I am doing my research in water quality assessment. I performed analysis of different groundwater samples for 14 physico-chemical parameters. Would GIS be useful for me in assessing the water quality of the stations chosen?
Respected madam, actually i analyzed the collected water samples for 14 various chemical parameters, can i do GIS using the data which i analyzed? or do i require any other supplementary data?
Madam, sorry for troubling you.... With due apologies i request you to please let me know to do all this process do i require any software.. If so how can i get the software... Thanku
using GIS and GPS data(lat and long) plot contours of all groundwater quality parameters. super impose(EC,SAR,RSC) and separate area of different classes of groundwater quality for irrigation. but GIS cant help to analyze GW quality directly.
Hi. i'm very much interested in this topic. I agree with Dr Vekariya. GW can only be map out through the data of location and the water quality still laboratory work. The GIS information is definitely going to be useful. As the water is dynamic. Higher sampling frequency may help in producing convincing data. Arcview may be a good software to plot the distribution map.
in a specified village i have chosen 6 sampling stations, collected ground water samples from each of the station and analyzed for 14 parameters... now in what way the work i did will help me with GIS data?
dear Adhi Naresh.. actually i dint understand to whom u asked the question and what actually u want? request you to be clear in your question
GIS is two things there is the mapping functionality where you can do nothing more than mapping by locating where your 6 stations are, using the lat lon locations and may be add some layers to make it look good.... then there is spatial analysis: with spaital analysis you can try to interpolate values between these points and make a surface data instead of just point data, you can also do some predictions as to what happens when you fluctuate the parameters, you can overlay it with other data and try and see if there are relationships with other environmental variables... etc.. you can do almost any kind of analysis you could do with other modelling methods....
but I highly doubt that 6 points are enough to use it as an enough data source to produce a mesh, or surface dataset or do any of the analyses mentioned above. the other option is to find other datasets that represent your 14 parameteres. for example if one of you parameters was some element or compoundl content, if you could find a spaital data on that parameter you can use it to better estimate those prameters at a wider range. However, with only those 6 points, doing more than mapping with GIS will be using a good tool but with a very bad method as you cannot convince end users that 6 points are enough to assess the problem at hand.
Senait Senay.. thank you very much for your reply.. in the specified village there is no other option except 6 sampling stations. the village has 6 sources of ground water. i have collected all the SIX samples for analysis. so its not possible for me to GIS for the data i have am i right?
Hi Kumar, what is your output? what do you want to predict, fit or understand in the end? do you want to interpolate a surface layer that shows the gradiant throughout the village using your samples? or whatever other results you want to get, yes you can do that, as explained by the respondents above. 1)First put your x and y coordinates in a column and next to each x and y coordinate pair that corresponds to the station put all your parameters under separate column. this will be used to make your spatial data 2) open a GIS softw are it could be ArcGIS but if you don't have that there are a lot of free programs like GRASS, or an easier version QGIS or Debian GIS choose one, then import the excel or dbf file you prepared on step 1. importing method varies slightly for all but they are very similar there is plenty of step by step tutorial for each software. you can find that on the web. once you import that data, you can start doing your GIS analysis, if you want to interpolate this into a raster you can use IDW, Kriging or other methods given in spatial analysis toolboxes of the softwares, or there are plenty of anayses you can do on vectors (points, lines and polygons) like finding the nearest feature that might be associated with pollution or i don't know this will depend entirely on your research question. It is hard to specify what analysis you could use without knowing what your research question is.
I think GIS analysis help full any data which have geographical location dependance . Ground water assessment also have geographical location dependance . You can interpolate the the results of your chemical or physical analysis in to raster format . and analyses the complained data through raster calculation options of GIS
Respected Senait .. i ma very grateful to you for your neat explanation... I WISH TO CHECK/ VALIDATE WHETHER THE WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT WHICH I DID BY STATISTICAL (WQI) MEASUREMENTS RESEMBLES by the data given by GIS is this possible? or is it mandatory that i must submit the GIS data along with my WQI data in my thesis?
