Recent research conducted by Near East University’s researchers sheds light on the deteriorating groundwater quality in Erbil, Iraq. The study aimed to assess and map changes in groundwater quality over a two-year period (2015-2017) in Erbil, utilizing a Water Quality Index (WQI) based on 13 crucial parameters.
The findings, published in a scientific article, underscore the concerning decline in water quality, notably during the dry season of 2017. Analysis revealed a worrisome escalation in WQI, surging from 1.64% to 11.47% over the study duration, signaling a substantial degradation in water quality within the region.
Geospatial tools, particularly Kriging and Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation methods, were employed to generate WQI maps using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The study concluded that Kriging exhibited superior accuracy in predicting groundwater quality compared to IDW, essential for effective spatial representation and analysis.
The mapped data delineated varying water quality zones ranging from fair to good, indicating potential suitability for irrigation, domestic, and industrial uses with appropriate treatment. However, the water fell short of potable standards, necessitating treatment before consumption due to contamination primarily from untreated domestic and industrial wastewater.
This research contributes significantly to the understanding of the pressing groundwater quality concerns in Erbil. The escalating population and rapid urbanization in Erbil demand a comprehensive strategy to control and mitigate pollution hazards effectively. The study advocates for the integration of sustainable practices, stringent pollution control measures, and infrastructural improvements to safeguard groundwater resources, emphasizing the pivotal role of SDGs in guiding actionable solutions toward a sustainable and healthier future for Erbil’s inhabitants.
For further details, access the original paper from the publisher’s link:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13201-023-02010-4
