Abstract
Groundwater in Afghanistan stands as the predominant water source employed for potable consumption, household utilization, agricultural irrigation, and industrial applications. Major cities of Afghanistan are largely dependent on groundwater resources. However, the groundwater quality of major cities in Afghanistan was not investigated in detail. In this study, we investigated Mazar-e-Sharif city of northern Afghanistan intending to identify the major hydrogeochemical processes controlling groundwater chemistry and evaluate the groundwater quality of Mazar-e-Sharif using an integrated approach. We found that 1) The prevailing groundwater within the study area are predominantly characterized by Na-(Ca)-HCO3 and Ca-(Mg)-SO4 water types. 2) Physicochemical variables such as NO3¯, F¯, TDS, and SO42− exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) safe limits in many wells. 3) Weathering of silicates and cation exchange are the main hydrogeochemical processes controlling hydro-geochemistry in the aquifer. 4) The high salinity observed in the groundwater of Mazar-e-Sharif is likely attributed to a combination of geogenic and natural factors and the Cl/Br ratios suggest that salinity may originate from evaporitic lacustrine and evaporite deposits. The findings of this study hold value for decision-makers in formulating a proficient strategy for the management of groundwater resources in Mazar-e-Sharif City in achieving the UN sustainable goal (SDG) of providing sustainable water for all.