Comparison of Groundwater Quality Between Paghman Regions and the Fourth Section of Kabul Sedimentary Basin, Kabul, Afghanistan
Keywords:
Groundwater, Water Quality, Total Dissolved Solid, Solved Salt in Water, AfghanistanAbstract
This study investigates groundwater quality in the Paghman area located in the fourth sector of Kabul, Afghanistan. The primary objective is to identify the natural causes of drinking water contamination, including toxic compounds and materials that leach from soluble rock formations, sediments, and soil into groundwater at infiltration points. We employed two distinct approaches: (a) area-based analysis and (b) laboratory analysis. The area-based analysis involved sampling water from various wells in Paghman and the fourth sector of Kabul. These samples revealed the presence of both soluble and insoluble sediments. Soluble materials interact with water through various chemical reactions, altering its quality, while insoluble materials were analyzed separately as solid components rather than in solutions. For this study, we assessed key water quality parameters, including electroconductivity, pH, temperature, and total hardness. Additionally, chemical analysis was conducted to measure concentrations of Ca, Na, K, Fe, SO₄, Cl₂, NH₃, Mg, F, HCO₃, and NO₃. Several years of conflict in this region contribute to the complexity of reasons responsible for these contaminants, ranging from lack of previous studies, uncontrolled discharge by a growing population, and possibly contaminants from exploded and unexploded ordnances. In addition, there is artisanal and small-scale mining by locals who discharge harmful chemicals to contaminate groundwater. By conducting a grid search of these contaminants, we hope to calculate water quality, attribute contaminants with health effects, and help municipalities with regulatory pathways to improve the quality of life for everyday citizens.
References
Asaad, F.A., Lamoreaux, P.E., 2004. Field methods for geologists and hydrogeologists. Springer: Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
Avouac, J.P., Burov, E.B., 1996. Erosion as a driving mechanism of intracontinental mountain growth. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth 101 (B8), 17747-17769. https://doi.org/10.1029/96JB01344.
Banks, D., Soldal, O., 2002. Towards a policy for sustainable use of groundwater by non-governmental organizations in Afghanistan. Hydrogeology Journal 10, 377-392. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-002-0203-y.
Belhassan, K., 2022. Managing Drought and Water Stress in Northern Africa. In Arid Environment - Perspectives, Challenges and Management. Edited by Murat Eyvaz, Ahmed Albahnasawi, Ercan Gürbulak and Mesut Tekbaş. doi https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.107391.
Belhassan, K., Vaseashta, A., Hessane, M.A., Rasouli, H., Kaabar, M.K.A., Hussein, EK., Adnan, M., 2023. Potential impact of drought on Mikkes River flow (Morocco). Iranian Journal of Earth Sciences 15 (1), 21-33. https://doi.org/10.30495/ijes.2022.1943387.1668.
Biswas, T.D., Mukherjee, S.K., 1994. The textbook of soil science, second edition. Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited: New Delhi.
Bohannon, R.G., Turner, K.J., 2005. Geologic map of quadrangle 3468. Chak-e-Wardak (509) and Kabul (510) quadrangles: Afghan Open-File Report (509/510), 1001.
Bohannon, R.G., Turner, K.J., 2007. Geologic map of quadrangle 3468, Chak Wardak-Syahgerd (509) and Kabul (510) quadrangles, Afghanistan (No. 2005-1107-A). Geological Survey (US).
Fetter. C.W., 1988. Applied Hydrogeology, Second Edition. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, CBS Publishers & Distributors Pvt. Ltd, ISBN:81-239-1264-1.
Grotzinger J.P.S., 2007. Understanding Earth, Fifth Edition. W. H. Freeman and Company , Madison Avenue New York, NY 10010.
Hamdard, M.H., Soliev, I., Rasouli, H., Kløve, B., Belhassan, K., 2022. Groundwater quality assessment in Chak Karstic Sedimentary Basin, Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Central Asian Journal of Water Research. 8(2), 102- 109. https://doi.org/10.29258/CAJWR/2022-R1.v8-2/110-127.eng.
