Integrated Use of Geoelectrical Resistivity and Geochemical Analysis to Assess the Environmental Impact on Soil and Groundwater at Erbil Dumpsite, West of Erbil City - Iraqi Kurdistan Region

Sirwa Q. Gardi

doi:10.14500/aro.10192

Sirwa Q. Gardi Department of Geology, College of Science, University of Salahaddin, Erbil, Kurdistan Region http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6942-4376

Keywords: Resistivity, Schlumberger, Geochemical, Groundwater, Soil, Dumpsite, Erbil

Abstract

Water is one of the most important commodities which people and other creatures have exploited more than any other resources for their survival. Many parts of Erbil City and surroundings rely on groundwater reserves for drinking and other purposes. The study area lies within Erbil plain, some 10 km west of Erbil City. The study is based on the electrical resistivity method as a tool for assessing the environmental impact on soil and groundwater. Soil and water samples were collected close to Erbil dumpsite to assess the baseline data. 28 vertical electrical sounding points were taken by Schlumberger array along three geoelectrical sections. These sections revealed five zones of alternating clastic sediments with lateral changes which represent the Bai Hassan Formation. The average depth from the surface to the top of the aquifer is about 80 m. The geoelectrical sections revealed that the septic tank discharge valleys have been polluting the soil in two zones in the vicinity of the household septic discharge site. On the other hand, no adverse impact on groundwater quality is anticipated in the present project. The geophysical method utilized in this study is fast, efficient, and cost-effective in delineating the extent of the probable contamination zone(s).

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Author Biography

Sirwa Q. Gardi, Department of Geology, College of Science, University of Salahaddin, Erbil, Kurdistan Region

Sirwa Qader S. Gardi received her BSc in Geology in 2003 and MSc in 2010 in Geophysics from Science College, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. After receiving her BSc, she worked as a Geologist at the Geology Department of Salahaddin University-Erbil. Since 2010, she has been an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Salahaddin, teaching practical classes in Geophysics, Environmental Geology, Crystallography, Rock forming minerals, Clay minerals and Industrial Geology. Her primary interests are Environmental Geophysics, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), ERT Data Processing and Engineering Geophysics.

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