Paper Title
Changes in Physical and Chemical Indices of Groundwater in MINAB Plain, Iran, Caused by Water Level Decline
Abstract
This study set out to investigate changes in physical and chemical indices of groundwater in Minab Plain caused
by groundwater level decline. To this end, 12 groundwater samples were drawn from different wells across this plain
between 22 November and 22 December 2015. Then, the parameters of acidity, electrical conductivity, and temperature were
measured in situ and the major anions and cations at the Regional Water Laboratory of Hormozgan. Comparison of these
parameters with EC and Cl, and other parameters measured in 2006 indicates increased concentrations of EC, Cl, Na, HCO3,
TDS, as well as TH, and decreased concentration of SO4 over time. In addition, groundwater level and reservoir capacity
decreased by 11.33 m and 287.179 million m3, respectively, resulting in lower groundwater quality and higher groundwater
salinity. The characteristics and quality diagrams of water and maps were evaluated using AQ.QA and GIS. Comparison of
the concentrations of major cations and anions in the regional groundwater showed the dominant cationic and anionic
conditions were (Na>Mg>Ca>K) and (Cl>HCO3>SO4>CO3), respectively. Results suggested that the regional waters had
good, acceptable, and average qualities for drinking. In terms of agricultural use, the dominant cations in the regional
groundwater were Na followed by Mg.
Keywords- Minab Plain, groundwater quality decline, groundwater level decline.