GIS-based DRASTIC and composite DRASTIC indices for assessing groundwater vulnerability in the Baghin aquifer, Kerman, Iran

The present study estimates the Kerman-Baghin aquifer vulnerability using DRASTIC and composite DRASTIC (CDRASTIC) indices with the aid of geographic information system (GIS) techniques. Factors affecting the transfer of contamination, including water table depth, soil media, aquifer media, the impact of the vadose zone, topography, hydraulic conductivity, and land use, were used to calculate the DRASTIC and CDRASTIC indices. A sensitivity test was also performed to determine the sensitivity of the parameters. Results showed that the topographic layer displays a gentle slope in the aquifer. Most of the aquifer was covered with irrigated field crops and grassland with a moderate vegetation cover. In addition, the aquifer vulnerability maps indicated very similar results, identifying the north-west parts of the aquifer as areas with high to very high vulnerability. The map removal sensibility analysis (MRSA) revealed the impact of the vadose zone (in the DRASTIC index) and hydraulic conductivity (in the CDRASTIC index) as the most important parameters in vulnerability evaluation. In both indices, the single-parameter sensibility analysis (SPSA) demonstrated net recharge as the most effective factor in vulnerability estimation. According to the results, parts of the studied aquifer have a high vulnerability and require protective measures.