An adapted groundwater quality index including toxicological critical pollutants

IF 4.9 Q2 ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL

Groundwater for Sustainable Development Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI:10.1016/j.gsd.2024.101401

Dario Cauich-Kau , Javier Castro-Larragoitia , Antonio Cardona Benavides , María E. García-Arreola , Gonzalo G. García-Vargas

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Water supply for population is mainly supported by groundwater. Its quality for drinking purposes is a worldwide major issue. Groundwater quality indexes are tools to assess its appropriateness for human consumption. This study evaluates the WAWQI index in North-Central Mexico with reported toxicological critical pollutants (arsenic, fluoride, and uranium) and put forward an adapted and optimized Groundwater Quality Index (GWQI). The research utilizes a dataset of groundwater parameters to analyze the chemical composition and suitability of groundwater (n = 121 samples) for drinking purposes. Arsenic concentrations fluctuate between 7.78 and 9798, average of 154 μg/L and only three samples within the Mexican guideline. Fluoride concentrations range from 0.01 to 2.2, average of 0.8 mg/L and 64% of the sample within the Mexican guideline. Uranium, not previously described in the region, show elevated concentrations in the range of 1.01–93.7 average of 11.4 μg/L and 88% within the WHO guideline. The WAWQI Index, applied to water samples, categorized samples as excellent and good status. However, 95%, 33%, and 11% of the samples are above As, F^-, and U guidelines; therefore, a tailored GWQI for drinking water was proposed and optimized considering the WAWQI limitations. The outcome of the GWQI shows that only two samples classified with excellent status and are safe to drink without treatment. However, 119 samples were classified as poor, very poor, and unsuitable for drinking purposes. The GWQI provides a valuable tool for assessing groundwater quality in regions with similar hydrogeological conditions to the study area, and to identify areas requiring urgent attention to ensure safe drinking water supply. The study highlights the urgent need for sustainable water management practices to address the region's water quality challenges and ensure the long-term well-being of its population and fulfill the Sustainable Development Goal 6.

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来源期刊

Groundwater for Sustainable Development Social Sciences-Geography, Planning and Development

CiteScore

11.50

自引率

10.20%

发文量

152

期刊介绍： Groundwater for Sustainable Development is directed to different stakeholders and professionals, including government and non-governmental organizations, international funding agencies, universities, public water institutions, public health and other public/private sector professionals, and other relevant institutions. It is aimed at professionals, academics and students in the fields of disciplines such as: groundwater and its connection to surface hydrology and environment, soil sciences, engineering, ecology, microbiology, atmospheric sciences, analytical chemistry, hydro-engineering, water technology, environmental ethics, economics, public health, policy, as well as social sciences, legal disciplines, or any other area connected with water issues. The objectives of this journal are to facilitate: • The improvement of effective and sustainable management of water resources across the globe. • The improvement of human access to groundwater resources in adequate quantity and good quality. • The meeting of the increasing demand for drinking and irrigation water needed for food security to contribute to a social and economically sound human development. • The creation of a global inter- and multidisciplinary platform and forum to improve our understanding of groundwater resources and to advocate their effective and sustainable management and protection against contamination. • Interdisciplinary information exchange and to stimulate scientific research in the fields of groundwater related sciences and social and health sciences required to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals for sustainable development.