Application of hydrochemistry and strontium isotope for understanding the hydrochemical characteristics and genesis of strontium-rich groundwater in karst area,Gongcheng County,Southwest China

Understanding the hydrochemical characteristics and genesis mechanisms of strontium-rich groundwater is pivotal for supporting the exploitation and utilization of natural strontium-rich groundwater.In this research,27 groundwater samples were collected.By analyzing major ion chemistry and strontium isotope data,and considering the hydrogeological context,various analytical approaches,including multivariate statistics,ion ratios,and isotopes,were used to reveal the characteristics and genesis mechanisms of strontium-rich groundwater in the study area.The findings indicate that the predominant hydrochemical type of groundwater is HCO_(3)-Ca,with Ca^(2+)and HCO_(3)^(-)as the primary cations and anions.The hydrochemistry of the strontium-rich groundwater is predominantly influenced by rock weathering processes.A combination of factors,including ion exchange,and anthropogenic activities,shapes the compositional characteristics of the groundwater in the region.The dissolution of calcite due to weathering emerges as the principal source of strontium in the groundwater.While ion exchange processes are not conducive to strontium enrichment in groundwater,their effect is relatively limited.The impact of human activities on the groundwater is minor.

Groundwater recharge via precipitation in the Badain Jaran Desert,China

Precipitation infiltration serves as a significant source of groundwater in the Badain Jaran Desert.To investigate variations in precipitation infiltration within the desert,this study collected data on moisture content and temperature from the vadose zone through in-situ field monitoring.Utilizing these data,a numerical model is employed to explore the mechanism of groundwater recharge via precipitation.The results are as follows:(1)Moisture content and temperature in the shallow vadose zone exhibit significant seasonal variations,with moisture content diminishing with increasing depth;(2)Groundwater recharge via precipitation infiltration initially increases and then decreases with groundwater level depth(GWD).Peak groundwater recharge via precipitation occurs at a GWD of 0.75 m,decreasing to merely 0.012 cm at GWDs exceeding 2 m;(3)Groundwater is no longer susceptible to phreatic water evaporation when the GWD reaches approximately 3.7 m.Therefore,GWD plays a crucial role in governing groundwater recharge via precipitation in the Badain Jaran Desert.

Use of Groundwater, Baseflow and SPEI to Evaluate Water Resources in Michigan, USA

Precipitation and evaporation are commonly used to assess and forecast droughts. However, surface and groundwater respond to both land surface processes, land use, and climatic variables, and should be integrated into water management decisions. Water trend analysis near the Great Lakes is limited due to fluctuating cycles and data scarcity. In this study, we examine daily discharge data from 46 surface water gauges with high baseflow contributions and groundwater elevation from 28 observation wells in Michigan. Using established hydrograph separation techniques, we determined baseflow and standardized both annual average baseflow levels (SDBF) and groundwater levels (SDGW) from 1960 to 2022. These results are compared to the widely used Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). SPEI is a widely used drought indicator that integrates both precipitation and potential evapotranspiration, offering a more comprehensive measure of water balance. While the SPEI suggests that Michigan is becoming wetter, the SDBF shows a mix of both wet and dry conditions. Interpreting SDGW is more challenging due to incomplete records, but it indicates varying groundwater stability across the state. In some areas, SDGW mirrors the trends seen in SDBF, while in others, it takes 3 to 4 years for groundwater levels to reflect the same changes observed in baseflow. Overall, SDBF provides a better understanding of surface processes and responses to changing climatic variables.

Groundwater Modelling of Motloutse Alluvial Aquifer, Eastern Botswana

The potential groundwater reserve in alluvial aquifers and sandy river beds has not been well studied, and yet their benefit in meeting rural water supply demands cannot be underestimated. A three-dimensional steady-state finite difference numerical groundwater flow model was used to assess the groundwater resource potential on a one-kilometre river stretch scale along the Motloutse River catchment in eastern Botswana. The model area is a single-layer unconfined aquifer system. A uniform grid was laid over this phreatic aquifer, and an overall size of 50 columns x 54 rows was developed. The model yielded calibrated K values of 145 m/day and 11 m/day for the riverbed and riverbank sediments, respectively, and calibrated recharge and evaporation of 172 mm/yr and 120 mm/yr, respectively. A sustainable groundwater yield of 120 m3/day with the potential to irrigate an area of 2.4 hectares was determined. The result also shows that the Motloutse alluvial aquifer yields a safe yield of 29,400 m3 for a kilometre of river stretch.

