Safeguarding Sustainable Water Resources by Nitrate Contamination Analysis in Isfahan City Water

Mohammad Yavari Foroushani¹ Fahimeh Amiri² Ali Kiani³ Fahimeh Khodadadi Zadeh Mahabadi⁴

1) Water Quality Monitoring and Control Center, Ardestan, Isfahan, Iran
2) Water Quality Manager, Isfahan Water and Wastewater Co,Isfahan, Iran
3) Water Quality Monitoring and Control Center, Isfahan, Iran
4) Water Quality Monitoring and Control Center, Ardestan, Isfahan, Iran

Publication : 3rd International Conference on New Research & Achievements in Science, Engineering & Technologies(setbconf.com)
Abstract :
In regions where underground water is the primary water source, its overexploitation depletes the aquifer s volume. Isfahan city water supply is provided through the Babasheikhali water treatment plant fed by 64 auxiliary wells during peak consumption periods and hot seasons. The objective here is to assess the influence of Zayandeh Rud River irrigation and well depth on Isfahan City concerning nitrate levels in drinking water wells. To accomplish this task, samples are collected from 64 drinking water wells dispersed in the Isfahan city area, between 2020 and 2022. The nitrate concentration is measured through the HACH model DR5000 spectrophotometer, following standardized protocols. The Zayandeh Rud River irrigation data is acquired from the Isfahan Regional Water Company. The findings here are subject to thorough analysis through SPSS 25 software. The nitrate levels follow an ascending trend from a minimum of 6.56 in 2021 to a maximum of 139.90 in 2022. The findings indicate that river flooding had no considerable effect on nitrate levels. In this assessment, an inverse relation is evident between well depth and nitrate concentration, where deeper wells have lower nitrate levels. The average nitrate concentration increased from about 22 mg/liter in 2020 to 28 mg/liter in 2022. Though these nitrate concentrations still comply with Iran s drinking water standards, urgent measures are necessary to assure the city s safe drinking water supply. To encounter this challenge, the solutions are: 1) adopting enhanced water management practices in agriculture, 2) having strict regulations on chemical fertilizer consumption and 3) improving irrigation and drainage systems. This multi-dimensional approach offers a promising path while underscoring the necessity for in-depth research and effective, timely action.
Keywords : Zayandeh Rud River depth nitrate drinking water drainage