Research Article
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Water quality and spatial distribution of wells in the Eastern Side of Nineveh Governorate – Iraq

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 2, 234 - 244, 30.06.2025

Kotayba Al-youzbakey , Ali Sulaiman

https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1484374

Abstract

The quality of groundwater in the studied area are related to the reservoir rock types, which are mainly represented by the dolomitic limestone of Pila Spi Formation, the limestone and gypsum of Fat’ha Formation, the sandstone of Injana Formation, the sandstone of Muqdadiya Formation. These rocks exposed at the feet of Bashiqa and Ain Al-Safra mountains. The ability of minerals in these rocks to dissolve under weathering conditions also affects water quality.
The water quality index (WQI) was calculated to determine its suitability for domestic uses based on the physical (pH, E.C, T.D.S and T.H) and chemical (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3-, SO42-, Cl- and NO3-) specifications of forty-one wells. The distribution of wells was determined according to their specifications. In general, the study area was divided from north to south into six regions with QWI; excellent water, good water, unsuitable water, poor water quality, while the area adjacent to Ain Al-Sufra Mountain has a good water, and the area located to the southwest towards the Tigris River is very poor water.
The SAR ratio (< 10) and the sodium percentage (SSP% < 75%) indicated a low soda content, the amount of RSBC < 1.25 meq L-, the Kelly ratio (KR < 1) and permeability index (PI < 75%) have no effect on the soil properties and no negative impacts on the quality of irrigation water, thus the well water source is suitable for irrigating most crops and all types of soil.

Keywords

WQI water assessment water quality groundwater Nineveh

Ethical Statement

The manuscript was completed by the researchers equally in field work, analysis, data interpretation, and writing

Supporting Institution

Dams and Water Resources Research Center, to which researchers belong, by providing research requirements

Thanks

Thanks to Mrs. Daad A. Ismael for her help in completing the laboratory analyses.

