Hydrochemical Assessment of Groundwater in Al-Nahrawan Area, Eastern Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

     The hydrochemical study of groundwater in the Nahrawan region involves interpreting the physical, chemical, and biological properties of 17 samples collected from 17 wells in October 2024. Groundwater samples are characterised as slightly alkaline, excessively mineralised, and brackish, except for W3, W4, W5, W7, and W8, which are salty waters. The results showed that the dominant groundwater is sodium sulfate, except for the sixth sample, which is sodium chloride type. To evaluate groundwater suitability for irrigation, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), soluble sodium percentage (Na%), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and electrical conductivity were measured. According to the results, groundwater sodium adsorption percentage values in the majority of samples are permissible; the fourth, fifth, seventh, and eighth samples are doubtful, and the fifteenth sample is good. The percentage of sodium within the allowable limits, except for the fifteenth sample, is satisfactory. The pH values are within the allowable limits; however, they are unsuitable for electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids due to the high salinity of sodium, sulfate, and chlorine ions. Based on the results, the water in the study area is unsuitable for use due to the high levels of certain parameters.