Evaluation and Prediction of Groundwater Quality in the Municipality of Za-Kpota (South Benin) Using Machine Learning and Remote Sensing

Accessing drinking water is a global issue. This study aims to contribute to the assessment of groundwater quality in the municipality of Za-Kpota (southern Benin) using remote sensing and Machine Learning. The methodological approach used consisted in linking groundwater physico-chemical parameter data collected in the field and in the laboratory using AFNOR 1994 standardized methods to satellite data (Landsat) in order to sketch out a groundwater quality prediction model. The data was processed using QGis (Semi-Automatic Plugin: SCP) and Python (Jupyter Netebook: Prediction) softwares. The results of water analysis from the sampled wells and boreholes indicated that most of the water is acidic (pH varying between 5.59 and 7.83). The water was moderately mineralized, with conductivity values of less than 1500 μs/cm overall (59 µS/cm to 1344 µS/cm), with high concentrations of nitrates and phosphates in places. The dynamics of groundwater quality in the municipality of Za-Kpota between 2008 and 2022 are also marked by a regression in land use units (a regression in vegetation and marshland formation in favor of built-up areas, bare soil, crops and fallow land) revealed by the diachronic analysis of satellite images from 2008, 2013, 2018 and 2022. Surveys of local residents revealed the use of herbicides and pesticides in agricultural fields, which are the main drivers contributing to the groundwater quality deterioration observed in the study area. Field surveys revealed the use of herbicides and pesticides in agricultural fields, which are factors contributing to the deterioration in groundwater quality observed in the study area. The results of the groundwater quality prediction models (ANN, RF and LR) developed led to the conclusion that the model based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANN: R2 = 0.97 and RMSE = 0) is the best for groundwater quality changes modelling in the Za-Kpota municipality.

Investigation of Groundwater Quality with Borehole Depth in the Basin Granitoids of the Ashanti Region of Ghana

The dependence of groundwater quality on borehole depth is usually debatable in groundwater studies, especially in complex geological formations where aquifer characteristics vary spatially with depth. This study therefore seeks to investigate the relationship between borehole depth and groundwater quality across the granitoid aquifers within the Birimian Supergroup in the Ashanti Region. Physicochemical analysis records of groundwater quality data were collected from 23 boreholes of public and private institutions in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, and the parametric values of iron, fluoride, total hardness, pH, nitrate, and nitrite were used to study the groundwater quality-depth relationship. The results showed that the depth-to-groundwater quality indicated a marginal increase in water quality in the range of 30 to 50 m, which is mathematically represented by the low-value correlation coefficient (r2 = 0.026). A relatively significant increase occurs in the depth range of 50 to 80 m, which is given by a correlation coefficient of r2 = 0.298. The mean percent parameter compatibility was 74%, 82%, 89%, and 97% at 50, 60, 70, and 80 m depths, respectively. The variations in groundwater quality per depth ratio ranged from 1.48, 1.37, 1.27, and 1.21 for 50, 60, 70, and 80 m depth, respectively. The recommended minimum borehole depth for excellent groundwater quality is suggested with a compatibility per meter depth ratio of 1.37. This results in a range between 50 and 70 m as the most desirable drilling depth for excellent groundwater quality within the granitoids of the Birimian Supergroup of the Ashanti Region in Ghana.

Integrated Geological and Geophysical Mapping for Groundwater Potential Studies at Ekwegbe-Agu and Environs, Enugu State, Nigeria

The study integrates both the geological and geophysical mapping techniques for groundwater potential studies at Ekwegbe-Agu and the environs, Enugu state, Nigeria for optimal citing of borehole. Located in the Anambra Basin between latitudes 6˚43'N and 6˚47'N and longitudes 7˚28'E and 7˚32'E, it is stratigraphycally underlain by, from bottom to top, the Enugu/Nkporo, Mamu and Ajali Formation respectively, a complex geology that make citing of productive borehole in the area problematic leading to borehole failure and dry holes due to inadequate sampling. The study adopted a field and analytic sampling approach, integrating field geological, electrical resistivity and self-potential methods. The software, SedLog v3.1, InterpexIx1Dv.3, and Surfer v10 were employed for the data integration and interpretation. The result of the geological field and borehole data shows 11 sedimentary facies consisting of sandstone, shales and heterolith of sandstone/shale, with the aquifer zone mostly prevalent in the more porous sand-dominated horizons. Mostly the AK and HK were the dominant curve types. An average of 6 geo-electric layers were delineated across all transects with resistivity values ranging from 25.42 - 105.85 Ωm, 186.38 - 3383.3 Ωm, and 2992 - 6286.4 Ωm in the Enugu, Mamu and Ajali Formations respectively. The resistivity of the main aquifer layer ranges from 1 to 500 Ωm. The aquifer thickness within the study area varies between 95 and 140 m. The western and northwestern part of the study area which is underlain mainly by the Ajali Formation showed the highest groundwater potential in the area and suitable for citing productive boreholes.

