Quality Assessment of Groundwater in Mahra, Republic of Yemen

Abstract

Groundwater is one of the most important water resources in the world. The groundwater is characterized by relatively stable chemical composition, contains little or no bacteria, and is free from colour, turbidity and suspended solids. However, ground water often contains high concentrations of dissolved iron, manganese and other minerals from the ground layers through which the water has passed. The paper deals with the quality assessment of groundwater in Mahra Governorate, Republic of Yemen and the sustainable management of water resources. Two samples of groundwater were collected from two different wells surface located in Qashen Directorate in Mahra governorate. The analyzed parameters are pH, conductivity, TDS (Total Dissolved Solid), turbidity, total alkalinity, T. Hardness, nitrate, calcium, magnesium, chloride, sodium, florides, iron, manganese, sulfate, phosphate, ammonia, sulfide total coliforms, fecal coliforms. The obtained results showed high concentration of total hardness, calcium, magnesium, sulfate, TDSs, EC (Electrical Conductivity), total coliform and fecal coliforms bacteria more than the Yemeni standards, which could be a result of using cesspits in the studied area by the residents. Hence, a construction of wastewater collection systems and wastewater treatment plant has to be built urgently to avoid water pollution in the studied area.