Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Duhok, Duhok, KRG, Iraq
2
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Zakho, Duhok, KRG, Iraq
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the water quality in the Semel district of Duhok City, Iraq, a key area for agriculture and animal farming. The physical and chemical parameters, including turbidity, pH, electrical conductivity (E.C.), total dissolved solids (T.D.S.), nitrate (NO₃⁻), total alkalinity (T. Al), total hardness (TH), calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), and sulfate (SO-4), were measured in 40 wells, which serve as the primary water source for the region. The results were compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to assess compliance and safety. While most physical and chemical parameters were within safe limits, some samples showed elevated levels of NO₃⁻, T. Al, and T.H, exceeding the permissible limits for drinking water. The water quality index (WQI) values ranged from 19.8 to 39.59, classifying all samples as "Excellent" or "Good." The findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and management to ensure the safety and sustainability of groundwater in the Semel district. Groundwater resources play a crucial role in meeting the region's water demands, particularly for drinking, irrigation, and other domestic uses. However, the increasing reliance on groundwater necessitates regular assessments to evaluate its quantity and quality.
Keywords
)
View on SCiNiTO