Field studies, ion analysis, and modeling of Kashan plain aquifer to predict the source of salinization

The shortage of freshwater and salinization are considered two major development problems in arid and semi-arid regions. The growth of population, development of industry and agriculture, and climate change cause over-extraction of groundwater resources; consequently, the quality and quantity of groundwater decreased, especially in the arid and semi-arid areas. The present study investigates the reasons for salinization of the Kashan aquifer. In this study, 53 observation wells located in the aquifer were examined for qualitative study. A total of 80 samples were collected from selected wells over a period of 5 years (2005-2009) and analyzed for 9 chemical parameters (electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), calcium(Ca²⁺, magnesium (Mg²⁺), chlorine (Cl^-), and bicarbonate (HCO^-₃)). Groundwater table study shows that the direction of groundwater flow throughout the aquifer is often from the west to the east of the aquifer, except for the northeastern part of the aquifer, where a backflow from the northeast (salt lake) into the aquifer is visible. Results of ion analysis in different areas of the aquifer indicate the occurrence of upconing phenomenon in the center and south regions and the occurrence of saline water intrusion phenomenon in northeast regions. To simulate the condition of the Kashan aquifer for the next 50 years, a model of the quantity and quality of the aquifer was developed using the SEAWAT code. According to the results, the salinization of the Kashan plain aquifer should occur due to two main reasons: irregular groundwater extraction and upconing phenomenon and the intrusion of saline water from the salt lake towards the aquifer. The Kashan aquifer salinization forecast results show that the continuation of the current pumping activities for the next 50 years should increase the numbers of wells affected by salinity. Considering the critical situation of the Kashan aquifer and the existing serious threats, serious decisions and measures for the proper management of groundwater and aquifer protection are vital.