Groundwater quality evaluation for irrigation using irrigation water quality indexes under GIS framework in Aksum Area, Northern Ethiopia

Haile Tadelle Abadi; Weldegebriel Haile; Negasi Gebremedhin

doi:10.26599/JGSE.2026.9280075

Volume 14 Issue 2

Jun. 2026

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Article Navigation > Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering > 2026 > 14(2): 123-147

Abadi HT, Haile W, Gebremedhin N. 2026. Groundwater quality evaluation for irrigation using irrigation water quality indexes under GIS framework in Aksum Area, Northern Ethiopia. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 14(2): 123-147 doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2026.9280075

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Groundwater quality evaluation for irrigation using irrigation water quality indexes under GIS framework in Aksum Area, Northern Ethiopia

doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2026.9280075

1.
Department of Geology, Faculty of Mines, Aksum University, Shire, Ethiopia
2.
School of Earth Sciences, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia

More Information

Corresponding author: hailetadele2009@gmail.com
Received Date: 2025-01-25
Accepted Date: 2025-12-17

Available Online: 2026-04-30

Publish Date: 2026-06-30

Abstract

Abstract

This study evaluates the suitability of irrigation water in the semi-arid region of Aksum, northern Ethiopia. An integrated approach combining the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) and ArcGIS-based spatial analysis was applied to assess the spatial variability of irrigation water quality. Twenty-five groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for key physicochemical parameters and heavy metals using standard laboratory techniques. Exceedances of recommended irrigation water limits were recorded for magnesium (16%), nitrate (32%), salinity hazard (12%), total dissolved solids (20%), total hardness (60%), residual sodium carbonate (16%), kelly index (4%), and magnesium ratio (32%). Based on the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI), 36% of the samples fell under high restriction, 32% under moderate restriction, 24% under severe restriction, and 8% under low restriction for irrigation use. Although most of groundwater sources are suitable based on individual water quality parameters, the IWQI indicates that a significant portion of samples requires restricted use for irrigation. This highlights the need for targeted groundwater management strategies to mitigate localized risks associated with salinity and sodicity. The integrated IWQI-GIS approach demonstrated in this study is readily transferable to other arid and semi-arid regions, providing a robust tool for sustainable irrigation management and climate-resilient agricultural planning.
- Hydrogeochemistry,
- Spatial analysis,
- Irrigation water suitability,
- Agricultural water management,
- Semi-arid climate,
- IWQI

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References(61)

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