Comparison of Groundwater Quality Between Paghman Regions and the Fourth Section of Kabul Sedimentary Basin, Kabul, Afghanistan
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates groundwater quality in the Paghman area located in the fourth sector of Kabul, Afghanistan. The primary objective is to identify the natural causes of drinking water contamination, including toxic compounds and materials that leach from soluble rock formations, sediments, and soil into groundwater at infiltration points. We employed two distinct approaches: (a) area-based analysis and (b) laboratory analysis. The area-based analysis involved sampling water from various wells in Paghman and the fourth sector of Kabul. These samples revealed the presence of both soluble and insoluble sediments. Soluble materials interact with water through various chemical reactions, altering its quality, while insoluble materials were analyzed separately as solid components rather than in solutions. For this study, we assessed key water quality parameters, including electroconductivity, pH, temperature, and total hardness. Additionally, chemical analysis was conducted to measure concentrations of Ca, Na, K, Fe, SO₄, Cl₂, NH₃, Mg, F, HCO₃, and NO₃. Several years of conflict in this region contribute to the complexity of reasons responsible for these contaminants, ranging from lack of previous studies, uncontrolled discharge by a growing population, and possibly contaminants from exploded and unexploded ordnances. In addition, there is artisanal and small-scale mining by locals who discharge harmful chemicals to contaminate groundwater. By conducting a grid search of these contaminants, we hope to calculate water quality, attribute contaminants with health effects, and help municipalities with regulatory pathways to improve the quality of life for everyday citizens.
Language: English
Subfield: Water Science and Technology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4416647206