Hydrogeological Conditions and Groundwater Geochemistry of Badra-Zurbatia Area in Wasit Governorate, East of Iraq

Abstract

Groundwater is vital for domestic and agricultural purposes, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions worldwide. The area between Badra and Zurbatia, which is located in Wasit Governorate, in the eastern side of Iraq, was investigated during the fieldwork in 2024. The area is important in terms of agriculture and poultry, and livestock husbandry. This research aims to evaluate the groundwater resources in the study area. The research will focus on evaluating and determining the hydrogeological and hyro-geochemical of the confined aquifer, which has been exploited largely in the last decade. (30) Wells were inventoried during the field study and used to demonstrate the hydrogeological conditions and geochemistry of the groundwater aquifer. The results showed that the confined aquifer consists of quaternary deposits and pebbly sandstone layers. The mean thickness, water permeability (transmissivity), and maximum yields of the aquifer were 46 meters, 112 square meters/day, and 655 cubic meters/day of maximum yields, respectively. The distribution map of groundwater salinity demonstrates a regular decrease in concentrations towards the southern part of the area due to groundwater recharge from infiltrated surface water to the unconfined aquifer, according to the hydraulic connection between the confined and the unconfined aquifers. The origin of groundwater is continental, with brackish to saline types. The calcium sulphate is recorded as the main dominant type of groundwater. The utilization of groundwater was mainly for animal purposes.