Chemical characteristics of groundwater in Ardabil region, Iran

Purpose The chemical analysis of wells in the Ardabil area, Ardabil Province NW of Iran, was evaluated to determine the hydrogeochemical processes and ion concentration background in the region. The purpose of this study is to analyze the hydrochemical quality of groundwater in Ardabil aquifer in order to assess the suitability of the waters for different uses. Design/methodology/approach The chemical analysis of 75 water wells in the Ardabil area, was evaluated. Over the entire area, the dominated hydrochemical types are: Na-Cl, Na-HCO3-Cl-Mg, Ca-SO4, Ca-Mg-SO4-Cl and Ca-Mg-HCO3. The abundance of the major ions is as follows: Na+>Ca2+>Mg2+>K+ and SO42–> Cl–>HCO3– and major ion concentrations are below the acceptable level for drinking water. Most of groundwater samples fell in the soft water category. All of groundwaters belong to the excellent category and can be used safely for irrigation. Findings The chemical analysis of 75 water wells in the Ardabil area, Ardabil Province NW of Iran, was evaluated to determine the hydrogeochemical processes and ion concentration background in the region. Over the entire area, the dominated hydrochemical types are: Na-Cl, Na-HCO3-Cl-Mg, Ca-SO4, Ca-Mg-SO4-Cl and Ca-Mg-HCO3. The abundance of the major ions is as follows: Na+>Ca2+>Mg2+>K+ and SO42–> Cl–>HCO3– and major ion concentrations are below the acceptable level for drinking water. Most of groundwater samples fell in the soft water category. All of groundwaters belong to the excellent category and can be used safely for irrigation. Originality/value The chemical analysis of 75 water wells in the Ardabil area, Ardabil Province NW of Iran, was evaluated to determine the hydrogeochemical processes and ion concentration background in the region. Over the entire area, the dominated hydrochemical types are: Na-Cl, Na-HCO3-Cl-Mg, Ca-SO4, Ca-Mg-SO4-Cl and Ca-Mg-HCO3. The abundance of the major ions is as follows: Na+>Ca2+>Mg2+>K+ and SO42–> Cl–>HCO3– and major ion concentrations are below the acceptable level for drinking water. Most of groundwater samples fell in the soft water category. All of groundwaters belong to the excellent category and can be used safely for irrigation.