Dear Adhi Naresh... please let me know what actually you want to know from me i will surely help you.. if its possible by me
to be honost, using one method to validate the other doesn't validate your data. the statistical tools employed in spatial data (geo-statistics) follow the same basic statistic rules ( unless you are using bayesian or AI statistics). So from what I understand you have done some statistical analysis right? ( it would help to know what functions, tests you used). then validate that using Geostats? in that case first you need to convert your point data into raster using point to raster conversion, then what you have to do is use the geo-stat package I will give you a link to a very good reference book with steps on how you can use geo-stats for spatial data analysis. http://spatial-analyst.net/book/
you can go to the 'download pdf' tab and get the book, it is an open source free book. There is no simple answer to this, GIS is a collection of tools just like Statistics is, every function depends on what you want to do. the only difference is that GIS is spatial and all your data should have a geo-reference information to work with it. I am sure you will find most of the functions you need in that book. it is also based on R and R packages and both are freely available. good luck.
X and Y locations are the minimum you need. A common mistake with ground water contouring is the fact that water quality varies with depth also, especially when there are confining layers and lenses. I've seen maps of EC from wells in the San Joaquin Valley from back in the 1970's that didn't take into consideration the Z (depth) factor and the quality variations by aquifer. They also seemed to be unaware of the difference between EC and Specific Conductance... make sure that you do, OK? :-)
thanku William....for sure i will take ur words while i perform the analysis
You can use the Geostatistical lib in GIS to draw mapping of water quality and then you may interpret the results based on some experience with geostatistical techniques.
The complexity of the variation of water quality with depth and the characteristics of the aquifer(s) is a risk that has to be taken into consideration when presenting the results of an interpolation of your point data, and using them for decision making.
I recommend you this book I think it could be very interesting for your research. GIS, ENVIRONMENTAL MODELING AND ENGINEERING. A. BRIMICOMBE CRC PRESS
You can develop spatial trend map of study area based on your sampling data using GIS tool. Such type of water pollution hazard map could be useful for decision makers to implement the aquifer protection and remediation program. Water quality hazard map also useful to calibrate groundwater vulnerability map......
Pavan Kumar
Please refer one of my research article uploaded in RG regarding the reclamation of land around lagoon mouth operation and salinity intrusion published in rjsitm
@ PAVAN KUMAR
hi, how you have made water quality index, I mean the parameters u have selected in estimation of WQI.
@Senait Senay
Have u came across requirement of minimum number of sample points for preparation of parameter surface say EC or pH or water quality index (any property). I read somewhere for krigging, one must have minimum 100 or so sample points to analyze the trends in the data set. But not have any idea about IDW method.
I'm sorry but I have not the context of work and I do not dare to give an opinion, good evening
I think it will depend on amount of station/points which you have. If you have the samples for significant amount of points, their representation in GIS and then some math or statistical analysis with internal procedures of GIS can be very useful ...
Respected Alla sir.... i have 10 villages.. each village constitutes 6 sampling stations, actually i am working on water quality assessment and physcio chemical characterization of river basin from originating place to estuary point... in that those villages and sampling stations aforesaid...
hi,you can use Arcgis to determination of ground water quality by ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst.
For the help you visit this site:
Introduction to the ArcGIS Geostatistical Analyst Tutorial
http://help.arcgis.com/en/arcgisdesktop/10.0/help/index.html#//0031000000nz000000
for determinate the quality of qround water you can use AQqa Software.
We have some say water quality properties (Say conductivity, pH, Nitrate, Chlorides etc.) at spatially distributed locations. The GIS software can help us prepare a map to investigate the variation of those properties by visual method. The geo-statistical methods will enhance accuracy of these maps.
Now we are left with how accurate are predictions? Only by using error maps, can we say that these maps are accurate enough. If properties are trending, how can we utilize the parameters which affect on water properties like say DEM or NDVI (vegeation)?
Definitely, GIS can be helpful in analyzing groundwater quality (pH, EC, SAR, RSC, F, etc). You can prepare contours for each of the water quality parameters and subsequently overlay them to interpret. You can also add land use theme. The river basin quality can be interpreted with the help of source of inflows and subsequent water quality at a particular point and finally upto estuary point.