Koons, P.O., 1989. The topographic evolution of collisional mountain belts; a numerical look at the Southern Alps, New Zealand. American Journal of Science 289 (9), 1041-1069. https://doi.org/10.2475/ajs.289.9.1041.
Khudaverdyan, S., Vaseashta, A., Ayvazyan, G., Khachatryan, M., Atvars, A., Lapkis, M., Rudenko, S., 2021. On the Semiconductor Spectroscopy for Identification of Emergent Contaminants in Transparent Mediums. In: Vaseashta, A., Maftei, C. (eds) Water Safety, Security and Sustainability. Advanced Sciences and Technologies for Security Applications. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76008-3_29.
Misra, K.C., 2012. Introduction to Geochemistry Principles and Applications, Wiley- Blackwell, A John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., Publication.
Manga, M., 2001. Using springs to study groundwater flow and active geologic processes. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences 29 (1), 201-228.
Molnar, P., 1990. A review of seismicity and the rates of active underthrusting and deformation at the Himalayas. Journal of Himalayan Geology 1, 131-154.
Montgomery, D.R., 1994. Valley incision and the uplift of mountain peaks. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth 99 (B7), 13913-13921.
Munsell Color Company, 1999. Munsell soil color charts. Munsell Color Company: USA.
Maurice, E.T., 2001. Sedimentary Petrology, © 1981, 1991, 200, Blackwell Ltd, a Blackwell Publishing Company.
Niard, N., 2005. Hydrogeology of Kabul Basin Part III: Modelling approach Conceptual and Numerical Groundwater Models. Available from: https://www.bgr.bund.de/EN/Themen/Wasser/Projekte/abgeschlossen/TZ/Afghanistan/hydrogeology_kabul_basin_3.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=3.
Nakata, T., 1972. Geomorphic history and crustal movements of the foothills of the Himalayas. Science Reports of the Tohoku University, 7th Series (Geography) 22, 39-177.
Putnis, A., 1992. An introduction to mineral sciences. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge.
Piper, A.M., 1944. A graphic procedure in the geochemical interpretation of water analyses. Trans Am Geophys Union; 25: 914–923.
Rasouli, H., Belhassan, K., Vaseashta, A., 2024. Hydrogeological Investigations of Paghman Valleys in Kabul, Afghanistan. Advances in Geological and Geotechnical Engineering Research 6 (1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.30564/agger.v6i1.6203.
Rasouli, H., Vaseashta, A., 2023. Groundwater Quality Assessment in Pul-e-Charkhi Region, Kabul, Afghanistan. Advances in Geological and Geotechnical Engineering Research 5 (4), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.30564/agger.v5i4.5949.
Rasouli, H., Vaseashta, A., 2023. Investigation of Physicochemical Properties of Qalay Abdul Ali Soil, Kabul, Afghanistan. Advances in Geological and Geotechnical Engineering Research 5 (3) 55-68. https://doi.org/10.30564/agger.v5i3.5773.
Rasouli H., 2021b. Analysis of Groundwater Quality in Jabal Sarage and Charikar Districts, Parwan, Afghanistan. Journal of Geological Research 3 (4), 45-55. https://doi.org/10.30564/jgr.v3i4.3717.
Ruleman, C.A., Crone, A.J., Machette, M.N., Haller, K.M., Rukstales, K.S., 2007. Map and database of probable and possible Quaternary faults in Afghanistan. US Geological Survey Open-file Report. 1103 (1).
Richard C.S., 2000. Applied Sedimentology, Second Edition. A Harcourt Science and Technology Company 525 B Streat, Suite 1900, San Diego, California 92101-4495, USA, https://www.Apnet.com.
Rasouli, H., Vaseashta, A., 2023. Investigation of Physicochemical Properties of Qalay Abdul Ali Soil, Kabul, Afghanistan. Advances in Geological and Geotechnical Engineering Research. 5 (3), 55-68. https://doi.org/10.30564/agger.v5i3.5773.
Raymo, M.E., Ruddiman, W.F., Froelich, P.N., 1988. Influence of late Cenozoic Mountain building on ocean geochemical cycles. Geology 16 (7), 649-653.
Sree Devi, P., Srinivasulu, S., Kesava Raju, K., 2001. Hydro-geomorphological and groundwater prospects of the Pageru River basin by using remote sensing data. Environmental Geology 40 (9), 1088-1094.
