Ardabil Alluvial Plain Aquifer Vulnerability Zoning Using a Combination of GIS and DRASTIC Method

Groundwater resources are the second largest fresh water resources in the world and almost one third of the world population depend on these resources. These resources that are accessible through wells, canals and springs are utilized for different uses and in return they receive ample amount of domestic, industrial and agricultural waste waters. Assessment of aquifer vulnerability is very useful in land uses management and development, groundwater quality monitoring and prevention of water resources pollution.

In current study, DRASTIC model in conjunction with GIS is used for zoning Ardabil plain vulnerability and aquifer quality data processing and analysis is performed accordingly by these tools.
It also uses the measurement results of nitrate in groundwater, DRASTIC model is calibrated to the Ardabil plain.

The results of the drastic model show that the vulnerability of the Ardabil plain aquifer is more in the moderate vulnerability group. According to the findings of this study, moderate vulnerability is 39.3%, low vulnerability is 32.4% and high vulnerability is 21.1%, very low vulnerability is 6% and very high vulnerability is 1.1%, respectively.

The level of contaminations of Ardabil aquifer was observed to be high and the result of this research revealed that its potential to be polluted is high. Therefore, given the importance of the groundwater resources in the region, it is necessary to establish a management plan to optimize the usage of this valuable resource.