Hydrogeochemical Characterization, and Suitability Assessment of Drinking Groundwater: Application of Geostatistical Approach and Geographic Information System

Arsenic (As) contamination in drinking groundwater sources is a common environmental problem Pakistan. Therefore, we collected total of ( n = 81) samples from various sources, two districts’ namely Ghotki 44) and Nawab Shah 37) Sindh, Province, The current research aimed to investigate the hydrogeochemistry with elevated arsenic (As), its effect on health local population living study area, potential variables, suitability for ingestion motive. results showed that sample variables both districts had moderate high concentration levels. cations concentrations were observed decreasing order Na + > Ca Mg K , districts, while anions abundance was HCO 3 − Cl SO 4 2− F NO Ghotki, Shah, respectively. low levels average values 10.1 μg/L 21.0 water type mixed CaMgCl saturated CO minerals indicated by saturation indices results. Principal component analysis geogenic source ion exchange, dissolution minerals, weathering host rocks anthropogenic input industrial activities, agricultural practices domestic waste contamination. quality index (WQI) exhibits majority (73.6% 65.7% Shah) suitable drinking. non-carcinogenic risk (HQ) As (>1) mean HQ value (8.78 × 10 0 ) recorded children Shah. carcinogenic (CR) significantly higher than maximum threshold CR (1 –4 ). This emphasized monitoring strategies are substantially needed mitigate reduce risk.