Isotope Tracking of Surface Water Groundwater Interaction in the Beninese Part of the Iullemeden Aquifer System

The Kandi basin is located in northeast Benin (West Africa). This study is focused on the estimation of water fluxes exchanged between the river Niger (and its tributaries) and the transboundary Iullemeden Aquifer System. In that framework, an innovative approach based on the application of the Bayesian Mixing Model (MixSIAR) analysis on water isotopes (oxygen-18, deuterium and tritium) was performed. Moreover, to assess the relevance of the model outputs, Pearson’s correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) have been done. A complex relationship between surface water and groundwater has been found. Sixty percent (60%) of groundwater samples are made of more than 70% river water and rainwater;while 31.25% of surface water samples are made of about 84% groundwater. To safeguard sustainable water resources for the well-being of the local communities, surface water and groundwater must be managed as a unique component in the Kandi basin.

Geogenic Pollution of Groundwater Quality in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka: A Case Study of Groundwater Acidification from Rathupaswala

Over recent decades, Gampaha district, Sri Lanka, has experienced significant urbanisation and industrial growth, increasing groundwater demand due to limited and polluted surface water resources. In 2013, a community uprising in Rathupaswala, a village in Gampaha district, accused a latex glove manufacturing factory of causing groundwater acidity (pH < 4). This study evaluates the spatial and temporal changes in geochemical parameters across three transects in the southern part of Gampaha district to 1) assess the impact of geological formations on groundwater;2) compare temporal variations in groundwater;and 3) explain acidification via a geochemical model. Seventy-two sample locations were tested for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and anion concentrations (sulphate, nitrate, chloride and fluoride). Depth to the water table and distance from the sea were measured to study variations across sandy, peaty, lateritic, and crystalline aquifers. Results showed pH readings around 7 for sandy and crystalline aquifers, below 7 for peaty aquifers, and below 5 for lateritic aquifers, with significant water table fluctuations near Rathupaswala area. Principal component analysis revealed three principal components (PCs) explaining 86.0% of the variance. PC1 (40.6%) correlated with pH, EC, and sulphate (saltwater intrusion), while PC2 (32.0%) correlated with nitrates and depth to the water table (anthropogenic nutrient pollution). A geochemical transport model indicated a cone of depression recharged by acidic groundwater from peat-soil aquifers, leading to acidic groundwater in Rathupaswala area. Previous attributions of acidic pH to the over-exploitation of groundwater by the latex factory have been reevaluated;the results suggest natural acidification from prolonged water-rock interactions with iron-rich lateritic aquifers. Groundwater pH is influenced by local climate, geology, topography, and drainage systems. It is recommended that similar water-rock interaction conditions may be present throughout the wet zone of Sri Lanka, warranting detailed studies to confirm this hypothesis.

Evaluating the characteristics of geological structures in karst groundwater inflow, Nowsud Tunnel

Highly permeable geological structures such as dissolution channels, open fractures, and faults create environmental challenges regard to hydrological and hydrogeological aspects of underground construction, often causing significant groundwater inflow during drilling due to the limitations of empirical and analytical methods. This study aims to identify the geological factors influencing water flow into the tunnel. High-flow zones' geological features have been identified and examined for this purpose. According to the geological complexity of the Nowsud tunnel, presence of different formations with different permeability and karstification have led to a high volume of underground inflow water (up to 4700 L/s) to the tunnel. The Nowsud tunnel faces significant geological and hydrogeological challenges due to its passage through the Ilam formation's LI2 unit, characterized by dissolution channels, faults, and fractures. The highest inflow rate (4700 L/s) occurred in the Hz-9 zone within the Zimkan anticline. The relationship between geological features and groundwater inflow indicates that anticlines are more susceptible to inflow than synclines. Additionally, different types of faults exhibit varying hydraulic effects, with strike-slip faults having the most significant impact on groundwater inflow, thrust faults conducting less water into the tunnel, and inflow through normal faults being negligible compared to the other two types of faults. The novelty of this paper lies in its detailed analysis of geological features influencing groundwater inflow into the Nowsud tunnel, providing empirical data on high-flow zones and differentiating the hydraulic effects of various fault types, which enhances the understanding and prediction of groundwater inflow in underground constructions.

