Hydrogeochemical Evaluation of Groundwater Quality Parameters for Ogallala Aquifer in the Southern High Plains Region, USA

Derek Haskell, Joonghyeok Heo, Joonkyu Park and Chao Dong
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Derek Haskell: Staff Geologist, Hart & Hickman, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA
Joonghyeok Heo: Department of Geosciences, University of Texas Permian Basin, Odessa, TX 79762, USA
Joonkyu Park: Department of Civil Engineering, Seoil University, 28 Yongmasan-ro-90-gil, Jungnang-gu, Seoul 02192, Korea
Chao Dong: Department of Chemistry, University of Texas Permian Basin, Odessa, TX 79762, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 14, 1-17

Abstract: The purposes of this study are to analyze the groundwater quality of the Ogallala Aquifer and evaluate the hydrological characteristics in the southern High Plains region of the Permian Basin, Texas. Levels of chloride, fluoride, nitrate, selenium, pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS) were analyzed for the period 1990–2016. Data concerning a total of 133 wells were collected from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), which is an open database provided by the US government. The average levels of contaminants were compared to their respective Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) stipulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The study area experienced high concentrations of most parameters including chloride, fluoride, nitrate, selenium, and TDS, within the contaminants’ respective MCLs. Borden and Dawson counties experienced the highest overall amounts of groundwater pollutants. Possible sources of each contaminant are discussed, with oil and gas activities, agricultural practices, and other human actions impacting the conditions. This research provides important information about groundwater quality of the Ogallala Aquifer and contributes to understanding the response to development in the Permian Basin, Texas.

Keywords: Ogallala Aquifer; groundwater quality; statistical analysis; High Plains region; Permian Basin; Texas (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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