In the heart of the Gaza Strip, a critical study is shedding light on the vulnerability of groundwater resources to contamination, with significant implications for agriculture and energy sectors. Led by Akram Al Hallaq, a researcher affiliated with An-Najah National University, the study employs the DRASTIC model within a GIS environment to assess the susceptibility of aquifers in the Khanyounis governorate to pollution.
The DRASTIC model, an acronym for Depth to water table, net Recharge, Aquifer media, Soil media, Topography, Impact of the vadose zone, and hydraulic Conductivity, evaluates aquifer vulnerability by analyzing seven key environmental parameters. By utilizing ArcGIS 9.3 software, Al Hallaq and his team have created detailed vulnerability maps that reveal crucial insights about the region’s groundwater.
The study found that the western part of Khanyounis governorate exhibits high to very high vulnerability to contamination due to shallow water tables and permeable soils. “The shallowness of the water table combined with moderate to high recharge potential makes this area particularly susceptible,” Al Hallaq explains. In contrast, the central and eastern parts show lower vulnerability, primarily due to deeper water tables.
The research highlights that soil media pose the highest risk of contamination, followed by the impact of the vadose zone, depth to water level, and hydraulic conductivity. Topography, net recharge, and aquifer media contribute to lower risks. “The coefficient of variation indicates that topography and depth to water level are significant contributors to the variation in vulnerability index,” Al Hallaq notes. This variability underscores the importance of precise data on soil media and vadose layers for accurate vulnerability assessments.
The findings have profound implications for the agricultural and energy sectors. In regions where chemicals and pesticides are extensively used, the risk of groundwater contamination is heightened. “This model serves as a crucial tool for national authorities and decision-makers, particularly in agricultural areas,” Al Hallaq emphasizes. By identifying vulnerable zones, stakeholders can implement targeted measures to protect groundwater resources, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and reliable water supplies for energy production.
The study, published in the journal “An-Najah University Journal for Natural Sciences,” demonstrates the power of GIS technology in handling large spatial data and providing efficient analysis environments. As the world grapples with water scarcity and contamination issues, such research becomes increasingly vital. The DRASTIC model, enhanced by GIS, offers a robust framework for assessing and mitigating groundwater vulnerability, paving the way for informed decision-making and sustainable resource management.
This research not only highlights the critical state of groundwater in the Gaza Strip but also sets a precedent for similar studies in other regions. By understanding the specific parameters that contribute to aquifer vulnerability, policymakers and industry leaders can develop strategies to safeguard this precious resource. As Al Hallaq’s work shows, the integration of advanced technologies and scientific models can provide the insights needed to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: ensuring the availability of clean and safe water for future generations.