Assessment of scaling properties of groundwater with elevated sulfate concentration: a case study from Ergene Basin, Turkey

Abstract

In this study, the Langelier saturation index and the Ryznar stability index of the groundwater of the east of Ergene Basin were evaluated to assess the corrosivity or scale-forming tendencies. Corrosion is one of the most complicated and costly problems facing drinking water utilities. Corrosion can affect public health, public acceptance of a water supply, and the cost of providing safe drinking water. For this purpose, total of 17 representative groundwater samples were collected. Except for well nos. 1, 2, and 3 with corrosive characteristics, all the groundwater samples were stable or had a slight tendency for dissolving of scale. Results showed that the amount of precipitation and irrigation caused seasonal variation in corrosive characteristics. Increased ionic concentration of SO4 (-2) contributes to the corrosivity of groundwater.