References

  • V. K. Sissakian, “Geomorphology and Morphometry of the Greater Zab River Basin, North of Iraq,” Iraqi Bulletin of Geology and Mining, Vol. 9(3), pp. 21–49, 2013.
  • K. T. Al-Youzbakey, and Y. F. Eclimes, “Hydrological and Hydrogeochemical Study of Al-Qush Plain, Northern Iraq,” The proceeding of the 9th Periodical Scientific Conference of Dams and Water Resources Research Center, 28-29 Nov. 2018, 165–176, 2018.
  • M. A. R. Al-Mubarak, and R.Y. Youkhanna, “Report on the regional geological mapping of AL- Fat'ha-Mosul area,” Unpublished report, Directorate General of Geological. Survey, and Mineral Investigation, Baghdad, 753A, 95P. 1976.
  • A. I. Al-Juboury, and T. McCann, “The Middle Miocene Fatha (Lower Fars) Formation, Iraq,” GeoArabia, Vol. 13(3), pp. 141–174, 2008. [CrossRef]
  • M. M. Alsalmany, R. Gh Thannoun, and A. T. Shehab, “Determining the impact of climatic elements on vegetation cover based on remote sensing data - (Al-Hamdaniya district as a case study),” Iraqi National Journal of Earth Science, Vol. 23(1), pp. 13–25, 2023. [CrossRef]
  • M. A. M. Al-Rashidi, “Sedimentary study of the Injana Formation in the Qand anticline / northern Iraq,” [Unpublished Master Thesis], College of Science, University of Mosul. pp. 135, 2005.
  • R. G. Th, and Al-Banna, “Geomorphology of the Qand Structure in Northern Iraq Using Remote Sensing Techniques,” [Unpublished Master Thesis], College of Science, University of Mosul, pp. 119, 2002.
  • K. T. Al-Youzbakey, and Y. F. Eclimes, “Hydrogeochemical and Geophysical Study of Selected Deep Boreholes in Al-Hamdanyia Area, North Iraq,” Al-Rafidain Journal of Sciences, Vol. 16(1), pp. 136151, 2005. [CrossRef]
  • N. N. Al-Sayegh, and K. A. Khaled, “Using the standard multiplication and addition methods in evaluating the agricultural lands for a selected areas at northeastern nineveh governorate,” Mesopotamia Journal of Agriculture, Vol. 49(2), 1–8, 2021. [CrossRef]
  • K. T. Al-Youzbakey, and A. M. Sulaiman, “Ground water quality of selected areas in the Northeastern Mosul city and their assessments for domestic and agricultural usage,” Iraqi National Journal of Earth Science, Vol. 20(1), pp. 107–126, 2020. [CrossRef]
  • K. T. Al-Youzbakey, A. M. Sulaiman, and D. A. Ismaeel, “The Evaluation of Chemical Characterization for Selected Wells Water in Mosul – Bahshiqa – Shalalat Area, Ninivah Governorate, Northern Iraq,” The Proceeding of the 9th Periodical Scientific Conference of Dams and Water Resources Research Center, 28-29 Nov. 2018, pp. 201–216, 2018.
  • A. S. Kateb and K. T. Al-Youzbakey, “Development and evaluation of the drinking water quality index in the eastern bank of nineveh governorate.” Italian Journal of Engineering Geology and Environment, Vol. 2, pp. 17–30, 2023.
  • K. T. Al-Youzbakey, and A. M. Sulaiman, “Evaluation of Ground Water Quality in Al-Qush – Tel Kafe Area, North Mosul City,” The proceeding of the 8th Periodical Scientific Conference of Dams and Water Resources Research Center, 28-29 Nov. 2012, pp. 155–164, 2012.
  • K. T. Al-Youzbakey and Y. F. M. Eclimes, “Hydrogeochemical Evaluation of Selected Shallow Boreholes in Al-Hamdanyia Area, North Iraq,” Proceeding of the 1st Conference of The Environment and Controlling of Pollution Research Center, 5-6 June, pp. 78–88, 2007.
  • A. Y. T. Al-Saffawi, N. D. S. Al-Taay, and A. Y. H. Kaplan, “Qualitative assessment of groundwater for livestock and poultry watering: A case study of water wells in Hamdaniya district, Nineveh governorate, Iraq,” IOP Conf Ser Earth Environ Science, Vol. 735, Article 012018, 2022. [CrossRef]
  • R. R. Najeeb, and I. O. Saeed, “Evaluating groundwater quality in Al-Hamdaniya District for drinking purpose using the Canadian Water Quality Index Model (CCME WQI),” Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries, Vol. 26(6), pp. 243–255, 2022. [CrossRef]
  • W. E. Federation, APHA, AWWA, W.E.F. “Standard Methods for examination of water and wastewater,” Anales de Hidrología Médica, Vol. 5(2), pp. 185–186, 2012.
  • S. A. Abbawi, and M. S. Hassan, “The Practice Engineering for Environment. Water Analysis,” Dar Al-Hekma for Publishing, University of Mosul. Engineering for Environment, pp. 296, 1990.
  • R. B. Baird, A. D. Eaton, and E. W. Rice, “APHA, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,” 23rd. ed., American Public Health Association. American Water Works Association and Water Environment Federation, pp. 1504, 2017.
  • S. K. Kumar, A. Logeshkumaran, N. S. Magesh, P. S. Godson, and N. Chandrasekar, “Hydro-geochemistry and application of water quality index (WQI) for groundwater quality assessment, Anna Nagar, part of Chennai City, Tamil Nadu, India,” Applied Water Science Vol. 5(4), pp. 335–343, 2015. [CrossRef]
  • G. J. Udom, H. O. Nwankwoala, and T. E. Daniel, “Determination of water quality index of shallow quaternary aquifer systems in Ogbia, Bayelsa State, Nigeria,” British Journal of Earth Sciences Research, Vol. 4(1), pp. 23–37, 2016.
  • K. E. Leizou, J. O. Nduka, and A. W. Verla, “Evaluation of Water Quality Index of the Brass River, Bayelsa State, South-South, Nigeria.” International Journal of Research – Granthaalayah, Vol. 5(8), pp. 277–287, 2017. [CrossRef]
  • WHO (World Health Organization), “Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality,” 4th ed., World Health Organization, Geneva, pp. 564, 2017.
  • R. Gupta, and A. K. Misra, “Groundwater quality analysis of quaternary aquifers in Jhajjar District, Haryana, India: Focus on groundwater fluoride and health implications,” Alexandria Engineering Journal, Vol. 57(1), pp. 375–381, 2016. [CrossRef]
  • IQS 417, D.-W. S. “ 417. Central Organization for Quality Control and Standardization,” Council of Ministers, Republic of Iraq, 2001.
  • F. R. Najeeb, S. A. Saleh and M. F. Abed, “Hydrogeology of Al-Hamdaniya, Northern Iraq,” Iraqi Geological Journal, 54(2B), 112–121, 2021. [CrossRef]
  • N. Adimalla, L. Peiyue, and S. Venkatayogi, “Hydrogeochemical evaluation of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purposes and integrated interpretation with water quality index studies,” Environmental Processes, Vol. 5(2), pp. 363–383, 2018. [CrossRef]

