Assessment of Groundwater Resources and Hydro-Geochemical Characteristics of Mandali Basin - East Iraq

Groundwater is an essential natural water resource that supplies the population for various domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses. Mandali Basin, located in Diyala Governorate, in the eastern side of Iraq, was investigated during the fieldwork in 2024. The results showed that the unconfined aquifer consists of interbedded of Bai Hassan formation and Quaternary deposits. The average thickness of this aquifer was 46 meters, while the average water permeability (transmissivity) was 112 square meters/day, with 655 cubic meters/day of maximum yields. The direction of groundwater movement begins from the north-eastern part towards the south-western part in the studied area. The distribution map of salinity of groundwater demonstrates increasing values on the western side of the area. The physical and chemical parameters indicate a continental origin of the groundwater, as it is brackish to saline water. The calcium sulfate was the dominant groundwater type. The groundwater is mainly useful for livestock and irrigation purposes, while some samples indicate its use for human benefits. The area between Mandali and Qazaniya towns reflects a qualified location to increase well drilling, where the aquifer thickness, transmissivity, and maximum yields increase, while salinity decreases.