See the paper below, I guess it may help you,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258225101_Geostatistical_analysis_using_GIS_for_mapping_groundwater_quality_case_study_in_the_recharge_area_of_Wadi_Usfan_western_Saudi_Arabia?ev=prf_pub
Article Geostatistical analysis using GIS for mapping groundwater qu...
Yes, kindly consult the article as suggested by Amro, Its very informative.
GIS is surely helpful. But, how much help you can extract out of it depends on your innovation and also on the nature of problem. Water quality varies in 4 dimensions - x,y,z,t. First, the data should be enough to represent these variations. Second, only 2d variations can be shown at a time, in maps. Third, interpolations are risky, because water quality variations are sometimes very localized, and spiky, before interpolation proper data point spread be ensured, based on possible sources of contamination, but that will again lead to a lot of sampling, so strike a balance based on available resources. Four, Make grids using interpolation, compare the grid patterns with patterns of landuse, contaminant sources etc. If you are lucky you may get simple relationship between patterns. Alternatively, calculate water quality index at each station and then interpolate. try to match this pattern with landuse, contaminant sources. Alternatively, water quality at individual stations may be matched with surrounding contamination sources, especially from upflow (GW source regions) portions. Finally, quality maps for different periods may be substracted or a normalized difference index be created to highlight regions of maximum temporal (seasonal) water quality changes. That maybe related to seasonal recharge or seasonal contamination etc.
can get ideas here:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230701111_GIS-based_impact_assessment_of_land-use_changes_on_groundwater_quality_study_from_a_rapidly_urbanizing_region_of_South_India?ev=prf_pub
Article GIS-based impact assessment of land-use changes on groundwat...
This report was done a long time ago, before mapping was as automated as it is today, but it follows the McHarg overlay process that was the "Father" of GIS and the 19 maps show how GIS can help better understand ground water quality: http://www.water.ca.gov/bdma/docs/Templin1984SJVGWnet.pdf
Although it is not clear what exactly you are going to do, GIS, which is one of the major data sources for groundwater modelling and also provides many spatial analysis functions, would be generally helpful in water related studies.
the article below is an example of GIS groundwater contamination risk index method:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248017787_An_approach_to_catchment-scale_groundwater_nitrate_risk_assessment_from_diffuse_agricultural_sources_a_case_study_in_the_Upper_Bann_Northern_Ireland?ev=prf_pub
Article An approach to catchment-scale groundwater nitrate risk asse...
i am not sure how many data points you have, but will assume you have a good spatially distributed samples. if you are only looking at the spatial distribution of course you can use any contouring software (surfer for example), but if your assessment include spatial analysis and trying to find the source of the anomalous parameters, say by pollution, then GIS would be a great tool to incorporate all other information. for example if you are looking for sources of cotamination by anthropogenic activities, then using a GIS, an overlay of a contour map of parameters measured to show their trends with a landuse map and other activities would help a lot.
I have uploaded three articles related to this research on RG It will be useful for your reseaech
Definitely true!
You can have a look/explore "WEAP" (Water Evaluation and Planning) software for this issue. http://www.weap21.org/
اHi
GIS software Can be helpful and it can be helpful by Interpolation your data
Of course, with surface analysis tool you can interpret data better
Once you have you spatial data you can do it,,, it is very helpful
Estimation and mapping of underground quafiers are need of the hour, since the quality and quantity of water remain/nor enough for how many years for how many persons.Appropriate science may requires.
Groundwater quality depends greatly on water well construction criteria. Few wells draw water solely from perforated intervals. It is more likely that fluids in domestic water wells are derived from mixed, vertically stratified aquifer sources. For example, open hole and sand pack completions will provide cross-flow communication between aquifer zones. Therefore, vertical mapping (z) will help address factors controlling the evolution and the composition of vertically stratified aquifers and can be just as important as mapping (x,y) variations. Natural cross-flow can also create variability in water quality measurements particularly near groundwater discharge zones such as hyporheic zones. Mixing in hyporheic zones is becoming a subject of increasing interest in hydrologic investigations. For these reasons, it is best to think of any map of groundwater quality as a snapshot of the fluid mix environment in domestic water wells at any given time.
