Evaluation of the Drinking and Irrigation Quality of Groundwater in Basra, Iraq

Abstract

This study assessed the quality of groundwater in south of Basrah governorate from three regions (Zubair, Safwan and um-Qaser), as well as its expediency for drinking purposes and irrigation. Fifty groundwater specimens from various locations were, whereas their physical and chemical parameters were assessed. The WQI was used to measure overall water quality, and the results were displayed using GIS. The calculation of the Water Quality Index (WQI) took twelve physiochemical parameters into account, including pH, EC, TDS, TH, Ca +2 , Mg +2 , Na + , K + , SO 4-2 , Cl -, HCO 3 and NO 3 -. The groundwater in Basrah was found to be of generally low quality, with significant levels of salinity, hardness, and TDS. The groundwater in the research region was not fit for human consumption, according to (WHO, 2011) standards for drinking water. Applying WQI revealed that, with the exception of two wells, the ground water in the research area was classed as very poor-unsuitable type. The GIS analysis assisted in identifying the places with the best water quality and those with the most serious issues. The groundwater of research region was used for irrigation purposes. The indices considered included SAR, SSP AND MH%. The groundwater from the study area is generally in good condition and may be utilized for irrigation, as shown by the estimated water indices when compared to the accepted standards.