Change in Water Quality due to Unfertile Saline Soil

Change in Water Quality due to Unfertile Saline Soil | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Change in Water Quality due to Unfertile Saline Soil Faraz Ali This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4265624/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The unequivocal necessity of potable water for sustaining life notwithstanding, a discernible global trend indicates a worrisome deterioration in the quality of drinking water on a worldwide scale. Hence, this inquiry was undertaken to evaluate the potability of water extracted from aquifers surrounded by waterlogged soil. Ten samples were procured from hand pumps situated in the vicinity of waterlogged and saline soil, subsequently subjected to comprehensive laboratory analysis at a water testing facility. The investigation encompassed an assessment of various water quality parameters, including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, color, and odor, in accordance with WHO guidelines. Standardized methodologies were strictly adhered to for the qualitative assessment of water. The findings unveiled that several physicochemical parameters in hand pump samples from saline soil surpassed permissible thresholds. Specifically, 89% of samples exhibited chloride concentrations exceeding WHO limits. Moreover, levels of total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), calcium (Ca), SO4 and magnesium (Mg) exceeded recommended thresholds in 45%, 67%, 68%, 44%, 31%, and 37% of groundwater samples, respectively.. Additionally, more than 67% of water samples were reported to have a bitter taste. In conclusion, the findings underscore that water in saline soil is contaminated and unsuitable for human consumption. Environmental Engineering Saline Soil Groundwater Unfertile soil 1. Introduction Groundwater, renowned as the primary reservoir of freshwater globally, serves a myriad of purposes spanning domestic, agricultural, and industrial domains [ 1 ]. At present, approximately 33% of the world's groundwater reserves are allocated for agricultural and domestic utilization. The escalating demand for this indispensable asset is fueled by urbanization, population growth, industrial expansion, and environmental dynamics [ 1 ]. Despite its paramount importance, groundwater confronts an array of quality hazards, predominantly originating from industrial pursuits, which introduce pollutants encompassing biomaterials, organic contaminants (e.g., detergents, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers), and heavy metals. Both natural occurrences such as precipitation and human-induced processes like ion exchange and mineral dissolution contribute to groundwater contamination. Elevated levels of natural impurities surpassing permissible thresholds adversely affect ecosystems, soil fertility, and agricultural productivity. The global deterioration of water quality is exacerbated by chemical discharges into aquatic ecosystems and inadequate solid waste management. Presently, more than 20 billion individuals lack access to safe water, with waterborne illnesses claiming approximately 50 million lives annually, surpassing casualties from conflicts by tenfold [ 2 ]. Pakistan, akin to other nations, grapples with issues of water scarcity and compromised water quality. The diminishing state of groundwater in Pakistan, particularly evident since 2010, is predominantly attributed to human interventions, notably the overexploitation of groundwater and discharge of untreated sewage. Arsenic contamination, a significant carcinogenic peril, is rampant in Pakistan alongside waterborne diseases such as gastroenteritis, parasitic infections, diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid [ 3 , 8 ]. Groundwater serves as a crucial source of potable water in Pakistan, particularly in rural locales, yet deteriorating quality affects both urban and rural communities. Statistics indicate that only 41% of the urban populace and a mere 7% of rural inhabitants in Sindh have access to safe drinking water. Troubling reports from the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) underscore the pervasive unsuitability of drinking water across various districts, exacerbating the water quality crisis. Moreover, salinity intrusion in coastal regions and excessive evapotranspiration render most aquifers in Sindh saline, posing health risks and compromising irrigation efficiency. The precarious water quality scenario in Sindh, exemplified by incidents like the 2016 drought-related fatalities in Tharparkar city, underscores the urgent imperative for comprehensive investigations and sustainable interventions. Ongoing research endeavors throughout Sindh aim to comprehensively evaluate water quality and formulate sustainable measures to ensure the provision of safe water to its populace. As part of these endeavors, an appraisal of groundwater quality in Waterlogged and Saline Soil was undertaken to ascertain its suitability for potable purposes. Groundwater remains the solitary source of drinking water in various regions susceptible to contamination by Waterlogged and Saline Soil; hence, the quality of drinking water has encountered challenges over the past decade. 