EVALUATION OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY VARIATION IN THREE AQUIFER SYSTEMS IN QATAR: CHARACTERIZATION AND DPSIR FRAMEWORK APPROACH

Abstract

Qatar's arid climate, limited natural freshwater resources, and increasing water demand make groundwater a primary natural water source in the country. However, overexploitation has led to environmental challenges such as aquifer depletion, seawater intrusion, groundwater quality deterioration, and increased salinity levels. In this study, twenty groundwater samples from the main aquifers in Qatar, including the Rus Formation, Umm er Radhuma Formation (UER), and Aruma Formation from the north and south basins were collected to study the physical, microbiological, and chemical properties of groundwater quality. Groundwater in Qatar is primarily sourced from carbonate aquifers, which are subject to various forms of contamination and degradation. Groundwater quality is deteriorating due to over-extraction, salinization, and pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development. High concentrations of heavy metals such as chromium, manganese, and molybdenum have been detected in 3 wells. The electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids levels in many groundwater samples exceed tolerable thresholds, indicating high salinity, which is detrimental to both human consumption and agricultural use. Furthermore, water hardness, microbial parameters, sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), sulfate (SO42-), and chloride (Cl-) concentrations have reached levels that make groundwater unsuitable for drinking and consumption. The DPSIR model analyzed the key challenges confronting Qatar's groundwater condition in terms of water quality and sustainability.