Sensitivity analysis of waters at higher risk subjected to soil contaminations

Abstract

Existence of heavy minerals in waters in some regions causes serious environmental pollution and affects the soil and water resources quality. Soil and waters sensitive to pollutants were investigated in this research, based on the degree of sensitivity of their parameters. The samples obtained from industrial and agricultural areas for identifying water tables at higher risk and display regions that are most sensitive to pollutants. The vulnerability to pollution was investigated on the basis of environmental contaminants, hazards and hydro-geologic parameters. A sensitive DRASTIC software based model constructed with seven most sensitive parameters: depth of water (D); recharging water table (R); aquifer media (A); environment topography (T); impact of zone (I); and conductivity (C); accompanied by Arc-View software was employed. Weighting factors, stacking the parameters and sensitivity index for selected regions were analyzed based on higher risk vulnerable waters. Investigation made based on index numbers for; no risk, low to medium and higher sensitive locations. The reliability of aquifer was tested against potential risk of contamination and nitrate ions which has been used to calibrate the model. Higher nitrate concentrations falling on susceptible areas were highlighted. Result of this study may provide environmental protection measures considered for similar regions to prevent groundwater from potential risk of pollution.