Groundwater and environmental challenges in Asia

Asia stands out as the most populous and geographically diverse region globally.The pressing issues of water resource development and the resulting ecological impacts are exacerbated by the region's rapid population growth and economic expansion.Groundwater,a vital source of water in Asia,faces significant disparities in distribution and suffers from unsustainable exploitation practices.This study applies groundwater system theory and categorizes Asia into 11 primary groundwater systems and 36 secondary ones,based on intercontinental geological structures,climate,terrain,and hydrogeological characteristics.As of the end of 2010,Asia's assessed groundwater resources totalled 4.677×10^(9) m^(3)/a,with exploitable resources amounting to 3.274×10^(9) m^(3)/a.By considering the geological environmental impacts of groundwater development and the distinctive characteristics of terrain and landforms,six categories of effect zones with varying distribution patterns are identified.The current research on Asia's groundwater resources,environmental dynamics,and human impacts aims to provide a theoretical foundation for sustainable groundwater management and environmental conservation in the region.

Pumping-induced Well Hydraulics and Groundwater Budget in a Leaky Aquifer System with Vertical Heterogeneity in Aquitard Hydraulic Properties

In groundwater hydrology,aquitard heterogeneity is often less considered compared to aquifers,despite its significant impact on groundwater hydraulics and groundwater resources evaluation.A semi-analytical solution is derived for pumping-induced well hydraulics and groundwater budget with consideration of vertical heterogeneity in aquitard hydraulic conductivity(K)and specific storage(S_(s)).The proposed new solution is innovative in its partitioning of the aquitard into multiple homogeneous sub-layers to enable consideration of various forms of vertically heterogeneous K or S_(s).Two scenarios of analytical investigations are explored:one is the presence of aquitard interlayers with distinct K or S_(s) values,a common field-scale occurrence;another is an exponentially depth-decaying aquitard S_(s),a regional-scale phenomenon supported by statistical analysis.Analytical investigations reveal that a low-K interlayer can significantly increase aquifer drawdown and enhance aquifer/aquitard depletion;a high-S_(s) interlayer can noticeably reduce aquifer drawdown and increase aquitard depletion.Locations of low-K or high-S_(s) interlayers also significantly impact well hydraulics and groundwater budget.In the context of an exponentially depth-decaying aquitard S_(s),a larger decay exponent can enhance aquifer drawdown.When using current models with a vertically homogeneous aquitard,half the sum of the geometric and harmonic means of exponentially depth-decaying aquitard S_(s) should be used to calculate aquitard depletion and unconfined aquifer leakage.

Exploring groundwater quality in semi-arid areas of Algeria:Impacts on potable water supply and agricultural sustainability

Groundwater quality assessment is important to assure safe and durable water use.In semi-arid areas of Algeria,groundwater represents the main water resource for drinking water supply of the rural population as well as for irrigation of agricultural lands.Groundwater samples from wells and springs were collected from the Gargaat Tarf and Annk Djemel sub-watersheds of the Oum El Bouaghi,Algeria,and were analyzed and compared with the World Health Organization(WHO)standards.Results showed that most of the measured physical and chemical parameters exceeded the quality limits according to the WHO standards.Groundwater had a slightly alkaline water pH(7.00-7.79),electrical conductivity>1500μS/cm,chloride>500 mg/L,calcium>250 mg/L,and magnesium>155 mg/L.Water quality index(WQI)results showed that 68%of the area had excellent water quality,24%of the samples fell into good category,and only 8%were of poor quality and unsuitable for human consumption.Six wells in the area showed bacterial contamination.Total coliforms(453.9(±180.3)CFU(colony-forming units)/100 mL),fecal coliforms(243.2(±99.2)CFU/100 mL),and fecal streptococci(77.9(±32.0)CFU/100 mL)loads were above the standard limits set by the WHO.These results confirmed that water resources in the study area were strongly influenced by anthropogenic activities and were not recommended for consumption as drinking water.

