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Simulation of Surface and SubsurfaceWater Quality in Hyper-Arid Environments

Research Authors
Ahmed Mohamed , Ahmed Asmoay , Saad S. Alarifi and Musaab A. A. Mohammed
Research Abstract

Forty-eight water samples (30 groundwater and 18 surface water samples) were collected
from the study region. Physical and chemical examinations were performed on the water samples to
determine the values of various variables. Several graphs, sheets, and statistical measures, including
the sodium solubility percentage (SSP), the sodium absorption ratio (SAR), and Piper’s diagram,
were used to plot the concentration of the principal ions and the chloride mass balance (CMP). The
contents of the variables were compared with the contents in other local areas and the standard
allowable safe limits as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Water pH values
were neutral for all water samples. Electric conductivity (EC) readings revealed that water samples
vacillated from slightly mineralized to excessively mineralized. Water salinities were fresh and very
fresh according to the total dissolved solids (TDS) amounts. The hardness of water ranged from
medium to hard in the surface water and from medium to very hard in the groundwater samples.
Bicarbonate, sodium, and calcium made up the highest amounts in the surface water samples. The
highest concentrations of bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, and sodium were found in the groundwater.
Diagrams show the major ion relationships as well as the type and origin of the water. According to
Piper’s plots, most of the water samples under investigation were Ca-HCO3 type, Mg water types,
followed by SO4.Ca-Cl water types. This highlighted the elemental preponderance of bicarbonate
and alkaline earth (Ca2+ + Mg2+). This dominance is caused by evaporite and carbonate minerals
dissolving in water because of anthropogenic activities and interaction processes. The groundwater
recharge was estimated to be 0.89–1.6 mm/yr based on Chloride Mass Balance. The examined water
samples can also be used for cattle, poultry, and irrigation. Additionally, the groundwater is of poorer
quality than the surface water, although both types of water are adequate for various industries,
with a range of 14 to 94 percent. With the exception of a few groundwater samples, the tested water
samples are suitable for a number of applications.

Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Hydrology
Research Vol
10
Research Year
2023
Research Pages
86.