Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Nitrate in the Zydoun Plain's Groundwater Resources

Nitrate is one of the most widespread non-point source pollutants of groundwaterresources. Although nitrogenous fertilizers are the well known culprits, sewage, feed lots, and chemical industries are also among the major contributors. As the Zydoun Plain is a thriving agricultural area, and the N-polluted groundwater was a cause of concern, this study was implemented to survey the affected areas, and the time of the year when pollution is prevalent. Groundwater sampling was performed during the wet and dry periods, the latter was the growing season when irrigation is practiced. The data were analyzed both graphically and statistically using the ArcGIS and the SPSS software. It was observed that groundwater nitrate concentration was higher during the summer months due to the application of Nfertilizers to the farm fields, particularly to the rice paddies. The groundwater in the northern and central parts of the plain showed higher concentrations of nitrate due to an abundance of agricultural activities in those areas. Reduction of N-fertilization in the affected areas is highly recommended.