Year 2025, Volume: 8 Issue: 2, 234 - 244, 30.06.2025

Kotayba Al-youzbakey , Ali Sulaiman

https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1484374

Abstract

References

  • V. K. Sissakian, “Geomorphology and Morphometry of the Greater Zab River Basin, North of Iraq,” Iraqi Bulletin of Geology and Mining, Vol. 9(3), pp. 21–49, 2013.
  • K. T. Al-Youzbakey, and Y. F. Eclimes, “Hydrological and Hydrogeochemical Study of Al-Qush Plain, Northern Iraq,” The proceeding of the 9th Periodical Scientific Conference of Dams and Water Resources Research Center, 28-29 Nov. 2018, 165–176, 2018.
  • M. A. R. Al-Mubarak, and R.Y. Youkhanna, “Report on the regional geological mapping of AL- Fat'ha-Mosul area,” Unpublished report, Directorate General of Geological. Survey, and Mineral Investigation, Baghdad, 753A, 95P. 1976.
  • A. I. Al-Juboury, and T. McCann, “The Middle Miocene Fatha (Lower Fars) Formation, Iraq,” GeoArabia, Vol. 13(3), pp. 141–174, 2008. [CrossRef]
  • M. M. Alsalmany, R. Gh Thannoun, and A. T. Shehab, “Determining the impact of climatic elements on vegetation cover based on remote sensing data - (Al-Hamdaniya district as a case study),” Iraqi National Journal of Earth Science, Vol. 23(1), pp. 13–25, 2023. [CrossRef]
  • M. A. M. Al-Rashidi, “Sedimentary study of the Injana Formation in the Qand anticline / northern Iraq,” [Unpublished Master Thesis], College of Science, University of Mosul. pp. 135, 2005.
  • R. G. Th, and Al-Banna, “Geomorphology of the Qand Structure in Northern Iraq Using Remote Sensing Techniques,” [Unpublished Master Thesis], College of Science, University of Mosul, pp. 119, 2002.
  • K. T. Al-Youzbakey, and Y. F. Eclimes, “Hydrogeochemical and Geophysical Study of Selected Deep Boreholes in Al-Hamdanyia Area, North Iraq,” Al-Rafidain Journal of Sciences, Vol. 16(1), pp. 136151, 2005. [CrossRef]
  • N. N. Al-Sayegh, and K. A. Khaled, “Using the standard multiplication and addition methods in evaluating the agricultural lands for a selected areas at northeastern nineveh governorate,” Mesopotamia Journal of Agriculture, Vol. 49(2), 1–8, 2021. [CrossRef]
  • K. T. Al-Youzbakey, and A. M. Sulaiman, “Ground water quality of selected areas in the Northeastern Mosul city and their assessments for domestic and agricultural usage,” Iraqi National Journal of Earth Science, Vol. 20(1), pp. 107–126, 2020. [CrossRef]
  • K. T. Al-Youzbakey, A. M. Sulaiman, and D. A. Ismaeel, “The Evaluation of Chemical Characterization for Selected Wells Water in Mosul – Bahshiqa – Shalalat Area, Ninivah Governorate, Northern Iraq,” The Proceeding of the 9th Periodical Scientific Conference of Dams and Water Resources Research Center, 28-29 Nov. 2018, pp. 201–216, 2018.
  • A. S. Kateb and K. T. Al-Youzbakey, “Development and evaluation of the drinking water quality index in the eastern bank of nineveh governorate.” Italian Journal of Engineering Geology and Environment, Vol. 2, pp. 17–30, 2023.
  • K. T. Al-Youzbakey, and A. M. Sulaiman, “Evaluation of Ground Water Quality in Al-Qush – Tel Kafe Area, North Mosul City,” The proceeding of the 8th Periodical Scientific Conference of Dams and Water Resources Research Center, 28-29 Nov. 2012, pp. 155–164, 2012.
  • K. T. Al-Youzbakey and Y. F. M. Eclimes, “Hydrogeochemical Evaluation of Selected Shallow Boreholes in Al-Hamdanyia Area, North Iraq,” Proceeding of the 1st Conference of The Environment and Controlling of Pollution Research Center, 5-6 June, pp. 78–88, 2007.
  • A. Y. T. Al-Saffawi, N. D. S. Al-Taay, and A. Y. H. Kaplan, “Qualitative assessment of groundwater for livestock and poultry watering: A case study of water wells in Hamdaniya district, Nineveh governorate, Iraq,” IOP Conf Ser Earth Environ Science, Vol. 735, Article 012018, 2022. [CrossRef]
  • R. R. Najeeb, and I. O. Saeed, “Evaluating groundwater quality in Al-Hamdaniya District for drinking purpose using the Canadian Water Quality Index Model (CCME WQI),” Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries, Vol. 26(6), pp. 243–255, 2022. [CrossRef]
  • W. E. Federation, APHA, AWWA, W.E.F. “Standard Methods for examination of water and wastewater,” Anales de Hidrología Médica, Vol. 5(2), pp. 185–186, 2012.
  • S. A. Abbawi, and M. S. Hassan, “The Practice Engineering for Environment. Water Analysis,” Dar Al-Hekma for Publishing, University of Mosul. Engineering for Environment, pp. 296, 1990.
  • R. B. Baird, A. D. Eaton, and E. W. Rice, “APHA, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,” 23rd. ed., American Public Health Association. American Water Works Association and Water Environment Federation, pp. 1504, 2017.
  • S. K. Kumar, A. Logeshkumaran, N. S. Magesh, P. S. Godson, and N. Chandrasekar, “Hydro-geochemistry and application of water quality index (WQI) for groundwater quality assessment, Anna Nagar, part of Chennai City, Tamil Nadu, India,” Applied Water Science Vol. 5(4), pp. 335–343, 2015. [CrossRef]
  • G. J. Udom, H. O. Nwankwoala, and T. E. Daniel, “Determination of water quality index of shallow quaternary aquifer systems in Ogbia, Bayelsa State, Nigeria,” British Journal of Earth Sciences Research, Vol. 4(1), pp. 23–37, 2016.
  • K. E. Leizou, J. O. Nduka, and A. W. Verla, “Evaluation of Water Quality Index of the Brass River, Bayelsa State, South-South, Nigeria.” International Journal of Research – Granthaalayah, Vol. 5(8), pp. 277–287, 2017. [CrossRef]
  • WHO (World Health Organization), “Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality,” 4th ed., World Health Organization, Geneva, pp. 564, 2017.
  • R. Gupta, and A. K. Misra, “Groundwater quality analysis of quaternary aquifers in Jhajjar District, Haryana, India: Focus on groundwater fluoride and health implications,” Alexandria Engineering Journal, Vol. 57(1), pp. 375–381, 2016. [CrossRef]
  • IQS 417, D.-W. S. “ 417. Central Organization for Quality Control and Standardization,” Council of Ministers, Republic of Iraq, 2001.
  • F. R. Najeeb, S. A. Saleh and M. F. Abed, “Hydrogeology of Al-Hamdaniya, Northern Iraq,” Iraqi Geological Journal, 54(2B), 112–121, 2021. [CrossRef]
  • N. Adimalla, L. Peiyue, and S. Venkatayogi, “Hydrogeochemical evaluation of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation purposes and integrated interpretation with water quality index studies,” Environmental Processes, Vol. 5(2), pp. 363–383, 2018. [CrossRef]
There are 27 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Groundwater Quality Processes and Contaminated Land Assessment
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Kotayba Al-youzbakey 0000-0003-4155-6817