2. Methodology A total of ten (10) groundwater samples were systematically procured from various locations within the designated study area to ascertain their suitability for potable purposes through the examination of physicochemical parameters. The parameters scrutinized encompassed calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, color, and odor. The collection of samples was meticulously executed using polyethylene half-liter water bottles sourced from taps, motors, and hand pumps, corresponding to the available water source at each collection point. Prior to sampling, the bottles underwent thorough cleansing with water from the same source as the sample. Each sample, sourced from distinct locations, was designated a unique code (e.g., L1, L2, L3…L20). Strict adherence to requisite protocols and standards for sample collection and handling was maintained throughout the procedure. Subsequently, the collected groundwater samples were subjected to analysis for physicochemical parameters within laboratory facilities. Sensory evaluations were conducted at collection sites to assess color, odor, and taste. Additionally, on-site measurements of turbidity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) were carried out using appropriate meters. Conversely, the determination of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations, total hardness (TH), and chloride (Cl) levels were accomplished utilizing standard titration methods (e.g., Complexometric Titration, Mercurimetric Titration, EDTA Titration) in laboratory settings. Furthermore, all physicochemical parameters obtained from analysis were juxtaposed with the guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization [ 9 ] to evaluate the compliance of the groundwater samples with international standards for potable water. 3. Results and discussion The assessment of water quality parameters encompassing calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, color, and odor was carried out to determine adherence to permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The findings are outlined as follows: pH: Groundwater pH levels, crucial for human health, ranged from 6.9 to 8.6 within the study area, with an average of 8.5. All but one sample fell within the WHO-recommended limits (6.5 to 8.5), suggesting suitability for drinking based on pH. However, remaining samples exceeded the WHO allowable limit. Calcium (Ca): Groundwater calcium concentrations ranged from 45 to 80 mg/L, averaging 67 mg/L. Five samples surpassed the WHO-recommended limit of 75 mg/L for drinking water, raising concerns regarding calcium concentration. Magnesium (Mg): Groundwater samples from Water Logged and Saline Soil displayed magnesium concentrations ranging from 55 to 85 mg/L, averaging 61 mg/L. Four samples exceeded the WHO-recommended limit of 50 mg/L, potentially linked to geological formations. Chloride (Cl): Chloride concentrations ranged from 288 to 705 mg/L, averaging 305 mg/L. Nine samples surpassed the WHO guideline of 250 mg/L, indicating potential salinity and sewage infiltration issues. Total Hardness (TH): Total hardness ranged from 600 to 800 mg/L, with a mean of 413.5 mg/L. Five samples exceeded permissible limits, posing challenges associated with water hardness and gastrointestinal discomfort. Electrical Conductivity (EC): EC levels ranged from 800 to 1000 microsiemens per centimeter, with seven samples demonstrating elevated values possibly due to soil salt leaching and sewage infiltration. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): TDS concentrations ranged from 1100 to 1820 mg/L, with seven samples exhibiting severe contamination. Elevated TDS levels can pose health risks, especially for individuals with kidney or heart ailments. Overall, the results indicate varying degrees of contamination in groundwater samples from Water Logged and Saline Soil, emphasizing the need for further investigation and remediation measures to ensure the provision of safe drinking water to the populace. 