observed, consequently exposing land to erosion. Results of this study indicate that waters in the region belong to the Ca–HCO₃, Ca–Mg–Cl–SO₄ and Na–K–Cl-types, reflecting different hydrochemical regimes. Uranium is widespread in waters, with concentrations up to 19 µg/L recorded in a potable water supply. Locally, anoxic conditions affect uranium mobility due to the low solubility of U(IV) minerals. Highly toxic thallium was detected in a thermal spring at an elevated concentration (45 µg/L Tl). The association of thallium with high concentrations of iron suggests that these elements are derived from pyrite oxidation. Detectable levels of thallium were also measured in the water of an irrigation ditch. Lithium concentrations ranged from 7 µg/L to 12 mg/L in the thermal water and showed a strong association with chloride ions. Arsenic concentrations up to 4.7 µg/L were measured in tributaries of the Kali Gandaki river. The data provide evidence that solutes in water have originated from an array of input sources, including carbonate dissolution, the dissolution of soluble salts, silicate weathering and localized sulfide oxidation. In particular, chemical weathering of granitic rocks is likely the primary source for metals and metalloids in waters. Since the erosion rate is a factor affecting lithological weathering, high-intensity rainfalls due to climate change are expected to influence the release and fate of potentially harmful elements in the in the Upper Mustang Valley.     

Ion chemistry of groundwater and the possible controls within Lhasa River Basin,SW Tibetan Plateau

In order to study the major ion chemistry and controls of groundwater, 65 groundwater samples were collected and their major ions measured from wells within Lhasa River Basin. Groundwater has the characteristics of slightly alkaline and moderate total dissolved solid (TDS). TDS concentration ranged from 122.0 to 489.9 mg/L with a median value of 271.2 mg/L. Almost all the groundwater samples suited for drinking and irrigation. The major cations of groundwater are Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, accounting for 59.6 and 31.3% of the cations, respectively. Meanwhile, HCO₃^? and SO₄^2? constituted about 56.7 and 36.9% of the anions, respectively, in Lhasa River Basin. The hydrochemical type of groundwater is HCO₃-SO₄-Ca-Mg. The chemical composition of groundwater samples located in the middle of Gibbs model, which indicates that the major chemical process of groundwater is controlled by rock weathering. Carbonate weathering was the dominant hydro-geochemical process controlling the concentration of major ions in groundwater within Lhasa River Basin, but silicate weathering also plays an important role.     

Assessment of groundwater quality for irrigation purposes and identification of hydrogeochemical evolution mechanisms in Pengyang County, China

Groundwater is an important water source for agricultural irrigation in Penyang County. Some traditional methods such as irrigation coefficient, sodium adsorption ratio, total alkalinity, total salinity and total dissolved solids were employed to assess groundwater quality in this area. In addition, an improved technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution model was applied for comprehensive assessment. The origin of major ions and groundwater hydrogeochemical evolution was also discussed. Groundwater in Penyang County contains relative concentrations of dominant constituents in the following order: Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ for cations and HCO₃ ^? > SO₄ ^2? > Cl^? > CO₃ ^2? for anions. Groundwater quality is largely excellent and/or good, suggesting general suitability for agricultural use. Calcite and dolomite are found saturated in groundwater and thus tend to precipitate out, while halite, fluorite and gypsum are unsaturated and will dissolve into groundwater during flow. Groundwater in the study area is weathering-dominated, and mineral weathering (carbonate and silicate minerals) and ion exchange are the most important factors controlling groundwater chemistry.     

Spatial assessment of groundwater quality in the Jangseong region,South Korea

A total of 129 groundwater samples were collected in the Jangseong region of South Korea to characterize and evaluate groundwater quality and its suitability for irrigation and domestic uses. Samples were chemically analyzed for major ions, pH, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids following standard methods. The AquaChem 2014.2 model linked with PHREEQC was used for the statistical analysis and characterization of the hydrochemistry of the groundwater. The analysis showed that in all samples Ca–HCO₃ was the leading water type and that the abundance of major cations was in the order Ca > Na > Mg > K, and of anions in the order HCO₃ > Cl > SO₄ > F. According to the correlation analysis, Ca showed strong interdependence with HCO₃, suggesting that these parameters may have originated from common sources. Saturation index calculations indicated that all samples were undersaturated with respect to aragonite, calcite, dolomite, fluorite, gypsum, halite, and siderite, and oversaturated with respect to goethite and hematite. The irrigation suitability analysis revealed that groundwater in the Jangseong area can be used for irrigation without any restrictions based on EC, sodium adsorption ratio, percent sodium, residual sodium carbonate, Kelley ratio, permeability index, and the US Salinity Laboratory diagram analysis. The drinking water suitability analysis made for major parameters by comparison with the WHO guidelines indicates that the groundwater in the area is suitable for drinking except in some samples with high nitrate–N concentrations. The elevated nitrate concentrations in the groundwater are likely an indicator of agricultural pollution.     

