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Recharge rate estimation in the Mountain karst aquifer system of Figeh spring, Syria

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Abstract

Figeh watershed spring is one of the important groundwater aquifer, which is considered a major source for drinking waters of Damascus city and countryside. The origin identification and recharge estimates of groundwater are significant components of sustainable groundwater development in this Mountain karst aquifer of Figeh spring. During the period 2001–2009, monthly groundwater and precipitation samples were taken and the isotopic compositions of δ18O, δ2H, and chloride contents were analyzed to identify groundwater origins and to estimate recharge rates. The δ18O, δ2H of the groundwater show that the groundwater recharge is of meteoric origin. The chloride mass balance (CMB) method was used to quantify recharge rates of groundwater in the Mountain karst aquifer of Figeh spring. The recharge rate varies from 192 to 826 mm/year, which corresponds to 43 and 67% of the total annual rainfall. Recharge rates estimated by CMB were compared with values obtained from other methods and were found to be in good agreement. This study can be used to develop effective programs for groundwater management and development.

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Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Prof. I. Othman, Director General of AECS for use of their facilities during this study. I am also grateful to W.R. Agha and S. Rammah for their helpful comments and useful discussion. The author thanks the staff of the laboratories at the AECS for their cooperation in performing the isotopic and chemical analyses.

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  1. Department of Geology, Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box 609, Damascus, Syria

    A. Al-Charideh

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  1. A. Al-Charideh
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Correspondence to A. Al-Charideh.

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Al-Charideh, A. Recharge rate estimation in the Mountain karst aquifer system of Figeh spring, Syria. Environ Earth Sci 65, 1169–1178 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-011-1365-5

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