A Novel GIS-Based Modeling Approach for Evaluating Aquifer Susceptibility to Anthropogenic Contamination

Population growth, increasing urbanization and industrialization, mismanagement, climate change are accountable for the rising depletion pollution of groundwater worldwide. Consequently, water security, food environmental security in jeopardy, leading to a severe concern sustainable supply on Earth. The contamination groundwater, complex hidden resource, is difficult detect treat. Therefore, it essential evaluate aquifer’s propensity protect this precious resource. In paper, novel approach integrating GWQI (Groundwater Quality Index), AVI (Aquifer Vulnerability geospatial modeling proposed explore aquifer susceptibility contamination, applied an unconfined aquifer. Groundwater Index (GWQI) was developed by conventional method Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), whereas Aquifer (AVI) using modified DRASTIC model. It found that spherical semi-variogram along with simple Kriging suitable interpolating concentrations quality parameters. Geospatial indicated AHP-based map more accurate than method. integration best resulted Susceptibility (ASI) map, which revealed >80% study area falls under ‘severe’ ‘very severe’ susceptible zones, while about 20% ‘moderate’ or ‘minimum’ zones. validation results confirmed ASI reliable. can serve as useful tool planners decision makers devise management programs vital resources from ensure safe reliable change.