Study of Hydrogeochemical and Geochemical Properties of Surface Water (Case Study: Comparison of two Adjacent Catchments, Cheshmeh Kileh and Shiroud, Northern Iran)

Abstract

Cheshmeh Kileh and Shiroud are among the most important rivers of western Mazandaran Province (northern Iran). Sampling sites were determined based on the design of the DEM and geogenic and anthropogenic effects, and water and sediment samples were collected in September 2021. Hydrogeochemical and qualitative diagrams of irrigation were drawn based on the laboratory reported values. The heavy metals, irrigation and industrial indices were calculated for water samples and heavy metals indices were calculated for sediments. Also, dendrograms were drawn to evaluate heavy metals in water and sediment. The results showed that the amount of calcium and sulfate ions at the source of Seh-Hezar sub-river was higher than other samples in this sub-river, which is caused by the dissolution of gypsum in the structure of the Karaj Formation located in Maraan upstream. In Cheshmeh Kileh Catchment, one of the samples had a higher amount of bicarbonate, sodium, potassium and heavy metals ions than other samples due to the infiltration of landfill waste water. The hydrogeochemical diagrams for Shiroud Catchment showed that in the estuary, the phenomenon of saltwater infiltration has occurred due to excessive sand and gravel harvesting. Given industrial quality indices, some samples have sedimentation properties and some have corrosion properties. Accordingly, when using surface water in this region for industrial activities, further case studies are needed. The quality of irrigation water at some stations was unsuitable for agricultural activities in some indices. Also, the statistical charts show scatters in the samples of the source and landfill leachate.