4. Conclusion In summary, parameters including color, odor, and turbidity within the groundwater of the study area remained within acceptable ranges. However, groundwater samples from Water Logged and Saline Soil exhibited a notable saline taste. Approximately 65% of the samples were deemed unfit for consumption due to elevated chloride concentrations, while 88% were considered unsuitable due to poor quality attributed to higher levels of EC and TDS. Specifically, 89% of samples exhibited chloride concentrations exceeding WHO limits. Moreover, levels of total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), calcium (Ca), SO 4 and magnesium (Mg) exceeded recommended thresholds in 45%, 67%, 68%, 44%, 31%, and 37% of groundwater samples, respectively. Furthermore, the taste was reported as bitter in more than 67% of the water samples. References Jamali, M. Z., Khoso, S., Soomro, Z., Sohu, S., & Abro, A. F. (2022). EVALUATING THE SUITABILITY OF GROUNDWATER IN PAKISTAN: AN ANALYSIS OF WATER QUALITY USING SYNTHETIC POLLUTION INDEX (SPI) AND WATER QUALITY INDEX (WQI). International Journal of Energy, Environment and Economics , 30 (3), 311-328. Solangi, G. S., Siyal, A. A., Babar, M. M., & Siyal, P. (2019). Evaluation of drinking water quality using the water quality index (WQI), the synthetic pollution index (SPI) and geospatial tools in Thatta district, Pakistan. Desalination and Water Treatment , 160 , 202-213. Ahmed, S., Jamali, M. Z., Khoso, S., Azeem, F., & Ansari, A. A. (2022). ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN RURAL AREAS OF TALUKA DOKRI, SINDH, PAKISTAN, THROUGH PHYSICOCHEMICAL ARAMETERS. International Journal of Energy, Environment and Economics , 30 (3), 211-226. Jamali, M. Z., Solangi, G. S., Keerio, M. A., Keerio, J. A., & Bheel, N. (2023). Assessing and mapping the groundwater quality of Taluka Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan, using water quality indices and geospatial tools. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology , 20 (8), 8849-8862. Jamali, M. Z., Solangi, G. S., & Keerio, M. A. (2020). Assessment of Groundwater Quality of Taluka Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research , 11 (5), 795-797. Lanjwani, M. F., Khuhawar, M. Y., & Jahangir Khuhawar, T. M. (2022). Assessment of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation uses in taluka Ratodero, district Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry , 102 (16), 4134-4157. Khan, S., Aziz, T., Noor-Ul-Ain, A. K., Ahmed, I., & Nida, A. (2018). Drinking water quality in 13 different districts of Sindh, Pakistan. Health Care Curr Rev , 6 (4), 1000235. Shahbaz, M. S., Soomro, M. A., Bhatti, N. U. K., Soomro, Z., & Jamali, M. Z. (2019). The impact of supply chain capabilities on logistic efficiency for the construction projects. Civil Engineering Journal , 5 (6), 1249-1256. Khan, O.S., Sohu, S., Jamali, M.Z., Ahmed, S. and Nangapan, S., 2024. A Comparative Study on Glass, Carbon and Steel Fiber. Additional Declarations The authors declare no competing interests. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4265624","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":291033157,"identity":"d4c27d47-0117-46f6-9167-0eb29a3dbb74","order_by":0,"name":"Faraz Ali","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAABAUlEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBAC9gYIncDAwNj4QKICyGRmbsCrhecAQkuzgcUZkBZGorUwsElUtoHYhLSwn3348UdNbR7/7OY2iZvzaqP524FaflRsw62FJ91YQuLY8WKJOwebLWduO5474zBjA2PPmds4tdgzpDFIGLAdS2y4kdh4W3LbsdwGoBZmxjbcWnj4nzH/SPh3LHH+jcQG6b9zjuXOJ6hFIo1N4mBbTeKGG4lNEpINNbkbCGt5xmbZ2HcgceONxGYDiWMHcjcCtRzE5xce/jTmmz++1SXOu5H+8IFETV3uvPOHDz74UYFbCxQcRmUcIKQeCOowGKNgFIyCUTAK4AAA8QRjG7+6QHQAAAAASUVORK5CYII=","orcid":"","institution":"","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Faraz","middleName":"","lastName":"Ali","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-04-14 15:54:46","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":{"humanSubjects":false,"vertebrateSubjects":false,"conflictsOfInterestStatement":false,"humanSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false,"humanSubjectConsent":false,"humanSubjectClinicalTrial":false,"humanSubjectCaseReport":false,"vertebrateSubjectEthicalGuidelines":false},"doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4265624/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4265624/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":54759735,"identity":"452794a5-82bb-46b3-b015-c62be8c03f39","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-04-16 10:56:25","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":113344,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-4265624/v1/d62bc88d-e00c-4052-9d9b-501ddf234197.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"The authors declare no competing interests.","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChange in Water Quality due to Unfertile Saline Soil\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eGroundwater, renowned as the primary reservoir of freshwater globally, serves a myriad of purposes spanning domestic, agricultural, and industrial domains [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. At present, approximately 33% of the world's groundwater reserves are allocated for agricultural and domestic utilization. The escalating demand for this indispensable asset is fueled by urbanization, population growth, industrial expansion, and environmental dynamics [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. Despite its paramount importance, groundwater confronts an array of quality hazards, predominantly originating from industrial pursuits, which introduce pollutants encompassing biomaterials, organic contaminants (e.g., detergents, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers), and heavy metals. Both natural occurrences such as precipitation and human-induced processes like ion exchange and mineral dissolution contribute to groundwater contamination. Elevated levels of natural impurities surpassing permissible thresholds adversely affect ecosystems, soil fertility, and agricultural productivity. The global deterioration of water quality is exacerbated by chemical discharges into aquatic ecosystems and inadequate solid waste management. Presently, more than 20\u0026nbsp;billion individuals lack access to safe water, with waterborne illnesses claiming approximately 50\u0026nbsp;million lives annually, surpassing casualties from conflicts by tenfold [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePakistan, akin to other nations, grapples with issues of water scarcity and compromised water quality. The diminishing state of groundwater in Pakistan, particularly evident since 2010, is predominantly attributed to human interventions, notably the overexploitation of groundwater and discharge of untreated sewage. Arsenic contamination, a significant carcinogenic peril, is rampant in Pakistan alongside waterborne diseases such as gastroenteritis, parasitic infections, diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]. Groundwater serves as a crucial source of potable water in Pakistan, particularly in rural locales, yet deteriorating quality affects both urban and rural communities. Statistics indicate that only 41% of the urban populace and a mere 7% of rural inhabitants in Sindh have access to safe drinking water. Troubling reports from the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) underscore the pervasive unsuitability of drinking water across various districts, exacerbating the water quality crisis. Moreover, salinity intrusion in coastal regions and excessive evapotranspiration render most aquifers in Sindh saline, posing health risks and compromising irrigation efficiency. The precarious water quality scenario in Sindh, exemplified by incidents like the 2016 drought-related fatalities in Tharparkar city, underscores the urgent imperative for comprehensive investigations and sustainable interventions. Ongoing research endeavors throughout Sindh aim to comprehensively evaluate water quality and formulate sustainable measures to ensure the provision of safe water to its populace. As part of these endeavors, an appraisal of groundwater quality in Waterlogged and Saline Soil was undertaken to ascertain its suitability for potable purposes. Groundwater remains the solitary source of drinking water in various regions susceptible to contamination by Waterlogged and Saline Soil; hence, the quality of drinking water has encountered challenges over the past decade.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Methodology","content":"\u003cp\u003eA total of ten (10) groundwater samples were systematically procured from various locations within the designated study area to ascertain their suitability for potable purposes through the examination of physicochemical parameters. The parameters scrutinized encompassed calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, color, and odor. The collection of samples was meticulously executed using polyethylene half-liter water bottles sourced from taps, motors, and hand pumps, corresponding to the available water source at each collection point. Prior to sampling, the bottles underwent thorough cleansing with water from the same source as the sample. Each sample, sourced from distinct locations, was designated a unique code (e.g., L1, L2, L3\u0026hellip;L20). Strict adherence to requisite protocols and standards for sample collection and handling was maintained throughout the procedure. Subsequently, the collected groundwater samples were subjected to analysis for physicochemical parameters within laboratory facilities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSensory evaluations were conducted at collection sites to assess color, odor, and taste. Additionally, on-site measurements of turbidity, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) were carried out using appropriate meters. Conversely, the determination of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations, total hardness (TH), and chloride (Cl) levels were accomplished utilizing standard titration methods (e.g., Complexometric Titration, Mercurimetric Titration, EDTA Titration) in laboratory settings.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, all physicochemical parameters obtained from analysis were juxtaposed with the guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e] to evaluate the compliance of the groundwater samples with international standards for potable water.