Assessment of salinity trends in a coastal aquifer in Guzelyurt, North Cyprus.

Abstract

Salinity is a serious concern with groundwater use in irrigation that is very close to a coastal aquifer. The study aims to do a comparative analysis of the physiochemical parameters of groundwater samples obtained from 10 irrigational wells in Guzelyurt. In this study, 10 groundwater samples were collected from irrigational wells in the Guzelyurt aquifer area and were analyzed for important groundwater physiochemical parameters such as pH, EC, Na⁺, Ca²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, Mg²⁺, HCO₃ ^-, SO₄ ^2-, and Cl^-. The well numbers are 5118 (Cengziköy), 236 (Yesilyurt), 5147 (Döganci), 4548 (Döganci), 2320 (Gunesköy), 881(Guzelyurt), 615 (Aydinköy), 287 (Kalkanli), 2400 (Guzelyurt), and 834 (Guzelyurt). The results obtained from the analysis were compared with the result of groundwater quality data that were taken from these wells in the past 10 years to ascertain the level of contamination of the wells caused by seawater intrusion in the Guzelyurt coastal aquifer. Nine of the wells are affected by seawater intrusion, while one is not affected. Well, 5118 (Cengzıköy), is not affected by the salinity problem. Within the past 11 years, the salinity in wells 615 (Aydinköy) and 834 (Guzelyurt) increased, while wells 881 (Guzelyurt), 287 (Kalkanlı), 2320 (Guneskoy), 236 (Yeşilyurt), 5147 (Dogancı), 4545 (Dogancı), and 2400 (Guzelyurt) show a low salinity. Controlling seawater intrusion and conserving groundwater resources is critical. In conclusion, the study recommends continuous monitoring of the Guzelyurt aquifer, the adoption of desalination plants, and the use of treated wastewater effluent as an option to reduce groundwater withdrawal. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Controlling seawater intrusion and conserving groundwater resources is critical. Groundwater established the significance of the water circle, and it is found in aquifers. The use of polluted groundwater can cause health problems.