Hydrochemical Assessment of Groundwater for the Saqi and Sayyid Al-Shuhada Projects in Karbala Governorate

Abstract

The study conducted the hydro chemical assessment of groundwater from ten wells within the Al-Saqi and Sayyid Al-Shuhada projects in Ain Tamr distric within Karbala Governorate, it located between the latitudes (32º 10' - 32º 41' N) and longitudes (43º 15' - 43º 62' E), covering an area of 1743.22 km². The study concluded that 40% of the hydro chemical composition of the dominant elements falls within the Magnesium Sulfate category (Mg+2- SO4-2), and another 40% within the Magnesium Chloride category (Mg+2- Cl-). All well waters share dominance between evaporation and rock weathering processes only. The water quality shows secondary gypsum content with low discharge and is classified as moderate quality with reverse ion exchange, continuing chemical interaction with the soil and rocks. The study found that the groundwater cannot be used for drinking purposes as it exceeds all permissible limits except for pH. For irrigation, all elements fall within acceptable limits except for the values of E.C., Mg+2, and SO4-2 in two wells. However, the water is permissible for animal consumption and construction purposes, except for the HCO3- value, which is too high for such uses.