Groundwater quality assessment using water quality index: A case study of Al Najaf City, Iraq

Abstract

Water Quality Index (WQI) plays an important role and a powerful tool for analyzing the overall characteristics of water quality. It is considered a common method to replace the data on water quality trends to the general public and policymakers. In the study area, five wells are used at Jazeerat Al Najaf. As stated by the WHO drinking water quality standard, nine physiochemical parameters have been chosen for water quality index determination.  The water quality index is used depending on the parameters and calculated utilizing the weighted arithmetic method for assessing the groundwater quality. WQI for pH comes under the excellent category, for electrical conductivity based on water quality classification in the study area is noted under unsuitable for the drinking purpose category. As well, WQI for sulfate and total dissolved solids found under very poor category. Whilst WQI for the calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride came under poor classifications based on the same water quality categorization. Moreover, the overall average result of the WQI classified under poor category (100.206) that influences the socio-economic and health conditions of human beings.