EVALUATION OF QUALITY OF SOME UNDERGROUND WATER WELLS IN THE SOUQ ATHOLATHA AREA IN ZLITEN OF IRREGATION PURPOSES

Abstract

This study was conducted in the Souq Atholatha area, southeast the center of Zliten city to evaluate the wells, water and their suitability for irregation. Samples were collected for three wells, and a set of tests were carried out in January and February of 2023. The results were recorded for maximum concentration of positive ions in the wells: (Ca+2= 17.293, K+ = 74.1, Na+ = 58, Mg+2=13.78)meq/L, and maximum concentration of negative ions (NO3-= 1532)mg/L, as well as measuring PH= 8.13, dissolved salts (TDS= 5801)mg/L, electrical conductivity (EC= 7332)µS/cm, and total hardness (TH= 1532)mg/L. Also, the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) was calculated which ranged between 13.42 and 16.43. The percentage of soluble sodium (SSP) ranged from 68.78 to 69.98%, and the percentage of magnesium (Mg%) was (31.38-55.48)%. The results were evaluated according to the most common irregation water classification system, which is US Salinity Laboratory System (USSL), and also according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The results showed that all wells are only suitable for irregation some crops that tolerate high salinity. High salinity, which ranged  from 3770 to 5801 mg/L, which may cause damage to plants