Characterization of the Hydrochemistry, Scaling and Corrosivity Tendencies, and Irrigation Suitability of the Water of the Rivers Karawa and Iyiaji

Abstract

Assessing water quality is necessary to ascertain its viability for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes. A total of 48 water samples were, respectively, drawn from the Rivers Karawa and Iyiaji located in Ezeagu and Uzo-uwani which are typical rural areas in Enugu State, Nigeria. These samples were taken in two seasons (early rainy season and late dry season). Physicochemical properties were determined using standard methods. The scaling and corrosivity potentials of the water were evaluated using the Larson-Skold index, aggressive index, Puckorius scaling index, and Ryznar stability index models. Additionally, seven irrigation evaluation criteria, as well as spatial distribution maps, were used to determine the suitability of the river waters for irrigation purposes and to interpolate the spatial distribution of the river water quality parameters. Major ion chemistry was used in the assessments. The physicochemical properties of river waters fell within the recommended standard values. However, NO3- greatly exceeded the recommended range in both rivers. The cations and anions from River Karawa were Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ > Na+ and NO3− > Cl− > SO42− > HCO3− > CO3− > PO4−, while those from River Iyiaji were Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ and Cl− > SO42− >NO3− > PO4− > HCO3− > CO3−. A piper plot showed the predominance of Ca2+ and Mg+, as well as SO42− and Cl−, in both rivers. The seven irrigation assessment indices indicated that the water of the Rivers Karawa and Iyiaji is suitable for irrigation purposes. In addition, the scaling and corrosivity models predicted that the river waters have high scaling and corrosivity potentials. Specifically, while the aggressive index suggested that it is severely corrosive, the Langelier saturation index suggested that the water from both rivers is supersaturated and, thus, has potential to scale.

Toward Contamination in Coastal Regions for Groundwater Quality, Fluoride, Nitrate and Human Health Risk Assessments Within Multi-aquifer Al-Hassa, Saudi Arabia

“…The significant positive loadings of PC1 on parameters such as EC, TDS, TA, HCO3, Na, K, Mg, Ca, SO4, Cl, and Br confirm that these parameters are highly correlated (Table 8). These parameters are typically associated with saline intrusion, natural mineralization, and weathering processes taking place in groundwater aquifers, as well as anthropogenic activities [19,28,40]. The high values of these parameters obtained for the multi-aquifer groundwater system herein could be indicative of contamination from sources such as wastewater, fertilizers, pesticides, and road salt.…”

“…The significant positive loadings of turbidity and NO3 in PC2 (Table 8) suggest a common source of origin. This may result from agricultural practices, such as the application of fertilizers and animal waste, or industrial activities [17,19].…”

“…Various techniques such as spatial mapping, graphical plotting, drinking water quality indexing, etc are useful to accurately assess the current status of groundwater in the area. As demonstrated by previous studies, spatial mapping techniques can have a substantial influence on assessing the water quality, enabling the identification of contamination hotspots and providing valuable insights into the spatial distribution of contaminants [18,19]. By mapping the contaminant concentrations, it becomes easier to identify areas with high levels of pollution, which can help prioritize mitigation measures and target interventions where they are most needed.…”

Evaluating Water Quality, Mineralization Mechanisms, and Potential Health Risks of Nitrate Contamination in the Continental Intercalaire Aquifer of Reggane, Algeria

“…Bicarbonate is formed during the decomposition of soil organic matter, involving root respiration and the degradation of humus, producing CO 2 , which reacts with rainwater to form bicarbonate ions. In water, bicarbonate primarily affects the pH and can lead to the formation of deposits in pipes (Alum et al 2023). Generally, it does not pose a major health risk, but high levels can impact water quality and appliances.…”

“…Water properties, such as pH, salinity, and nutrient content, profoundly in uence soil health and plant growth (Egbueri and Agbasi 2022). Soil drainage properties dictate the rate at which water moves through the soil pro le, impacting both water availability to plants and the risk of waterlogging or salinization(Alum et. al.…”