Assessment of Groundwater Quality for Human Uses

Abstract

Evaluating the quality of groundwater holds utmost importance in determining its suitability for safe consumption. This study delved into the groundwater conditions in selected regions of southern Iraq (Thiqar government), specifically Al-shatra and Al-naser districts. Physical and chemical water parameters were examined including, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, nitrates, nitrites, fluoride, sulfate, hexavalent chromium, copper, manganese, and iron. The results demonstrated the quality of ground water was not suitable for human uses according to WHO and Iraqi guidelines. Heavy metals and anions contaminates have not influenced on the human health and the environment due to their higher concentrations less than the acceptable value. However, other parameters have concentrations higher than the allowable value. The maximum concentration of TDS was 1955 mg/l at Al-zamil (Al-naser) (W8) and the turbidity was slightly more than the WHO standard. The concentration of alkalinity was higher than the healthy value.