H. Beigi Harchegani, S. S. Heshmati,
Volume 18, Issue 67 (6-2014)
Abstract
Shahrekord groundwater is the main source of water for drinking, and the agricultural and industrial activities of its
inhabitants. Water quality measures of scaling and corrosion can deteriorate steel-based systems used for storage or
supplying water for drinking and to industry and irrigation. The main aim of this study was to assess the spatial
variability and mapping of scaling and corrosion using Langelier index (LI) and Ryznar index (RI) and that of the
related parameters of pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), and total alkalinity (TA) in Shahrekord
groundwater. For this purpose, water samples from 97 wells were analyzed for pH, TDS, TH, and TA and LI and RI
indices were calculated. The Gaussian model best described the spatial variability of TDS while the Spherical model
was best for all other parameters. Based on LI and RI averages of, -0.13 and 7.9 respectively, Shahrekord groundwater
has a slight potential for corrosion. The values of all parameters, except RI, were lowest in the northwest and highest in
the southeast of the aquifer. In most parts and in the center of the aquifer, the values of LI ranged from -0.5 to zero
indicating negligible scaling potential. Spatial distribution of the RI index was almost inversely symmetrical to that of
LI index. LI showed strong positive correlations with its components (varying from 0.61 to 0.90) while RI had strong
negative correlations with its components (ranging from -0.66 to -0.98). LI and RI had the strongest correlations,
respectively, with pH (r=0.90) and total alkalinity (r=-0.90).
