Volume 19, Issue 3 (Autumn 2025)
2025, 19(3): 348-377 |
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Yaghoubi H, Jahanshahi R, Mozafari M. Hydrochemical characterization and health risk assessment of groundwater contamination in birjand plain, eastern iran. Journal of Engineering Geology 2025; 19 (3) :348-377
URL: http://jeg.khu.ac.ir/article-1-3182-en.html
URL: http://jeg.khu.ac.ir/article-1-3182-en.html
1- University of Tehran
2- University of Tehran ,rezajahanshahi@ut.ac.ir
2- University of Tehran ,
Abstract: (1629 Views)
This study examines the hydrochemistry and contamination levels of groundwater resources in the urban area of Birjand in eastern Iran. Water quality was assessed and pollution sources were identified through sampling 22 wells, 12 qanats and 4 springs. The results showed that electrical conductivity varied from 300 to 8,000 µS/cm, while pH ranged from 7.23 to 8.71. According to the Piper diagram, the dominant hydrochemical facies were chloride, sulphate and bicarbonate types. In some of the samples, the nitrate concentration exceeded the permissible limit of 50 mg/L set by the World Health Organization, indicating the influence of urban wastewater and agricultural effluents. The ionic ratios reveal the influence of halite and gypsum dissolution processes, as well as ion exchange reactions, on the chemical composition of the water. A health risk assessment showed that, while most sources are within the safe range for adults, some wells and qanats pose a higher risk to infants and children. This study aims to provide a scientific framework for understanding the geochemical processes that control water quality, and to identify high-risk areas for the sustainable planning and management of groundwater resources in the Birjand plain.
Type of Study: Original Research |
Subject:
Hydrogeology
Received: 2025/10/19 | Accepted: 2025/11/10 | Published: 2025/12/21
Received: 2025/10/19 | Accepted: 2025/11/10 | Published: 2025/12/21
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