Groundwater vulnerability assessment for the western aquifer basin located in the west bank
Dissertant
Thesis advisor
Comitee Members
University
Birzeit University
Faculty
Institute of Environmental and Water Studies
University Country
Palestine (West Bank)
Degree
Master
Degree Date
2007
English Abstract
The majority of groundwater quality deterioration caused by human beings.
Among the reasons that cause such phenomenon's are: increased urbanization, shortage of wastewater systems, lack of solid waste facilities, industry, and agriculture.
The in- hand study will identify the most vulnerable resources of water, in western aquifer basin portion of the West Bank, to pollution caused by human beings activities.
The study is based on Geographic Information System (GIS) technique and displaying groundwater vulnerability as a map.
Vulnerability map is useful for groundwater protection as well as for decision making regarding future investment related to aquifer protection measurements.
Two methods are applied: the DRASTIC method and PI method.
The "DRASTIC" methodology principle depends on seven hydrogeologic factors: Depth to water, net recharge, aquifer media, soil media, topography, impact of the vadose zone media, and hydraulic conductive.
"Extreme" vulnerability is assigned in Ramallah and Jerusalem since there are many springs located near the surface in those two areas.
"High" vulnerability is assigned to rocks, which make up the regionally Turning / upper cretaceous, and upper cretaceous like in some parts of Jenin, west side of Tulkarem, Qalqilia, Salfit, Bethlehem and Hebron.
"Moderate" vulnerability is assigned to upper cretaceous like in east side of Tulkarem and parts of Bethlehem.
These deposits are not typically used for drinking water purposes but are important sources of water for agriculture.
However, "low" vulnerability is assigned in parts of Hebron district. The PI method (alongside with DRASTIC method) is applied only in Qalqilia governorate.
The PI-method takes into account two main factors: the Protective Cover (P-factor) and the Infiltration conditions (I-factor).
The P-factor considers: soil field capacity, subsoil type, lithology type and fracturing, aquifer type and recharge condition.
On the other hand, the I-factor considers the infiltration conditions and accordingly the flow concentration of the surface water.
In this approach the protective effectiveness of the rock cover above the aquifer is determined by the point-counting system.
Depending on the findings of applying PI method in Qalqilia Governorate, "extreme" vulnerability assess around sinking streams, "high" vulnerability is located in the middle and in the majority of eastern part of the governorate, "moderate" vulnerability is assigned in the areas of brown rendzians and pale renzians top soil, and the low vulnerability is assigned in the western part. Comparing the findings of the two applied methods in Qalqilia, reported that PI method is more accurate as it takes into account the land use while the DRASTIC method does not.
In addition to that, the PI method is more suitable for karst features than DRASTIC method taking into consideration that most of the West Bank is karst.
Concerning the potential groundwater pollution sources in the West Bank, they are numerous that are divided into four categories: wastewater, solid waste, industrial and hazardous waste, and agriculture. Following identifying the vulnerability map for the western basin portion of the West Bank, water resources (wells and springs) and water pollution sources (sewage wad is, olive mills, dumping sites, quarries, gas stations, and cesspits) were endorsed in the same map. In a region (such as the study area) with limited available water resources, logistical obstacles, weak economy, political uncertainty, water protection will be placed as a top priority and therefore, pollution prevention measurements should be considered part of good aquifer management policy.
Main Subjects
Earth Sciences, Water and Environment
Topics
No. of Pages
145
Table of Contents
Table of contents.
Abstract.
Chapter one : Introduction.
Chapter two : Background of the study area.
Chapter three : Methodology.
Chapter four : Vulnerability assessment using the DRASTIC method.
Chapter five : Aquifer vulnerability assessment In Qalqilia Governorate using PI method.
Chapter six : Potential groundwater pollutio.
Chapter seven : Conclusions and recommendations.
References.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Nazzal, Shirin Musa& al-Masri, Muhammad. (2007). Groundwater vulnerability assessment for the western aquifer basin located in the west bank. (Master's theses Theses and Dissertations Master). Birzeit University, Palestine (West Bank)
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-302754
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Nazzal, Shirin Musa& al-Masri, Muhammad. Groundwater vulnerability assessment for the western aquifer basin located in the west bank. (Master's theses Theses and Dissertations Master). Birzeit University. (2007).
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-302754
American Medical Association (AMA)
Nazzal, Shirin Musa& al-Masri, Muhammad. (2007). Groundwater vulnerability assessment for the western aquifer basin located in the west bank. (Master's theses Theses and Dissertations Master). Birzeit University, Palestine (West Bank)
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-302754
Language
English
Data Type
Arab Theses
Record ID
BIM-302754
