TITLE:
Hydrogeochemical Characteristics of Groundwater in the Bassit Ophiolitic Area, Northwestern Syria
AUTHORS:
Areej Adra
KEYWORDS:
Hydrogeochemistry, Groundwater Quality, Heavy Metals, Ophiolitic Area
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.10 No.12,
December
30,
2022
ABSTRACT: In order to evaluate the hydrogeochemical properties and the quality of
groundwater in the Bassit ophiolitic area (Northwestern Syria), 27 groundwater
samples were collected from springs and wells during dry and wet seasons. Physical-chemical parameters and heavy
metal concentrations of groundwater
samples were measured. The analytical results showed that the groundwater
is very hard and slightly alkaline in nature. The concentrations of major ions are in the following order: Mg2+ > Ca2+ > Na+ > K+ and HCO32-> Cl- > SO42-> NO3-. The magnesium ion (Mg2+) has exceeded
the permissible limit for drinking purpose, reflecting an influence of
ophiolitic rocks on the local groundwater chemistry. The hydrogeochemical
facies are mainly (Mg-HCO3) and (Mg/Ca-HCO3) types with a
minor occurrence of Ca-HCO3 type. According to Gibbs diagrams, all
samples fall in the rock dominance field and the chemical quality of
groundwater is related to the lithology of the area. The maximum concentrations
of some heavy metals in groundwater samples for two seasons are relatively low
(16.9 μg/l Cr, 19.27 μg/l Ni, and 1.78 μg/l Co), which are under the
permissible limit for a drinking purpose. Also to evaluate the groundwater
suitability for irrigation purposes, Salinity hazard (EC), Sodium hazard (SAR,
Na%) and magnesium hazard (MAR) were appraised. It is found that 89% of
groundwater samples in two seasons were mainly classified as high salinity/low sodium, which suggests that
this groundwater is unsuitable for irrigation. Only (11%) of samples
were classified as medium salinity/low sodium and as such suitable for
irrigation. The magnesium hazard showed that 82% of the samples had high values
(MAR > 50%) and as such unsuitable for irrigation. Soil irrigated with such
groundwater will not be exposed to any alkali hazard, but will suffer from
salinity and magnesium hazard.