P02: A chemical and isotopic approach to investigate groundwater recharge in a coastal aquifer

Groundwater recharges were investigated by exploring the physico-chemical parameters, major ion chemistry, and stable isotope (δ¹⁸O and δ²H) composition of groundwater in the coastal aquifer near the Khor Al-Zubair channel in southern Iraq, specifically focusing on the region between the cities of Al-Zubair, Safwan, and Umm Qasr, Basra government. A sampling campaign was conducted during both wet and dry periods in 2021-2022 within the study area, encompassing ten groundwater and two seawater samples. The results reveal significant spatial and temporal variability in both chemical and stable isotopic concentrations across the study area. The hydrochemical facies demonstrate a prevalence of earth alkali over alkali. Furthermore, the stable isotope composition of groundwater samples suggests that the recharge source of the Dibdibba aquifer primarily consists of meteoric water influenced by vapor water from the Arabian Gulf. Interestingly, the isotopic and geochemical findings indicate an enrichment trend towards the eastern and southern regions of the study area, suggesting a potential decline in groundwater quality. It is crucial to implement measures for controlling the intensive extraction of groundwater in the study area..