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Seasonal variations in water quality of Al-Wehda Dam north of Jordan and water suitability for irrigation in summer

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Abstract

Al-Wehda dam is an impoundment on the Yarmouk River basin north of Jordan, which came recently into operation. The reservoir is designated to provide water for agricultural, domestic, and industrial uses. Evaluation of seasonal trends in water quality of Al-Wehda dam over the year 2010 showed strong influences by weathering and leaching of geologic units along with discharge of effluents from the adjacent agricultural lands. Seasonal trends in TDS level showed slight variations, though its concentrations have been affected by events of rainfall and evaporation. The presence of total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) promoted the development of photosynthetic algae. Temporal fluctuations in TN, TP, chlorophyll a, COD, and BOD have been observed with peaks occurred in spring season. TN to TP ratios varied seasonally with a minimum ratio observed in spring concurrent with algal bloom. Eutrophication tends to occur throughout the year, though its intensity increased in springtime. A variety of water quality parameters has been used to evaluate water for irrigation use during summer time when the water demand for irrigation increased. Of all parameters evaluated, Na% and TH indicated that the reservoir water is not suitable for irrigation purposes.

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Acknowledgment

The author would like to thank Tariq Alkhamaiseh for his assistance in water sampling, Dept. of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Yarmouk University and the Laboratory of Water, Environment and Arid Regions Research Center at Al-albayt University for providing all necessary facilities for analyzing water samples. The author appreciates Dr. Rafie Shinaq, Dr. Sameh Gharaibeh, and the anonymous reviewers for the time and contribution in reviewing and providing comments on this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 21163, Jordan

    Ahmed A. Al-Taani

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  1. Ahmed A. Al-Taani
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Correspondence to Ahmed A. Al-Taani.

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Al-Taani, A.A. Seasonal variations in water quality of Al-Wehda Dam north of Jordan and water suitability for irrigation in summer. Arab J Geosci 6, 1131–1140 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-011-0428-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-011-0428-y

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