Water quality assessment and the investigation of the relationship between the River Delice and the aquifer systems in the vicinity of Yerköy (Yozgat, Turkey)

Abstract.

The aim of this study was to investigate the pollution parameters relating to surface and groundwaters and to establish an interaction between these for the area near Yerköy. Three characteristic facies were determined based on the results of hydrochemical analyses: (1) Na⁺-Cl^– facies were greater the deeper the aquifer, (2) Na⁺-SO₄ ^2– facies were the greater portion of the shallow alluvium aquifer, and (3) Na⁺-HCO₃ ^– (SO₄ ^2–) facies represented the western portion of the shallow alluvium aquifer. Based on field and laboratory observations it was found that the water of the River Delice is suitable for irrigation and domestic use whereas the water from the shallow aquifer is extremely saline and considered to have been polluted by local lithological units. Active groundwater circulation and dilution between the alluvium aquifer and the River Delice was observed. Because of the short residence time of the groundwater in this area, the hydrogeochemical concentration and the salinity were found to be low. The other portions of the alluvium aquifer bear higher concentrations of soluble ions.