Integrated evaluation of groundwater irrigation suitability using hydrochemical indices and irrigation water quality index (IWQI) in Aksum, Tigray, Ethiopia

Groundwater in Aksum, Ethiopia, is generally suitable for irrigation despite some local variations. A comprehensive assessment using hydrochemical indices and the Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) revealed that 94.74% of samples showed no restrictions for irrigation purposes, with only 5.26% facing low restrictions due to higher levels of total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and permeability index (PI). Spatial analysis indicated a northeast-southwest decline in water quality, though overall, groundwater remains viable for sustainable agricultural use. This study integrates multiple hydrochemical parameters—including SAR, Na%, RSC, and KI—to provide a nuanced understanding of irrigation suitability, offering critical insights for water resource management and policymaking.

Ataklti, B., Tesema, F. W., & Berhe, B. A. (2026). Integrated evaluation of groundwater irrigation suitability using hydrochemical indices and irrigation water quality index (IWQI) in Aksum, Tigray, Ethiopia. Scientific Reports, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-40682-5