Assessment of water quality for drinking and irrigation purposes: a case study of Başköy springs (Ağlasun/Burdur/Turkey)

It is important to know the quality of water resources for drinking, domestic and irrigation in the rural area. Because, in recent times, there has been increased demand for water due to population growth and intense agricultural activities, so, hydrogeochemical investigations come into prominence for the groundwater use. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate water quality of Ba?köy springs for both drinking and irrigation purposes. The geochemical processes and quality of springs were followed as seasonal in the study area. In view of geochemical classification, springs are Ca-Mg-HCO₃ water type for both seasons. Comparison of geochemical data shows that majority of the spring samples are suitable for drinking water. On the other hand, chemical indexes of springs with various classifications were calculated for irrigation purposes. According to the classifications (electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, salinity hazard, percent sodium, sodium adsorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, residual sodium bicarbonate, permeability index, potential salinity, soluble sodium percentage, magnesium ratio, and Kelly’s ratio), Ba?köy springs are suitable for irrigation purposes. However, water quality of Çaygözü spring is different the other springs due to the high electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids. Also, groundwater mineralization processes and rock–water interaction are controlled with bivariate diagrams of major elements.     

Hydrochemical characteristics of surface and groundwater and suitability for drinking and agricultural use in the Upper Tigris River Basin,Diyarbakır–Batman,Turkey

Investigations were undertaken into the quality of surface water and groundwater bodies within the Upper Tigris Basin in Turkey to determine their suitability for potable and agricultural use. In the study area, the majority of the groundwater and surface water samples belong to the calcium–magnesium–bicarbonate type (Ca–Mg–HCO₃) or magnesium–calcium–bicarbonate type (Mg–Ca–HCO₃). Chemical analysis of all water samples shows that the mean cation concentrations (in mg/L) were in the order Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ and that of anions are in the order \( \text{HCO}_{3}^{ - } \) > \( \text{SO}_{4}^{2 - } \) > Cl^? > \( \text{CO}_{3}^{ - } \) for all groundwater and surface water samples. The Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ ratio ranges from 0.21 to 1.30 with most of the values greater than 0.5, indicating that weathering of dolomites is dominant in groundwater. The analysis reveals that all of the samples are neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 7.0–8.7). Groundwater and surface water suitability for drinking usage was evaluated according to the World Health Organization and Turkish Standards (TSE-266) and suggests that most of the samples are suitable for drinking. Various determinants such as sodium absorption ratio, percent sodium (Na %), residual sodium carbonate and soluble sodium percentage revealed that most of the samples are suitable for irrigation. According to MH values, all of the well water samples were suitable for irrigation purposes, but 80 and 81.82% of Zillek springs and surface water samples were unsuitable. As per the PI values, the water samples from the study area are classified as Class I and Class II and are considered to be suitable for irrigation.     

Suitability assessment of deep groundwater for drinking and irrigation use in the Djeffara aquifers (Northern Gabes,south-eastern Tunisia)

