Possible Sources of Salinity in the Upper Dibdibba Aquifer, Basrah, Iraq

Salinity increase in groundwater was investigated the area between Al-Zubair and Safwan, close to Khor Channel of southern Iraq. Thirty-nine samples from shallow aquifer one sample were analyzed. The mean total dissolved solids are 7556 mg/L. ?2H ?18O plot two groups below global meteoric water line. Group A indicates evaporation effect irrigation return-flow, while group B is characterized by depleted values due recharge under colder climate. Deuterium excess within region modern precipitation dilution precipitating water. residence time 1000 2000 years combining 14C -age with SO42? shows a contrasting on both sides Khedr Almai Fault Zubair anticline, which role these geological structures hydrochemical evolution western part. Jabal Sanam no clear this regard. ratio Cl?/Br? sulfate showed that measured salinity result mixing process groundwater, seawater intruding Channel, septic tanks addition dry wet sea spray, return-flow.