| Abstrakt: |
Groundwater storage represents the ultimate source of drinking water in dry regions. Over-pumping, climate change, and diverse types of pollutants have all contributed to the deterioration of this precious resource. In order to protect human health and efficiently manage resources, it is crucial to conduct groundwater quality assessments for agricultural and domestic uses, especially drinking. In this study, two indices, the DWQI and NPI, are utilized to assess the fitness of the groundwater quality for drinking and to assess the magnitude of contamination by nitrate in Jerash region. Moreover, the fitness of the groundwater for irrigational purposes was assessed using the most commonly used indices, such as Kelly's index (KI), magnesium hazard index (MHI), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), electrical conductivity (EC), and the sodium percentage (%Na). Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and conventional hydrochemical methods were applied to evaluate the groundwater chemistry. Results showed that the groundwater in the studied area is basically of a Ca-Mg-HCO3 facies, hardvery hard water. Although 38% of the samples (dry season) and 35% of the samples (rainy season) possess NO3 - concentration above the maximum permissible limit (50 mg/L), the vast majority of the samples (96%) showed good to excellent water quality based on DWQI, authenticating suitability for drinking. On the other hand, the results of the NPI indicated that about 30% of the samples in both seasons present significant tovery significant levels of nitrate pollution with nitrate concentration surpassing 50 mg/L. In general, the NPI might be a better expression of water quality than the DWQI, which at low values, obscures or extremely masks important parameters such as nitrate, despite exceeding WHO guidelines. Thus, the DWQI should be used with high precaution, especially at low levels of the used hydrochemical parameters. Based on irrigational water quality indices, the groundwater in the studied area authenticates appropriateness for irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