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results and discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe assessment of water quality parameters encompassing calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, color, and odor was carried out to determine adherence to permissible limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The findings are outlined as follows:\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003epH: Groundwater pH levels, crucial for human health, ranged from 6.9 to 8.6 within the study area, with an average of 8.5. All but one sample fell within the WHO-recommended limits (6.5 to 8.5), suggesting suitability for drinking based on pH. However, remaining samples exceeded the WHO allowable limit.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCalcium (Ca): Groundwater calcium concentrations ranged from 45 to 80 mg/L, averaging 67 mg/L. Five samples surpassed the WHO-recommended limit of 75 mg/L for drinking water, raising concerns regarding calcium concentration.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMagnesium (Mg): Groundwater samples from Water Logged and Saline Soil displayed magnesium concentrations ranging from 55 to 85 mg/L, averaging 61 mg/L. Four samples exceeded the WHO-recommended limit of 50 mg/L, potentially linked to geological formations.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChloride (Cl): Chloride concentrations ranged from 288 to 705 mg/L, averaging 305 mg/L. Nine samples surpassed the WHO guideline of 250 mg/L, indicating potential salinity and sewage infiltration issues.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal Hardness (TH): Total hardness ranged from 600 to 800 mg/L, with a mean of 413.5 mg/L. Five samples exceeded permissible limits, posing challenges associated with water hardness and gastrointestinal discomfort.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eElectrical Conductivity (EC): EC levels ranged from 800 to 1000 microsiemens per centimeter, with seven samples demonstrating elevated values possibly due to soil salt leaching and sewage infiltration.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTotal Dissolved Solids (TDS): TDS concentrations ranged from 1100 to 1820 mg/L, with seven samples exhibiting severe contamination. Elevated TDS levels can pose health risks, especially for individuals with kidney or heart ailments.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverall, the results indicate varying degrees of contamination in groundwater samples from Water Logged and Saline Soil, emphasizing the need for further investigation and remediation measures to ensure the provision of safe drinking water to the populace.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"4. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn summary, parameters including color, odor, and turbidity within the groundwater of the study area remained within acceptable ranges. However, groundwater samples from Water Logged and Saline Soil exhibited a notable saline taste. Approximately 65% of the samples were deemed unfit for consumption due to elevated chloride concentrations, while 88% were considered unsuitable due to poor quality attributed to higher levels of EC and TDS. Specifically, 89% of samples exhibited chloride concentrations exceeding WHO limits. Moreover, levels of total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), calcium (Ca), SO\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e and magnesium (Mg) exceeded recommended thresholds in 45%, 67%, 68%, 44%, 31%, and 37% of groundwater samples, respectively. Furthermore, the taste was reported as bitter in more than 67% of the water samples.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJamali, M. Z., Khoso, S., Soomro, Z., Sohu, S., \u0026amp; Abro, A. F. (2022). EVALUATING THE SUITABILITY OF GROUNDWATER IN PAKISTAN: AN ANALYSIS OF WATER QUALITY USING SYNTHETIC POLLUTION INDEX (SPI) AND WATER QUALITY INDEX (WQI). \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Energy, Environment and Economics\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e30\u003c/em\u003e(3), 311-328.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolangi, G. S., Siyal, A. A., Babar, M. M., \u0026amp; Siyal, P. (2019). Evaluation of drinking water quality using the water quality index (WQI), the synthetic pollution index (SPI) and geospatial tools in Thatta district, Pakistan. \u003cem\u003eDesalination and Water Treatment\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e160\u003c/em\u003e, 202-213.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAhmed, S., Jamali, M. Z., Khoso, S., Azeem, F., \u0026amp; Ansari, A. A. (2022). ASSESSMENT OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN RURAL AREAS OF TALUKA DOKRI, SINDH, PAKISTAN, THROUGH PHYSICOCHEMICAL ARAMETERS. \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Energy, Environment and Economics\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e30\u003c/em\u003e(3), 211-226.