Application of water quality index with the aid of geographic information system in eastern thrace to assess groundwater quality

Abstract

Water quality assessment has always been a major part of environmental management plans. In this study, the groundwater quality and spatial distribution in the eastern Thrace region was assessed and mapped for agricultural and drinking purposes. Groundwater samples (n = 18) were collected from deep wells in the study area and analyzed for hydrochemical properties for the water quality assessment. The Water Quality Index (WQI) was calculated for the quantification of water quality for human consumption. The WQI values showed that 52 % of the groundwater samples fall in the “poor” and “very poor” category due to agricultural impact. Nevertheless, the majority of the groundwater were suitable for irrigation in terms of sodium absorption ratio (SAR), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), sodium ratio (Na%) and magnesium hazard (MH). © 2016, TMMOB - Jeoloji Muhendisleri Odasi. All rights reserved.