AQualitative Evaluation of Al-Razzaza Water Drainage and Studying the Possibility of Its Use for Irrigation

Abstract

This study was conducted in the city of Karbala for the purpose of determining the suitability of Al-Razzaza water drainage and studying the possibility of its use for irrigation. Twelve sites were selected along the course of the drainage to take samples of water. Chemical analyses were conducted for (96) samples of drainage water which collected monthly for all the sites during the period from June 2009 to January 2010. Chemical analysis for samples of water included evaluation of the total dissolved solids (TDS), the major positive elements (calcium, Ca+ +, magnesium Mg++, sodium Na+, potassium K+) and major negative elements (sulfates So4-, chloride Cl-) in addition to hydrochemical transactions (electrical conductivity EC, pH, sodium adsorption ratio SAR). The results showed that the value of electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids generally increase towards the end of the drainage. Also the results showed that the common type for the drainage water of various sites that have been identified in the period from June -2009 to January -2010 is the C2-S1 that is, brackish and low sodium water. Thus this water is suitable to irrigate most crops and it can be used for irrigation purposes in different kinds of soils, without affecting the hydraulic conductivity and the rates of water infiltration of the soil.