Ali Sulaiman 0000-0002-7424-8514

Publication Date June 30, 2025
Submission Date May 16, 2024
Acceptance Date August 4, 2024
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 8 Issue: 2

Cite

APA Al-youzbakey, K., & Sulaiman, A. (2025). Water quality and spatial distribution of wells in the Eastern Side of Nineveh Governorate – Iraq. Environmental Research and Technology, 8(2), 234-244. https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1484374
AMA Al-youzbakey K, Sulaiman A. Water quality and spatial distribution of wells in the Eastern Side of Nineveh Governorate – Iraq. ERT. June 2025;8(2):234-244. doi:10.35208/ert.1484374
Chicago Al-youzbakey, Kotayba, and Ali Sulaiman. “Water Quality and Spatial Distribution of Wells in the Eastern Side of Nineveh Governorate – Iraq”. Environmental Research and Technology 8, no. 2 (June 2025): 234-44. https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1484374.
EndNote Al-youzbakey K, Sulaiman A (June 1, 2025) Water quality and spatial distribution of wells in the Eastern Side of Nineveh Governorate – Iraq. Environmental Research and Technology 8 2 234–244.
IEEE K. Al-youzbakey and A. Sulaiman, “Water quality and spatial distribution of wells in the Eastern Side of Nineveh Governorate – Iraq”, ERT, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 234–244, 2025, doi: 10.35208/ert.1484374.
ISNAD Al-youzbakey, Kotayba - Sulaiman, Ali. “Water Quality and Spatial Distribution of Wells in the Eastern Side of Nineveh Governorate – Iraq”. Environmental Research and Technology 8/2 (June 2025), 234-244. https://doi.org/10.35208/ert.1484374.
JAMA Al-youzbakey K, Sulaiman A. Water quality and spatial distribution of wells in the Eastern Side of Nineveh Governorate – Iraq. ERT. 2025;8:234–244.
MLA Al-youzbakey, Kotayba and Ali Sulaiman. “Water Quality and Spatial Distribution of Wells in the Eastern Side of Nineveh Governorate – Iraq”. Environmental Research and Technology, vol. 8, no. 2, 2025, pp. 234-4, doi:10.35208/ert.1484374.
Vancouver Al-youzbakey K, Sulaiman A. Water quality and spatial distribution of wells in the Eastern Side of Nineveh Governorate – Iraq. ERT. 2025;8(2):234-4.
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