Hydrochemical Investigation and Quality of Groundwater in Erbil-Pirmam Area, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

Abstract

The chemical analysis of groundwater for any region is very important for water resources and estimating the suitability of this important natural resource. Sixty two groundwater samples were collected during two recharge periods in October 2021, which represent the minimum recharge period and May 2022 which represent the maximum recharge period. The physical analysis include electrical conductivity, pH, and temperature while the chemical analysis includes major cations and anions. A piper diagram was used to classify the groundwater water in the area to determine water type which all water samples are categorized as bicarbonate water type for both periods. To establish the appropriateness of groundwater as drinking water in the area, different standards were employed as standard of water use. All water samples in the study area are fresh water and of medium salinity water except one well which is high salinity water. The groundwater quality in the studied area is suitable for drinking because all parameters are under permissible limit except one well which have a high nitrate concentration. According to the Total Dissolved Solids the water is acceptable for irrigation and do not cause harmful effects on crops except two water samples that can be used and adversely affected crops that were susceptible to salt, and suitable according to SAR ratio and low sodium hazard. The aim of this study is to determine water quality and evaluate groundwater for different uses including drinking, agriculture and irrigation purposes.