Quantification of Underground Water Quality Parameters Using Land Use/Cover (Ghareh-Su Watershed, Golestan Province)

The aim of this study is to investigate underground water quality parameters in Gorganrud River basin and their connection with aboveground conditions using GIS and Artificial Neural Networks. In order to prepare a land use map of the area, LISS III image of IRS satellite of the year 2008 was used in a maximum likelihood classification. The results revealed that there was a significant correlation between the concentration of pollutants in groundwater resources and land use/ cover types. The results indicated that general condition of the water-quality factors is acceptable; however, some factors such as TDS are reaching thresholds (1600 mg/l). Soil and geological structures, agricultural activities, groundwater level, urban development, population density and distance from rivers have a large impact on the quality of underground water supplies in the region.