Geochemical and statistical evaluation of spring water in Sarduiyeh Basin, SE Iran

This study investigates the natural processes that influence the chemistry of surface and spring water within the Sarduiyeh region using correlation matrix and factor analysis techniques. A total of 27 spring samples were collected during April 2011, and analyzed for their physico-chemical constituents. Hydrogeochemical data of samples suggested that the water types are: Na–Cl (40.74%), Ca–Mg–HCO 3 (37.04%), Na–HCO 3 –Cl–Mg (14.81%) and Ca–Mg–SO 4 –Cl (7.41%). The order of cations and anions abundance is Na + > K + > Mg 2+ > Ca 2+ and Cl − > SO 42 − > HCO 3 − > NO 3 − . The very high As concentrations are observed in three samples (numbers 24, 3 and 2) with value 25,000, 2327 and 2178 µg/L. The multivariate statistical methods indicate that hydrogeochemistry of the spring water in study area is mainly controlled by water–rock interaction, and weathering and dissolution of silicate minerals mainly extend in the area.