It is very helpful to combine spatial analysis with the water quality interpretation, especially if you have spatial data on possible sources that can be linked to the results on quality that you observe (in the case of point pollution sources). Contour maps of water quality results can also be drawn in GIS or imported into GIS from specialty contouring software packages. All of these can help in interpretation. Lastly GIS is very useful in groundwater modeling.
Of course, ArcGIS currently has two approaches for working with groundwater data: Arc Hydro Groundwater, and ArcGIS Groundwater Toolset. with these two tools you can interpret data better
Ofcourse GIS is a lot more helpful spatial analysis tool. The answer to your question depends upon your objectives and source/depth of the samples. If you want to evaluate spatial variation of groundwater quality, I think you need to develop contours for each parameter, for different depths sampled.
This can help you to infer about quality variation, whether it depends on depth or otherwise.
Certainly GIS and particularly spatial analysis feature of GIS can be used very conveniently for water quality assessment spatially and temporally.
You need to know about geostatistics and the built in tools for that in GIS to be able to analyze you data. Because GIS is only a mapping tool. The interpretation you have to make it based on the model you chose in GIS. I think there are many research papers are showing this. Look at the references mentioned in the paper I mentioned above in my reply.
If you search the internet you find many references. You may like to find two of my publications in journal:
Remote Sensing and GIS Approach for Water-Well Site Selection, Southwest Iran
Environmental & Engineering Geoscience - ENVIRON ENG GEOSCI 01/2008; 14(4):315-326.
and
DEFLOGIC: a method for assessment of groundwater potentail in Karst terrains: Gurpi anticline, SW Iran
Arab. J. geosciences DOI: 10, 1007/s12517-013-0958-6
Yes. GIS is tool. Any applied science can use this tool to demonstrate data. Specially in Groundwater hydrology GIS can use to prepare maps and based on maps analysis can be made on quality of water and contamination sources.
Definitely GIS is very helpful tool provided that you know the key parameters needed in groundwater quality such as ionic ratio,corrosivity ratio,drainage density as reflector to recharge/replenishment of groundwater,E.C. ...etc
A (non-spatial) way of investigating the relationships between parameters is by using Self Organising Map ANNs. Have a look at these papers:
P. M. Mele and D. E. Crowley, “Application of self-organizing maps for assessing soil biological quality,” Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, vol. 126, pp. 139-152, 2008,
Mounce, S. R., Douterelo, I., Sharpe, R. and Boxall, J. B. (2012). A bio-hydroinformatics application of self-organizing map neural networks for assessing microbial and physico-chemical water quality in distribution systems. Proceedings of 10th International Conference on Hydroinformatics, Hamburg, Germany, July 2012.
You can use GIS but I recommend GS+ software because you can obtain maps with major precision.
Delgado C. C., Pacheco A. J., Cabrera S. A., Batllori S. E., Orellana R. and Bautista F. 2010. Quality of groundwater for irrigation in tropical karst environment: the case of Yucatán, México. Agricultural water management. 97, 1423-1433. Factor de impacto 2.016. SCI. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03783774
You can use GIS extensively to infer spatial distribution of various groundwater quality parameters.
You can consider the following paper:
1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/220045219_Environmental_Impact_Assessment_of_Heavy_Metal_Concentration_in_Groundwater_and_Air_of_Maheshwaram_Watershed_Ranaga_Reddy_District_A.P._India?ev=prf_pub
2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51627198_Integrating_geospatial_and_ground_geophysical_information_as_guidelines_for_groundwater_potential_zones_in_hard_rock_terrains_of_south_India?ev=prf_pub
3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/221718199_Deciphering_heavy_metal_contamination_zones_in_soils_of_a_granitic_terrain_of_southern_India_using_Factor_analysis_and_GIS?ev=prf_pub
Article Environmental Impact Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentration...
Article Integrating geospatial and ground geophysical information as...
Article Deciphering heavy metal contamination zones in soils of a gr...
