Hydrochemical Evaluation and Utilization of Groundwater in Khanaqin Area, Diyala Governorate - East of Iraq

Abstract

The groundwater evaluation has been carried out in Khanaqin area in Diyala governorate to the east of Iraq. The analyzed hydrochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids as well as cations and anions are used to describe groundwater quality and its suitability for different purposes. The study area covers (1920) km². According to hydrogeological investigation (43) water points were inventoried and water levels in wells were measured. (34) Wells were sampled during 2013-2014 during water surplus and water deficit periods. The studied area is divided groundwater aquifers into two main units, the unconfined and confined aquifers. The values of pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) are in the range of (7.1-7.6) and (283-3070) µS/cm, (200-2370) mg/l respectively. Salinity distribution map within area showed maximum values are in southeastern part of the basin in water deficit period, while a north-west south-east pattern of highly salinity values was indicated during water surplus period. Groundwater origins and types were continental and (NaCl) as major type followed by (NaSO₄) as second type of groundwater in the area of study.