Summerfield, M.A., Hulton, N.J., 1994. Natural controls of fluvial denudation rates in major world drainage basins. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth 99 (B7), 13871-13883.
Torge, T., Georg, H., Thomas, H., 2003. Hydrogeology of the Kabul Basin Part I: Geology, Aquifer Characteristics, Climate, and Hydrography. Available from (Accessed: Dec. 20, 2023): https://www.bgr.bund.de/EN/Themen/Wasser/Projekte/abgeschlossen/TZ/Afghanistan/hydrogeology_kabul_basin_1.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=3.
Thornthwaite, C.W., 1948. An approach toward a rational classification of climate. Geographical Review 38 (1), 55-94.
Tünnemeier, T., Houben, G., 2005. Hydrogeology of Kabul Basin Part 1: Geology, Aquifer Characteristics, Climate and Hydrography (BGR), Kabul, Afghanistan. 67-72 pp. 25.
Urbano, L., Waldron, B. Daniel, W., Larsen, D., Shook, H., 2006. Groundwater–surface water interactions at the transition of an aquifer from unconfined to confined. Journal of Hydrology 321 (1-4), 200-212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2005.08.001.
Vaseashta, A., 2022. Future of Water: Challenges and Potential Solution Pathways Using a Nexus of Exponential Technologies and Transdisciplinarity. In A. Vaseashta, G. Duca, & S. Travin (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Water Sciences and Society (pp. 37-63). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-7356-3.ch002.
Vaseashta, A., Gevorgyan, G., Kavaz, D., Ivanov, O., Jawaid, M., Vasović, D., 2021. Exposome, Biomonitoring, Assessment, and Data Analytics to Quantify Universal Water Quality. In: Vaseashta, A., Maftei, C. (eds) Water Safety, Security and Sustainability. Advanced Sciences and Technologies for Security Applications. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76008-3_4.
Vaseashta, A., Duca, G., Travin, S., 2022. Handbook of Research on Water Sciences and Society (2 Volumes). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-7356-3.
Asaad, F.A., Lamoreaux, P.E., 2004. Field methods for geologists and hydrogeologists. Springer: Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.
Avouac, J.P., Burov, E.B., 1996. Erosion as a driving mechanism of intracontinental mountain growth. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth 101 (B8), 17747-17769. https://doi.org/10.1029/96JB01344.
Banks, D., Soldal, O., 2002. Towards a policy for sustainable use of groundwater by non-governmental organizations in Afghanistan. Hydrogeology Journal 10, 377-392. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-002-0203-y.
Belhassan, K., 2022. Managing Drought and Water Stress in Northern Africa. In Arid Environment - Perspectives, Challenges and Management. Edited by Murat Eyvaz, Ahmed Albahnasawi, Ercan Gürbulak and Mesut Tekbaş. doi https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.107391.
Belhassan, K., Vaseashta, A., Hessane, M.A., Rasouli, H., Kaabar, M.K.A., Hussein, EK., Adnan, M., 2023. Potential impact of drought on Mikkes River flow (Morocco). Iranian Journal of Earth Sciences 15 (1), 21-33. https://doi.org/10.30495/ijes.2022.1943387.1668.
Biswas, T.D., Mukherjee, S.K., 1994. The textbook of soil science, second edition. Tata McGraw Hill Education Private Limited: New Delhi.
Bohannon, R.G., Turner, K.J., 2005. Geologic map of quadrangle 3468. Chak-e-Wardak (509) and Kabul (510) quadrangles: Afghan Open-File Report (509/510), 1001.
Bohannon, R.G., Turner, K.J., 2007. Geologic map of quadrangle 3468, Chak Wardak-Syahgerd (509) and Kabul (510) quadrangles, Afghanistan (No. 2005-1107-A). Geological Survey (US).
Fetter. C.W., 1988. Applied Hydrogeology, Second Edition. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, CBS Publishers & Distributors Pvt. Ltd, ISBN:81-239-1264-1.
Grotzinger J.P.S., 2007. Understanding Earth, Fifth Edition. W. H. Freeman and Company , Madison Avenue New York, NY 10010.
