Application of the sub-indicator model to assess the suitability of groundwater for irrigation of livestock in Nimrud district, Nineveh Governorate, Iraq

Abstract

This study assessed the quality of groundwater in the Nimrud area located in the southeastern part of Mosul, Iraq for drinking livestock by applying the weighted mathematical model (WQI). The area is characterized by rich agricultural potential especially the breeding of livestock and poultry. Ten wells were selected randomly in the study area during the dry season for sample collection and estimation of physical-chemical properties. The results indicate that 70% of the samples were of poor-quality water for livestock and poultry watering and, the rest were of good quality. This poor quality of water was attributed to the geological nature of the area, which leads to high rates of the studied properties, especially electrical conductivity, sodium and sulfate ions, which reached (5,069ppm, 664ppm, and 1,688ppm) respectively. The study recommended that desalinization and treatment of water be carried out before consumption by livestock for disease resistance and performance.