Hydrochemical Investigation and Quality Assessment of Groundwater in WadiJarif, Sirte City, Libya

Abstract

Hydrochemistry of groundwater in WadiJarif, Sirte City, Libya was used to assess the quality of groundwater for determining its suitability for drinking, domestic and agricultural purposes. A total of 30 groundwater samples were collected randomly from WadiJarif, boring and analyzed for major ion chemistry to understand the operating mechanism of geochemical processes for ground water quality. The quality analysis is performed through the estimation of pH, EC, TDS, TH, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl-, NO3 -, SO4 2-, HCO3 -. The results of chemical analyses indicate that the groundwater chemistry of the Wadi Jarifaquifers is highly influenced by their bearing facies and sea water intrusion. The water salinity is moderately saline classes, where the (TDS) ranges from 3311 to 8187ppm. The dominant water types are Na2SO4 of meteoric genesis and NaCl of marine genesis. Assessment of groundwater of WadiJarif for different uses indicates that the groundwater are classed as unsuitable for drinking (all studied samples TDS more than 1500), also, this groundwater can't be used for domestic purposes for its high TDS and TH. Moreover most of the groundwater of the study area is not recommended for irrigation under normal conditions. However, it is suitable for the salt tolerant crops and high permeable soils under good irrigation management