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJamali, M. Z., Solangi, G. S., Keerio, M. A., Keerio, J. A., \u0026amp; Bheel, N. (2023). Assessing and mapping the groundwater quality of Taluka Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan, using water quality indices and geospatial tools. \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Environmental Science and Technology\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e20\u003c/em\u003e(8), 8849-8862.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eJamali, M. Z., Solangi, G. S., \u0026amp; Keerio, M. A. (2020). Assessment of Groundwater Quality of Taluka Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan. \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Scientific \u0026amp; Engineering Research\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e11\u003c/em\u003e(5), 795-797.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLanjwani, M. F., Khuhawar, M. Y., \u0026amp; Jahangir Khuhawar, T. M. (2022). Assessment of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation uses in taluka Ratodero, district Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan. \u003cem\u003eInternational Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e102\u003c/em\u003e(16), 4134-4157.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKhan, S., Aziz, T., Noor-Ul-Ain, A. K., Ahmed, I., \u0026amp; Nida, A. (2018). Drinking water quality in 13 different districts of Sindh, Pakistan. \u003cem\u003eHealth Care Curr Rev\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e6\u003c/em\u003e(4), 1000235.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eShahbaz, M. S., Soomro, M. A., Bhatti, N. U. K., Soomro, Z., \u0026amp; Jamali, M. Z. (2019). The impact of supply chain capabilities on logistic efficiency for the construction projects. \u003cem\u003eCivil Engineering Journal\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e5\u003c/em\u003e(6), 1249-1256.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKhan, O.S., Sohu, S., Jamali, M.Z., Ahmed, S. and Nangapan, S., 2024. A Comparative Study on Glass, Carbon and Steel Fiber.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Saline Soil, Groundwater, Unfertile soil","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4265624/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4265624/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe unequivocal necessity of potable water for sustaining life notwithstanding, a discernible global trend indicates a worrisome deterioration in the quality of drinking water on a worldwide scale. Hence, this inquiry was undertaken to evaluate the potability of water extracted from aquifers surrounded by waterlogged soil. Ten samples were procured from hand pumps situated in the vicinity of waterlogged and saline soil, subsequently subjected to comprehensive laboratory analysis at a water testing facility. The investigation encompassed an assessment of various water quality parameters, including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, color, and odor, in accordance with WHO guidelines. Standardized methodologies were strictly adhered to for the qualitative assessment of water. The findings unveiled that several physicochemical parameters in hand pump samples from saline soil surpassed permissible thresholds. Specifically, 89% of samples exhibited chloride concentrations exceeding WHO limits. Moreover, levels of total hardness (TH), total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), calcium (Ca), SO4 and magnesium (Mg) exceeded recommended thresholds in 45%, 67%, 68%, 44%, 31%, and 37% of groundwater samples, respectively.. Additionally, more than 67% of water samples were reported to have a bitter taste. In conclusion, the findings underscore that water in saline soil is contaminated and unsuitable for human consumption.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Change in Water Quality due to Unfertile Saline Soil","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-04-16 10:48:19","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-4265624/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"eaa93cd2-e031-4629-bd22-961b608d53fb","owner":[],"postedDate":"April 16th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":30655354,"name":"Environmental Engineering"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-04-16T10:48:19+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-04-16 10:48:19","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-4265624","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-4265624","identity":"rs-4265624","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"qtupq5eGEP_6zYnWcrvyt","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}