Spatial analysis of the groundwater quality in the Peshawar district, Pakistan

High population growth and increased exploitation of groundwater resources causes the degradation of groundwater quality. To evaluate the vulnerability of groundwater pollution a GIS based study was conducted in Peshawar district. The objectives of the study were (a) physiochemical assessment of groundwater quality (b) geospatial analysis & mapping of groundwater pollutant distribution. In order to assess the objectives 105 water quality samples were collected from the study area. Spatial statistical techniques and spatial interpolation was applied to map the spatial and directional distribution of each parameter. All parameter except Nitrate and pH were found to be highly concentrated in the main city as well as in the North-East and South-East parts of the district. It is recommended that water treatment plants should be installed at various locations to facilitate the inhabitants for drinking purpose. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the CCWI2013 Committee