Link below is a report that includes groundwater quality maps prepared by using GIS. http://www.ags.gov.ab.ca/publications/abstracts/OFR_2013_07.html -
(Maps of Fresh Groundwater Chemistry, Edmonton-Calgary Corridor, Alberta: I - Surficial Sediments Aquifer).
Hope this will be a good reference for you.
yes, GIS will help you knowing the spatial distribution of chemical parameters over your study area. you can also refer some of my papers. that will help you
Geographical Information System offers the possibility of data interpretation, quality maps and parameters variation charts from a Water quality monitoring/control system (surface and underground water, water for supply and irrigation).
GIS combined with remote sensing and satellite systems can be continuously informed and can constitute the main mechanism of a decision-making system for the protection of natural ecosystems and water resources. There are many papers on the subject.
Kindly look at this link:
The Use of a Geographic Information System in Groundwater Modeling
by Kris Martinez
http://www.ce.utexas.edu/prof/maidment/grad/martinez/hydro/term.htm
In fact yes. But from the practical point of view you need to look for a GIS with a groundwater modelling extension.
Yes it is helpful and I will sent you a paper done by one of my colleges in this application. please send me your email.
Yes, it is. GIS is a very good tool for your work, but it is very good tool (software) for different environmental fields also. But, I fully agree with Mr. Gabriel Asato that for your work you need modelling software to assess your parameters for groundwater samples.
Yes indeed, it is helpful. Better to couple with groundwater modelling software for a better understanding
This might be fine if you want to take a photo of the situation. However, you need to consider other situation as which will be the resulting (or expected) water quality if the system you are interested in becomes intensively used. It is advisable to know how your system is in 3D.
You can not access actual groundwater quality using GIS technique. However, You can prepare spatial distribution contours of physico-chemical data which helps interpretation of quality for genesis, geographic controls etc.
The common approach in mapping water quality is
1. Either representing the data in GIS format and mainly assessing the EC parameter
2. Considering most of water quality parameters, assigning weights and representing the data in GIS formats in form of INDEX
3....
@ Sana Ullah : What approach u have followed
and what is interpolation you have used.
If you assess groundwater it should be kept in mind that it flows in three dimensions from its recharge to it discharge zone. Another important factor indicates that there are several of this zones representing different and contrasting flows that reach contrasting depth of circulation after traveling some for short distance (local flows) and other for longer distance (intermediate and regional). It could be helpful to you if you can read some of the work published by J Toth (from the University of Alberta, Canada) on groundwater flow systems.
Perhaps GIS could be recommended for a preliminary start, or to show data to an audience, but it also requires to incorporate the physical and chemical processes (hydrogeology dependent) and their full understanding before, during and after decisions making. Otherwise, serious problems will appear in a short time or (much worst) in a few years (when much development would have started). Groundwater quality response is hydrogeologically dependent (x,y,z-flow direction and chemical water-rock interaction in the environment) so planned extraction might result in a contrasting expected water quality. Groundwater behaviour suggests that GIS or other means of data presentation need to be strongly supported by the processes involved, especially when water is planned to be used as merchandise (commodity).
Of course GIS is the effective tool used in all kinds of spatial analysis. And for groundwater there is also no other better choice. with interpolation of different groundwater quality parameters one can analyse and assess the possible locations of appropriate amount and quality of available groundwater.
So, go ahead with GIS for spatial analysis of groundwater
Yes, you need to add to the water quality parameters, the X, Y and Z coordinates so there locations are referenced through the GIS. Geostatistics (Kriging) can be used during the process, once you model the distribution of the parameter you can map it distribution as contour map and you can add attributes to each groundwater well. thus the GIS will be an assistant tool for making good decisions.
You may have a look at the paper in the link below, it may help,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258225101_Geostatistical_analysis_using_GIS_for_mapping_groundwater_quality_case_study_in_the_recharge_area_of_Wadi_Usfan_western_Saudi_Arabia
Also there is a link on Kinging method in the lecture below:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258276827_Kriging
Article Geostatistical analysis using GIS for mapping groundwater qu...
