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Evaluating Hydrogeochemical Processes Regulating Groundwater Quality in an Unconfined Aquifer

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Abstract

Hydrogeochemistry of groundwater was investigated to understand groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purposes in an unconfined aquifer located in Jangal plain, NE Iran. Groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for determining physicochemical parameters (TDS, EC and pH) and concentration of major ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2 +, Cl−, HCO3  −, SO 2 −4 and CO 2 −3 ). Water quality assessment parameters including SAR, Na%, RSC, TH and SI were also calculated. TDS, EC, Na+, K+, Cl− and SO 2 −4 levels in all samples were greater than the maximum permissible limit, while pH, Ca2 +, Mg2 + and HCO −3 levels in most samples were within the standard range. Based on the Piper diagram, most groundwater samples were classified into Na-Cl as dominant water type. The saline water intrusion, evapotranspiration, ion exchange reactions and dissolution of carbonate minerals were found as the main processes controlling the chemistry of groundwater. According to the calculated parameters and the Wilcox and USSL diagrams, high salinity and alkalinity of the groundwater resources pose a major problem for irrigation use. It is obvious that the groundwater unsuitability threatens sustainable crop production and soil quality. Hence, urgent management of groundwater resources is suggested to avoid harmful effects on inhabitants.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Mashhad Regional Water experts for making this research possible.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, Iranian Central Oil Fields Company (ICOFC), No. 22, Esfandiar Street, Niayesh Junction, Vali-Asr Avenue, P.O. Box 1968656171, Tehran, Iran

    Mohammad Javad Nematollahi

  2. Supervision on Petroleum Export and Domestic Transactions (SPEDT), Ministry of Petroleum, Kharg Island, Iran

    Pooria Ebrahimi

  3. Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran

    Mohammad Ebrahimi

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  1. Mohammad Javad Nematollahi
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  2. Pooria Ebrahimi
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  3. Mohammad Ebrahimi
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Correspondence to Mohammad Javad Nematollahi.

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Nematollahi, M.J., Ebrahimi, P. & Ebrahimi, M. Evaluating Hydrogeochemical Processes Regulating Groundwater Quality in an Unconfined Aquifer. Environ. Process. 3, 1021–1043 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40710-016-0192-9

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