Irrigation Groundwater Quality Characteristics: A Case Study of Cyprus

Abstract

This study was conducted in order to investigate possible quality changes in Cyprus’ groundwater resources over a 10-year period of pumping and to check the suitability of primary irrigation water. Water samples (n = 890) from private wells in agricultural areas were analyzed from 2009 to 2018 to determine various physicochemical properties. The sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) were also calculated to evaluate potential soil degradation issues. Sodium, chloride and sulphate were found to be the predominant ions in groundwater. Quality evaluation showed possible restrictions in groundwater use for irrigation in relation to its salt content and the toxicity of specific ions having adverse effects on sensitive and several moderately sensitive crops. In particular, an increasing trend was observed in pumped groundwater for boron ion concentrations. Nevertheless, all samples evaluated were suitable for irrigation in terms of soil sodicitation and soil infiltration rate. This study indicates that in order to maintain long-term agricultural sustainability it is imperative to develop strategic plants to mitigate the adverse effects of water-pumped quality deterioration on soils and crops. Precision agriculture techniques may be adapted for better water and nutrient input/output management, thus protecting groundwater from salinization in agricultural areas. These results, among others, may be a useful tool to enhance the ability of Cyprus’s agricultural water sector to adapt to observed and anticipated climate impacts.

Counterion Effects in Metal Hybrid Biopolymer Materials for Sulfate Adsorption: An Experimental and Computational Study

“…Sulfate is one such pollutant where adverse health effects have been reported in mammals at elevated levels (>500 ppm). , Increased salinity in the form of sulfate contamination is a global water security issue that may be exacerbated due to the effects of climate change. Elevated sulfate levels occur due to leachate from geologic formations or uncontrolled release of mineral tailings have been reported during resource extraction activities in Canada, Cyprus, South Africa, Mozambique, India, and other global regions. − Environmental reduction of sulfate levels can be achieved by the use of various remediation techniques: ion exchange, reverse osmosis, flocculation, and precipitation. − However, ongoing research is directed at developing more efficient adsorbent materials due to the sustainability and merits of adsorption science and technology. The relative efficiency, low operational cost, and infrastructure requirements for point-of-use (POU) adsorption technology represent some technical advantages, particularly when employing adsorbent materials from renewable sources.…”

Energy and Water Related Parameters in Tomato and Cucumber Greenhouse Crops in Semiarid Mediterranean Regions. A Review, Part II: Irrigation and Fertigation

“…The sustainability of irrigated agriculture in the semi-arid Mediterranean region is threatening by overexploitation of natural resources, and changes in agricultural land use. Agriculture is the dominant water consumer in the region accounting for 81% of total water use; it is particularly vulnerable to climate conditions due to its dependence, for most of the year, on adequate quantities of good-quality water [1,2]. The diet of people who have lived in the Mediterranean is high in vegetables and fruits and is considered by UNESCO as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" with multiple sustainable benefits.…”

Chemistry of Boron in Soil and Management in Different Crops

“…Groundwater, mining waste, fertilizers, and fossil fuel residues all result in greater B levels in soils. The physical-chemical soil features and B interaction in the soil were taken into account while defining the threshold B concentration in irrigation water for sensitive (0.3 mg/L) and tolerant (2 mg/L) crops [27]. Wood burning, coal and oil-fired power generation, glass production, borate mining and processing, leaching of treated wood/paper, and sewage disposal are all examples of anthropogenic sources [1].…”