Water Quality And Its Relationship With Local Geology: A Case Study Of Khanpur Area, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

This study deals with Water quality and its relationship with geology of Khanpur area Pakistan to assess the impact of human activities on groundwater quality and contribute to the understanding of hydrogeology and the interaction between local geology and water quality. Twenty-eight water samples were collected from different locations, and their physical and chemical parameters were analyzed in the laboratory. Physical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), salts, turbidity, and temperature, were measured using a calibrated digital meter. The chemical parameters examined included chlorides, carbonates, total hardness, total alkalinity, calcium and magnesium. The pH is affected by the chemical composition of the water and the presence of calcium carbonate in rocks such as sandstone, limestone, and dolomite. Electrical conductivity (EC) is determined by dissolved salts, including sodium, calcium, and chloride ions, with certain volcanic rocks exhibiting high conductivity. Total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations depend on the types of rocks, with limestone or gypsum contributing higher mineral concentrations. Salt concentration is influenced by geological conditions, with sedimentary rocks having varying salt content and igneous rocks generally having low levels.Water temperature is influenced by sedimentary rocks with low thermal conductivity, such as shale or siltstone, and by higher elevations in mountainous regions. Turbidity is primarily affected by sediment runoff, organic matter, and human activities. Chloride concentration is influenced by rock types like limestone and granite, while high sodium concentrations can be found in evaporite deposits occurring in arid environments. Sodium bicarbonate can be released by rocks like limestone, dolomite, and marble, leading to higher levels of sodium carbonate in groundwater. Hardness levels are impacted by limestone and dolomite, which dissolve calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate into the water. Alkalinity is affected by rocks containing calcium carbonate. Calcium and magnesium levels are influenced by various rock types, weathering processes, metamorphic activities, and the presence of calcium magnesium carbonate in carbonate rocks. These geological factors play a significant role in determining the characteristics of groundwater.