The multilayered Djeffara aquifer system, south-eastern Tunisia, has been intensively used as a primary source to meet the growing needs of the various sectors (drinking, agricultural and industrial purposes). The analysis of groundwater chemical characteristics provides much important information useful in water resources management. Detailed knowledge of the geochemical evolution of groundwater and assessing the water quality status for special use are the main objective of any water monitoring study. An attempt has been made for the first time in this region to characterize aquifer behavior and appreciate the quality and/or the suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes. In order to attend this objective, a total of 54 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed during January 2008 for the major cations (sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium), anions (chloride, sulfate, bicarbonate), trace elements (boron, strontium and fluoride), and physicochemical parameters (temperature, pH, total dissolved salts and electrical conductivity). The evolution of chemical composition of groundwater from recharge areas to discharge areas is characterized by increasing sodium, chloride and sulfate contents as a result of leaching of evaporite rock. In this study, three distinct chemical trends in groundwater were identified. The major reactions responsible for the chemical evolution of groundwater in the investigated area fall into three categories: (1) calcite precipitation, (2) gypsum and halite dissolution, and (3) ion exchange. Based on the physicochemical analyses, irrigation quality parameters such as sodium absorption ratio (SAR), percentage of sodium, residual sodium carbonate, residual sodium bicarbonate, and permeability index (PI) were calculated. In addition, groundwater quality maps were elabortaed using the geographic information system to delineate spatial variation in physico-chemical characteristics of the groundwater samples. The integration of various dataset indicates that the groundwater of the Djeffara aquifers of the northern Gabes is generally very hard, brackish and high to very high saline and alkaline in nature. The water suitability for drinking and irrigation purposes was evaluated by comparing the values of different water quality parameters with World Health Organization (WHO) guideline values for drinking water. Piper trilinear diagram was constructed to identify groundwater groups where the relative major anionic and cationic concentrations are expressed in percentage of the milliequivalent per liter (meq/l), and it was demonstrated that the majority of the samples belongs to SO₄–Cl–Ca–Na, Cl–SO₄–Na–Ca and Na–Cl hydrochemical facies. As a whole, all the analyzed waters from this groundwater have revealed that this water is unsuitable for drinking purposes when comparing to the drinking water standards. Salinity, high electric conductivity, sodium adsorption ratio and sodium percentages indicate that most of the groundwater samples are inappropriate for irrigation. The SAR vary from medium (S2) to very high (S4) sodicity. Therefore, the water of the Djeffara aquifers of the northern Gabes is dominantly of the C4–S2 class representing 61.23 % of the total wells followed by C4–S3 and C4–S4 classes at 27.27 and 11.5 % of the wells, respectively. Based on the US Salinity Classification, most of the groundwater is unsuitable for irrigation due to its high salt content, unless certain measures for salinity control are undertaken.     

Hydrochemical and bacteriological analyses of groundwater and its suitability for drinking and agricultural uses at Manfalut District,Assuit, Egypt

The present work focuses on the evaluation of the groundwater quality by chemical and bacteriological analyses to ensure its suitability for drinking and irrigation. Twenty groundwater samples were collected and analyzed from Manfalut district, Assiut, Egypt. Several water quality parameters were determined; the results show higher concentration of total dissolved solids (50 %), electrical conductivity (55 %), chloride (20 %), total hardness (20 %), and bicarbonate (55 %). This indicates signs of deterioration regarding drinking and domestic uses. Salinity hazard, sodium absorption ratio, sodium (Na) percentage, and residual Na carbonate were used to evaluate groundwater quality for irrigation. The values of electrical conductivity and SAR of groundwater samples were estimated illustrating that the most dominant classes are C2S1 (45 %; medium-salinity-low SAR), C3S1 (50 %; high-salinity-low SAR), and C4S1 (5 %; very high-salinity-low SAR). Bacteriological analysis was also conducted for 20 groundwater wells from December 2011 to May 2012. Seven samples (35 %) are contaminated by bacteria (total and fecal coliforms); these wells are not suitable for drinking. The analysis exhibits that bacterial contamination was the maximum in wells located at the center of the study area; this may be due to using the residential septic tanks. It was also discovered that the quality of groundwater is suitable for irrigation in the target aquifer except in a few locations. As for drinking, about 55 % of the samples are not suitable. However, the groundwater wells which are located in the center of the study area are suitable for drinking according to the hydochemical analysis. It was found that some of these wells are not suitable based on bacteriological analysis.     

Hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater and surface water for domestic and irrigation purposes in Vea catchment,Northern Ghana

The Vea catchment, mainly underlain by crystalline basement rocks, is located in Northern Ghana. Hydrogeochemical studies were carried out in this area with the objective of identifying the geochemical processes influencing water quality and suitability of surface and groundwater for agricultural and domestic uses. Sixty-one groundwater and four surface water samples were collected from boreholes, dams and rivers and analysed for Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃ ^?, Cl^?, and SO₄ ^2?, Fe_tot, PO₄ ^3?, Mn_tot, NH₄ ⁺, NO₃ ^?, NO₂ ^?. In addition, pH, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, total hardness, turbidity, colour, salinity and dissolved oxygen were analysed. Chloro-alkaline indices 1 and 2, and characterization of weathering processes suggest that the chemistry of groundwater is dominated by the interaction between water and rocks. Cation exchange and silicate weathering are the dominant processes controlling the chemical composition of the groundwater in the area studied. Mineral saturation indices indicate the presence of at least three groups of groundwater in the Vea catchment with respect to residence time. The meteoric genesis index suggests that 86% of the water samples belong to the shallow meteoric water percolation type. The findings further suggest that the groundwater and surface water in the basin studied are mainly Ca–Mg–HCO₃ water type, regardless of the geology. Compared to the water quality guidelines of WHO, the study results on sodium absorption ratio, sodium percentage, magnesium hazard, permeability index and residual sodium carbonate indicate that groundwater and surface water in the Vea catchment are generally suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes.