A GIS approach for the assessment of groundwater quality in Wadi Rabigh aquifer, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

A classification approach has been implemented in the present work by integrating traditional water sample analysis methods and Geographic Information System (GIS) capabilities in order to classify zones with acceptable groundwater quality for drinking. GIS extrapolation capabilities with their multi-conditional layering facilities were integrated together in order to assess in the determination of areas suitable for drinking purposes. This technique was implemented in Wadi Rabigh, Western Saudi Arabia, due to its significance as one of the most promising areas in the Western Province in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, owing to the establishment of King Abdullah Commercial City and King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) nearby. Results show that only a limited area in the aquifer can be used for domestic purposes. This area is located in two separate patches in the upstream part of the aquifer while most of the aquifer water is categorized as brackish which might be used for agriculture purposes to a certain extent. The downstream area of the aquifer is very saline due to sea water intrusion effect.

Water Resource Evaluation and Identifying Groundwater Potential Zones in Arid area using Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System

“…The first one is situated in the lower region of Haqaq's spring towards the intersection with the bridge of Al Nuwabi. In this area, the depth of saturated area varies from 10-16 m and the other one is located in Al Nuwabi Wadi, an area where the thickness of the saturated area ranges between 20 and 35 m (El-Hames et al, 2011). El-Hames (2005) found that, zones with high groundwater potential are situated mostly in the alluvial part of the catchment, which form the Wadi Hishash in the middle-upper boundary and Wadi Madrakah at the higher boundary.…”

The Adoption of Geographic Information Systems in the Public Sector of Saudi Arabia: A Conceptual Model

“…Geographic information system (GIS) has become a top field of study owing to its several applications in different organizations in various fields [1]. Studies dedicated to it have been carried out in Saudi Arabia concerning GIS improvements, uses, and developments; remote sensing; determination of rainfall; management of floods; public safety; and urban planning [2][3][4].…”

Suitability Assessment of Groundwater for Irrigation in Rabigh, Saudi Arabia: A Case Study of Combined Influence of Landfills and Saltwater Intrusion

“…Literature exhibited that extensive work has been conducted in this area (Mukherjee et al, 2005;Shah and Mistry, 2013;Venkateswaran and Vediappan, 2013;Singh et al, 2015;Narayanamurthi, 2018). In Saudi Arabia, the assessment of groundwater suitability for irrigation has been well received by many researchers (Al-Harbi, 2009;FAO, 2009;El-Hames, 2010;Khashogji and Maghraby, 2012;Al-Hasawi and Hussein, 2012). AlAhmadi (2012) stated that there are growing demands for groundwater usage due to increased anthropogenic activities associated with population growth.…”