Research on groundwater ecological environment mapping based on ecological service function:A case study of five Central Asian countries and neighboring regions of China

The groundwater system is a unique ecosystem that serves both resource and ecological functions.Hydrogeologists have conducted extensive theoretical research and practical work on groundwater ecological mapping.This paper,based on the study of groundwater resources and surface ecology in the five Central Asian countries and adjacent areas of China,introduces the concept of ecosystem service functions.It establishes a groundwater ecological zoning index system and conducts research of ecological mapping using the five Central Asian countries and adjacent areas of China as examples.Through this process,the ecosystem service functions of groundwater can be more comprehensively reflected,which can better guide regional geological environment protection and industrial planning.This approach helps coordinate the relationship between socio-economic development and water resource protection,maintain the health of the groundwater ecological environment,enhance the value of groundwater ecological services,and promote the sustainable development of regional economies and societies.

Using neural network modeling to improve the detection accuracy of land subsidence due to groundwater withdrawal

Despite the high efficiency of remote sensing methods for rapid and large-scale detection of subsidence phenomena,this technique has limitations such as atmospheric impact and temporal and spatial decorrelation that affect the accuracy of the results.This paper proposes a method based on an artificial neural network to improve the results of monitoring land subsidence due to groundwater overexploitation by radar interferometry in the Aliabad plain(Central Iran).In this regard,vertical ground deformations were monitored over 18 months using the Sentinel-1A SAR images.To model the land subsidence by a multilayer perceptron(MLP)artificial neural network,four parameters,including groundwater level,alluvial thickness,elastic modulus,and transmissivity have been applied.The model's generalizability was assessed using data derived for 144 days.According to the results,the neural network estimates the land subsidence at each ground point with an accuracy of 6.8 mm.A comparison between the predicted and actual values indicated a significant agreement.The MLP model can be used to improve the results of subsidence detection in the study area or other areas with similar characteristics.

Assessment of Groundwater Physico-Chemical Quality in the Ouémé Delta (Southern-Benin)

Groundwater resources are the main sources of water used to supply drinking water to the population of the Ouémé Delta via the Continental Terminal aquifer. Urbanization, population growth, and agricultural and industrial activities have resulted in a deterioration in the quality of these resources. To assess the quality of the delta’s groundwater and its suitability for human consumption and irrigation, a total of fourteen (14) physico-chemical parameters were analyzed in some forty existing water points between September 2020 and March 2021, using standard water analysis techniques. The values obtained were compared with the potability standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Republic of Benin and were subjected to statistical analysis (principal component analysis (PCA)). In addition, methods for determining the suitability of water for irrigation were used. The results showed that the waters are acidic to slightly neutral and influenced by ambient temperature. In addition, the waters are moderately mineralized, with conductivities (24 - 1205 μS/cm) in line with WHO standards. A comparison of the analytical results of the WHO (2017) and Benin (2001) standards indicates that the majority of the waters studied are of good quality for all the chemical parameters considered. Nevertheless, some samples show levels of nitrates (21%), potassium (14% to 16%), calcium (13%), ammonium (12%), nitrites (8%) and bicarbonates (10%) over their respective standards. The Wilcox and Riverside diagrams indicate that the majority of waters (90%) have excellent suitability for irrigation and no negative effect on soil fertilization.

Assessment of groundwater quantity, quality, and associated health risk of the Tano river basin, Ghana

In the Tano River Basin,groundwater serves as a crucial resource;however,its quantity and quality with regard to trace elements and microbiological loadings remain poorly understood due to the lack of groundwater logs and limited water research.This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the Tano River Basin,focusing on three key objectives.First,it investigated the aquifer hydraulic parameters and the results showed significant spatial variations in borehole depths,yields,transmissivity,hydraulic conductivity,and specific capacity.Deeper boreholes were concentrated in the northeastern and southeastern zones,while geological formations,particu-larly the Apollonian Formation,exhibit a strong influence on borehole yields.The study identified areas with high transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity in the southern and eastern regions,suggesting good groundwater avail-ability and suitability for sustainable water supply.Sec-ondly,the research investigated the groundwater quality and observed that the majority of borehole samples fall within WHO(Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality,Environmental Health Criteria,Geneva,2011,2017.http://www.who.int)limit.However,some samples have pH levels below the standards,although the groundwater generally qualifies as freshwater.The study further explores hydrochemical facies and health risk assessment,highlighting the dominance of Ca–HCO3 water type.Trace element analysis reveals minimal health risks from most elements,with chromium(Cr)as the primary contributor to chronic health risk.Overall,this study has provided a key insights into the Tano River Basin’s hydrogeology and associated health risks.The outcome of this research has contributed to the broader understanding of hydrogeologi-cal dynamics and the importance of managing groundwater resources sustainably in complex geological environments.