Hamdard, M.H., Soliev, I., Rasouli, H., Kløve, B., Belhassan, K., 2022. Groundwater quality assessment in Chak Karstic Sedimentary Basin, Wardak Province, Afghanistan. Central Asian Journal of Water Research. 8(2), 102- 109. https://doi.org/10.29258/CAJWR/2022-R1.v8-2/110-127.eng.
Koons, P.O., 1989. The topographic evolution of collisional mountain belts; a numerical look at the Southern Alps, New Zealand. American Journal of Science 289 (9), 1041-1069. https://doi.org/10.2475/ajs.289.9.1041.
Khudaverdyan, S., Vaseashta, A., Ayvazyan, G., Khachatryan, M., Atvars, A., Lapkis, M., Rudenko, S., 2021. On the Semiconductor Spectroscopy for Identification of Emergent Contaminants in Transparent Mediums. In: Vaseashta, A., Maftei, C. (eds) Water Safety, Security and Sustainability. Advanced Sciences and Technologies for Security Applications. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76008-3_29.
Misra, K.C., 2012. Introduction to Geochemistry Principles and Applications, Wiley- Blackwell, A John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., Publication.
Manga, M., 2001. Using springs to study groundwater flow and active geologic processes. Annual Review of Earth and Planetary Sciences 29 (1), 201-228.
Molnar, P., 1990. A review of seismicity and the rates of active underthrusting and deformation at the Himalayas. Journal of Himalayan Geology 1, 131-154.
Montgomery, D.R., 1994. Valley incision and the uplift of mountain peaks. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth 99 (B7), 13913-13921.
Munsell Color Company, 1999. Munsell soil color charts. Munsell Color Company: USA.
Maurice, E.T., 2001. Sedimentary Petrology, © 1981, 1991, 200, Blackwell Ltd, a Blackwell Publishing Company.
Niard, N., 2005. Hydrogeology of Kabul Basin Part III: Modelling approach Conceptual and Numerical Groundwater Models. Available from: https://www.bgr.bund.de/EN/Themen/Wasser/Projekte/abgeschlossen/TZ/Afghanistan/hydrogeology_kabul_basin_3.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=3.
Nakata, T., 1972. Geomorphic history and crustal movements of the foothills of the Himalayas. Science Reports of the Tohoku University, 7th Series (Geography) 22, 39-177.
Putnis, A., 1992. An introduction to mineral sciences. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge.
Piper, A.M., 1944. A graphic procedure in the geochemical interpretation of water analyses. Trans Am Geophys Union; 25: 914–923.
Rasouli, H., Belhassan, K., Vaseashta, A., 2024. Hydrogeological Investigations of Paghman Valleys in Kabul, Afghanistan. Advances in Geological and Geotechnical Engineering Research 6 (1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.30564/agger.v6i1.6203.
Rasouli, H., Vaseashta, A., 2023. Groundwater Quality Assessment in Pul-e-Charkhi Region, Kabul, Afghanistan. Advances in Geological and Geotechnical Engineering Research 5 (4), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.30564/agger.v5i4.5949.
Rasouli, H., Vaseashta, A., 2023. Investigation of Physicochemical Properties of Qalay Abdul Ali Soil, Kabul, Afghanistan. Advances in Geological and Geotechnical Engineering Research 5 (3) 55-68. https://doi.org/10.30564/agger.v5i3.5773.
Rasouli H., 2021b. Analysis of Groundwater Quality in Jabal Sarage and Charikar Districts, Parwan, Afghanistan. Journal of Geological Research 3 (4), 45-55. https://doi.org/10.30564/jgr.v3i4.3717.
Ruleman, C.A., Crone, A.J., Machette, M.N., Haller, K.M., Rukstales, K.S., 2007. Map and database of probable and possible Quaternary faults in Afghanistan. US Geological Survey Open-file Report. 1103 (1).
Richard C.S., 2000. Applied Sedimentology, Second Edition. A Harcourt Science and Technology Company 525 B Streat, Suite 1900, San Diego, California 92101-4495, USA, https://www.Apnet.com.
