Evaluation of groundwater quality in east of ThiQar Governorate (South Iraq)‎

Abstract EN

Fifty groundwater samples were collected from east of Thi Qar governorate in south of Iraq.

Studied area belongs to Mesopotamia plain which is considered as a part of stable shelf of Arabian plate .

Quaternary sediments are covered this area by clay, silt and sand beds.

The aim of this study is evaluating of hydrochemical facies and suitability of groundwater for different purposes.

The groundwater samples were analyzed for physico-chemical characteristics (pH, TDS, EC, TH) besides of major cations & anions.

The results indicated that groundwater samples are between neutral and light alkaline, slightly-brackish, excessively mineralized and hard to very hard water.

Two hydrochemical facies were identified, they are " earth alkaline water with increased portions of alkalis with prevailing sulfate and chloride" and " Alkaline water with prevailing sulfate and chloride" belong to (Ca2+ - Mg2+ - Cl- - SO4 2- ) and (Na+- K+ - Cl- - SO4 2-).

The evaluation of groundwater suitability for different purposes, It turned out that this groundwater is unsuitable for human drinking and industrial purposes, satisfactory for livestock.

Concerning to suitability for irrigation purposes, It is ranged between unsuitable to doubtful according to (Na%) and RSC , but it is still excellent to good limits according to SAR.