Clogging caused by coupled grain migration and compaction effect during groundwater recharge for unconsolidated sandstone reservoir in groundwater-source heat pump

In unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs,presence of numerous movable grains and a complex grain size composition necessitates a clear understanding of the physical clogging process for effective groundwater recharge in groundwater-source heat pump systems.To investigate this,a series of seepage experiments was conducted under in situ stress conditions using unconsolidated sandstone samples with varying grain compositions.The clogging phenomenon arises from the combined effects of grain migration and compaction,wherein the migration of both original and secondary crushed fine-grain particles blocks the seepage channels.Notably,grain composition influences the migration and transport properties of the grains.For samples composed of smaller grains,the apparent permeability demonstrates a transition from stability to decrease.In contrast,samples with larger grains experience a skip at the stability stage and directly enter the decrease stage,with a minor exception of a slight increase observed.Furthermore,a unique failure mode characterized by diameter shrinkage in the upper part of the sample is observed due to the combined effects of grain migration and in situ stress-induced compaction.These testing results contribute to a better understanding of the clogging mechanism caused by the coupled effects of grain migration and compaction during groundwater recharge in unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs used in groundwater-source heat pump systems.

Developing three-dimensional groundwater flow modeling for the Erbil Basin using Groundwater Modeling System (GMS)

This study presents the development of a comprehensive three-dimensional groundwater flow model for the Erbil Basin utilizing the Groundwater Modeling System(GMS).The Erbil Basin,situated in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq,is a vital water resource area facing increasing water demands and environ-mental challenges.The three-dimensional nature of the groundwater flow system is crucial for accurately understanding and managing water resources in the basin.The modeling process involved data collection,geological and hydrogeological characterization,conceptual model development,and numerical simulation using GMS software MODFLOW 2000 package.Various parameters such as hydraulic conductivity,recharge rates,and boundary conditions were integrated into the model to represent the complex hydrogeo-logical conditions of the basin.Model calibration was performed by comparing simulated groundwater levels with observed data from monitoring wells across the basin,using the automatic calibration method of automated Parameter Estimation(PEST).Pilot points were applied to adjust the hydraulic conductivity in the model area spatially.Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the influence of key parameters on model predictions and to identify areas of uncertainty.The developed three-dimensional groundwater flow model provides valuable insights into the dynamics of groundwater flow,recharge-discharge mechanisms,and potential impacts of future scenarios such as climate change and water resource management strategies.It serves as a useful tool for decision-makers,water resource managers,and researchers to evaluate differ-ent management scenarios and formulate sustainable groundwater management policies for the Erbil Basin.In conclusion,this study demonstrates the effectiveness of using GMS for developing three-dimensional groundwater flow models in complex hydrogeological settings like the Erbil Basin,contributing to improved understanding and management of groundwater resources in the region.

Groundwater vulnerability assessment using a GIS-based DRASTIC method in the Erbil Dumpsite area (Kani Qirzhala), Central Erbil Basin, North Iraq

Groundwater vulnerability assessment is a crucial step in the efficient management of groundwater resources,especially in areas with intensive anthropogenic activities and groundwater pollution.In the present study,the DRASTIC method was applied using Geographic Information System(GIS)to delineate groundwater vulnerability zones in the Erbil Dumpsite area,Central Erbil Basin,North Iraq.Results showed that the area was classified into four vulnerability classes:Very low(16.97%),low(27.67%),moderate(36.55%)and high(18.81%).The southern,south-eastern and northern parts of the study area exhibited the highest vulnerability potential,while the central-northern,northern and north-western regions displayed the lowest vulnerability potential.Moreover,results of the single-parameter sensitivity analysis indicated that amongst the seven DRASTIC parameters,the unsaturated zone and the aquifer media were the most influencing parameters.In conclustion,the correlation of 25 nitrate concentration values with the final vulnerability map,assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient,yielded a satisfactory result of R=0.72.