TITLE:
Groundwater Vulnerability and Hazard Mapping in an Arid Region: Case Study, Amman-Zarqa Basin (AZB)-Jordan
AUTHORS:
Mustafa Al Kuisi, Kholoud Mashal, Mohammed Al-Qinna, Abdallah Abu Hamad, Armin Margana
KEYWORDS:
Groundwater; Vulnerability; Hazard; Selenium; Amman; Zarqa; Jordan
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Water Resource and Protection,
Vol.6 No.4,
March
27,
2014
ABSTRACT: The
importance of groundwater portability and the possible sources of anthropogenic
contamination have led to the development of intrinsic groundwater
vulnerability mapping. In this study, groundwater vulnerability map for Amman
Zarqa Basin (AZB) has been generated based on information derived and
calculated from processed remote sensing information and laboratory analysis.
The database was prepared from soil hydro geological and hydrological data,
Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and geological maps. For assessment of
groundwater vulnerability, the method proposed by the state geological surveys
of Germany (GLA-method) has been adapted and applied. The vulnerability map
shows about 77% which is about 2919 Km2 of the AZB is classified as
very low to low which could be corresponding to the pollution sources due to
the absence of potential hazards and also due to low vulnerabilities. These
areas could consequently be interesting for future development as they set
preferable in view of ground water protection. In addition, about 14% (530 km2)
is classified within the moderate vulnerability zone. About 5% (around 19 km2)
of the study area lies under the area of high vulnerability zone. Only 4% can
be classified as very high risk areas. Groundwater quality results revealed
that water leach ate from point source is the main cause for groundwater
contaminations in highly vulnerable karstic limestone aquifer (Amman Wadi Es
Sir Aquifer-B2/A7). On the other hand, the Kurnub Sandstone aquifer (K) is generally
well protected in the central and eastern part of the AZB due to its thick
cover of partly marly sequences. However, the Kurnub aquifer might have a
potential risk from the recharged infiltrating surface water from the Zarqa
River, which is highly polluted due to industrial activities located along the
river.