Identifying sources of groundwater salinity and major hydrogeochemical processes in the Lower Kabul Basin aquifer, Afghanistan
Abdulhalim Zaryab, Hamid Reza Nassery, Farshad Alijani
Abstract
-(Cl), Na-Cl and Mg-Cl water types. The major factors controlling groundwater chemistry in the aquifer are the dissolution of carbonate, gypsum anhydrate minerals, weathering of silicates, ion exchange and mixing. Based on Cl/Br ratios, dissolution of minerals, anthropogenic and urban effects, and evaporitic lacustrine deposits are the possible sources of salinity in the aquifer. According to Cl/Br ratios and hierarchical cluster analysis, the evaporitic lacustrine deposits are the main source of salinity in the aquifer. The new groundwater survey also confirms the findings. The Cl/Br ratios and HCA successfully identified the sources of salinity in the LKB aquifer. The results of this study can provide a basis for local decision makers to develop effective and sustainable groundwater resources and environmental management strategies for Kabul city.