Data Kriging
Dear Kumar,
From a practical point of view, GIS is useful tool to model any phenomenon or process that has a spatial component (here in your question quality of groundwater) and this is through 2 main fundamental capabilities inside the GIS. First, through its rich set of tools for spatial analysis. Second, through data fusion by using data overlay. Through these two capabilities you can develop your visual and quantitative understanding for the quality of groundwater.
Regards,
Gamal
Don't forget the depth component... you will need to account for water quality variations from various depths, particularly if you have confining layers... sorry if this is insulting your intelligence, but you would be surprised how many times I've seen people try to contour well depths or SC or other parameters without considering perforation intervals... and pumping zones...
Allow me to follow William Templin comment. It might be advisable to interpolate water quality characteristics (with whatever method, even by hand) in X & Y, if the aquifer unit is relatively thin (a few meters thick) and in relatively homogeneous geological conditions. Vertical components of flow need to be negligible suggesting that horizontal flow prevails. That is, the opportunity to develop contrasting up/down flows is limited. When the aquifer unit is thick (as in most geographical regions) each flow has contrasting chemistry and physical characteristics. The temperature gradient (about 1°C per 33 m depth) will affect groundwater chemistry producing different flow conditions, influencing also water density (an interesting factor in aquifer-tests). It should be remember that groundwater moves in 3D from recharge to discharge areas, the stratification of water with different water quality (physical & chemical) in thick aquifer units is to be given consideration. Finally, it should be remember that in reality water moves vertically (downwards in the recharge area), horizontally in the transit area, and vertically upwards in the discharge area. In aquifer units with stratified flow conditions it would be most difficult to “interpolate” in an x-y (flat) dimension. In my home-town we have an expression: “do not count oranges and apples”; groundwater flows with different chemistry (and density) should not be mixed. Further, often wells might be constructed at similar intervals but it is not uncommon in fractured terrain that groundwater rises up to the pumping zone...
Yes, you need to add to the water quality parameters with coordinates so the locations will be referenced through the GIS. Moreover, other environmental equation like risk impact , enrichment and accumulation sing as points and monitored by location using the GIS, the these results can be used to identify the vulnerability points.
First what is needed to understand is; GIS is graphic software where baselines are interpreted which is easier and better to understand concerning all the knowledge level. By using different tools provided in GIS like, Counter one could show water quality and this need water quality data of various locations of study area.
GIS is a great tool... used appropriately.. but often I've seen work done by "techies" who are GIS guru's but know little about the data that they are using and the validity of their product... just a word of warning... GIS is just another Tool in the Toolbox, but without knowledgeable "mechanics" the tools can be misused...
You may have a look at the paper in the link below, it may help,
Article Ground Water Quality Maps of Paravanar River Sub Basin, Cudd...
http://www.ipublishing.co.in/jggsvol1no12010/EIJGGS2002.pdf
Article Hydrogeochemistry of the Paravanar River Sub-Basin, Cuddalor...
Article Groundwater Quality Assessment Using Water Quality Index and...
Yes. GIS is a handful tool for doing mapping and image analysis (characterization of features on the image). As far as your study is concerned, you can use it in two ways.
First one is you can map all the 14 water quality parameters you've analyzed and interpret them to make a conclusion about their source, nature and origin. You can also interpolate your results to increase the sample density in the study area. Moreover, you can add different water bodies present in the study area as well as do watershed analysis to find the source and sinks in the catchment.
Second thing you can do is remotely sense the data by using the results you've acquired through analysis of samples and training pixels on a satellite image to distinguish certain features on the basis of color differences on the satellite imagery. Run that scheme over complete area and use your analysis results as a ground check or quality check for your remotely sensed data/results.
Good luck.
Hello,
Of course, GIS very much important to determine spatial and temporal variation of groundwater quality. When you studying river basin management studies, You can overlay aquifer maps, contours maps, land use maps, population, agriculture or any other related parameters with each of the water quality parameters and interpret your results and predictions.
Hope following paper will help you for getting information,
Article Mapping Spatial Distribution Of Water Quality Parameters Usi...
Yohan
Is the best app you can used I know is a little bit difficult but really awesome
yes you can use kriging or IDW for spatial distribution of aquifer.
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