Hydro-chemical assessment and GIS-mapping of groundwater quality parameters in semi-arid regions

Abstract

Abstract Groundwater quality assessment is vital to protect this resource. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate the hydro-chemical quality of the Marvdasht aquifer located in the semi-arid region of Iran and to map the groundwater quality parameters. For this purpose, a mean data of 11 groundwater quality parameters collected from 49 wells (2010–2015) were used. Pie, Schoeller and Piper diagrams were used to determine the dominant ions and type of water. Ion ratios and Gibbs diagrams were used to illustrate the chemistry and processes in the groundwater. Spatial distribution of quality parameters were mapped using ArcGIS. Results showed that the water type is Na-Cl and Cl− with abundance orders of CL− > SO42− > HCO3− and Na+ with abundance orders of Na+ > Mg2 + >Ca2+ > K+ are dominant anion and cation, respectively. Gibbs diagrams revealed that geological formations control the groundwater chemistry in 66% of the groundwater samples. Based on the Wilcox diagram, only 24% of the samples fell into the C4–S4 class with high salinity and alkalinity hazard. The maps showed that generally groundwater in the north of the study site has better quality than that the south of the study site, where the existence of dolomite and chalky formations leads to decreasing water quality.