Rasouli, H., Vaseashta, A., 2023. Investigation of Physicochemical Properties of Qalay Abdul Ali Soil, Kabul, Afghanistan. Advances in Geological and Geotechnical Engineering Research. 5 (3), 55-68. https://doi.org/10.30564/agger.v5i3.5773.
Raymo, M.E., Ruddiman, W.F., Froelich, P.N., 1988. Influence of late Cenozoic Mountain building on ocean geochemical cycles. Geology 16 (7), 649-653.
Sree Devi, P., Srinivasulu, S., Kesava Raju, K., 2001. Hydro-geomorphological and groundwater prospects of the Pageru River basin by using remote sensing data. Environmental Geology 40 (9), 1088-1094.
Summerfield, M.A., Hulton, N.J., 1994. Natural controls of fluvial denudation rates in major world drainage basins. Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth 99 (B7), 13871-13883.
Torge, T., Georg, H., Thomas, H., 2003. Hydrogeology of the Kabul Basin Part I: Geology, Aquifer Characteristics, Climate, and Hydrography. Available from (Accessed: Dec. 20, 2023): https://www.bgr.bund.de/EN/Themen/Wasser/Projekte/abgeschlossen/TZ/Afghanistan/hydrogeology_kabul_basin_1.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=3.
Thornthwaite, C.W., 1948. An approach toward a rational classification of climate. Geographical Review 38 (1), 55-94.
Tünnemeier, T., Houben, G., 2005. Hydrogeology of Kabul Basin Part 1: Geology, Aquifer Characteristics, Climate and Hydrography (BGR), Kabul, Afghanistan. 67-72 pp. 25.
Urbano, L., Waldron, B. Daniel, W., Larsen, D., Shook, H., 2006. Groundwater–surface water interactions at the transition of an aquifer from unconfined to confined. Journal of Hydrology 321 (1-4), 200-212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2005.08.001.
Vaseashta, A., 2022. Future of Water: Challenges and Potential Solution Pathways Using a Nexus of Exponential Technologies and Transdisciplinarity. In A. Vaseashta, G. Duca, & S. Travin (Eds.), Handbook of Research on Water Sciences and Society (pp. 37-63). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-7356-3.ch002.
Vaseashta, A., Gevorgyan, G., Kavaz, D., Ivanov, O., Jawaid, M., Vasović, D., 2021. Exposome, Biomonitoring, Assessment, and Data Analytics to Quantify Universal Water Quality. In: Vaseashta, A., Maftei, C. (eds) Water Safety, Security and Sustainability. Advanced Sciences and Technologies for Security Applications. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-76008-3_4.
Vaseashta, A., Duca, G., Travin, S., 2022. Handbook of Research on Water Sciences and Society (2 Volumes). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-7356-3.
Vaseashta, A., Rasouli, H., Chand, M.B., 2023. Hydrogeological Investigation of Six Asiab Regions in Wardak Province of Afghanistan. Hydrology: Current Research 14 (5), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.37421/2157-7587.2023.14.477.
Wheeler, R.L., Bufe, C.G., Johnson, M.L., Dart, R.L., 2005. Seismotectonic map of Afghanistan, with annotated bibliography. US Department of the Interior, US Geological Survey: Reston, VA, USA.
WHO, 2009. WHO Handbook on Indoor Radon: A Public. Health Perspective (Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization).
WHO, 2010. Preventing disease through healthy environments. Exposure to arsenic: a major public health concern. WHO, Geneva.
WHO, 2011. Arsenic in drinking water. Background document for development of WHO guidelines for drinking-water quality. WHO, Geneva.
Worthington, S.R., Ford, D.C., 2009. Self‐organized permeability in carbonate aquifers. Groundwater 47 (3), 326-336.
Younger, P.L., 2009. Groundwater in the environment: An introduction. John Wiley & Sons: San Francisco.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Ashok Vaseashta, Hafizullah Rasouli, Kaltoum Belhassan, Abdul Osmani
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
The authors keep the copyrights of the published materials with them, but the authors are aggee to give an exclusive license to the publisher that transfers all publishing and commercial exploitation rights to the publisher. The puslisher then shares the content published in this journal under CC BY-NC-ND license.
