Hydrochemistry of shallow groundwater in western Karbala city central part of Iraq

Abstract EN

This research deals with the hydrochemistry of groundwater in western part of Karbala city, which is located in the Mesopotamian plain, 100 Km southwest of Baghdad.

The geological formations outcrop in Karbala city are, Injana, Dibdibba and Quaternary sediments.

The climate is characterized as being continental, dry, and relatively hot in summer, cold and little rain in winter.

The movement of groundwater is toward the center of the city in two directions.

Water samples were analyzed to determine the major anions and cations, in addition to the heavy metals measurements that prove the contamination of groundwater by Al and Zn.

The type of water in this area was believed to be of chloride and sulphatic and the water classification according to TDS quantity is brackish water.

The groundwater is not suitable for any uses except some limited use in agriculture and live stocks.