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Study on factors affecting the groundwater and springs quality downstream of Seymareh Dam—Iran

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Abstract

Seymareh Dam on Seymareh River is one of the highest concrete dams in Iran. The dam reservoir lies on Quaternary deposits, Gachsaran and Asmari formations. About 60 springs were identified downstream of the dam before impounding the reservoir. The springs increased up to more than 200 in number following impounding the reservoir up to elevation (El.) 704.5 m above sea level (masl). Before impounding the reservoir, total discharge of springs was about 2m3/sec., and after impounding up to El. 704.5 masl, it raised up to 8–10 m3/sec. The variation in reservoir level directly affects the water quality of some springs. Geological and engineering geological conditions of the dam site along with the physico-chemical analysis of the water samples including measurement of common anions and cations, electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) were evaluated during this study. Review of physico-chemical analysis showed that the most changes are related to the increase in Cl−, Na+ and Ca++ ions after reservoir impounding up to El. 704.5 masl. Different assumptions were introduced to determine the causes for groundwater quality changes. After evaluating these assumptions, the combination of factors such as mixing seepage water with saline water in the deep part of the calcareous aquifer having the source of formational dissolution and oil brine was identified as factors decreasing the groundwater quality of the downstream springs.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Mahab Ghodss Consulting Engineering Co. (the project Consultant) and IWPCO (the project Client) as supporters of this research and all other parties involved.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Structural and Engineering Geology, School of Geology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    A. Cheshomi & Kh. Solgi

  2. Professor Emeritus/President of the Serbian IAH Chapter, Belgrade, Serbia

    P. Milanovic

  3. School of civil engineering, Iran university of science and technology, Tehran, Iran

    A. Saeedi Azizkandi

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  1. A. Cheshomi
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  2. Kh. Solgi
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  3. P. Milanovic
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  4. A. Saeedi Azizkandi
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Correspondence to A. Cheshomi.

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Cheshomi, A., Solgi, K., Milanovic, P. et al. Study on factors affecting the groundwater and springs quality downstream of Seymareh Dam—Iran. Bull Eng Geol Environ 81, 444 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-022-02877-8

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