Bettahar, Asma , Nezli, Imed Eddine , Sener, Sehnaz
2025-08-04 ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES 2025 84(卷), 16(期), (null页)
This study evaluates the suitability of groundwater for irrigation in the Wadi Righ region, utilizing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. Integrating the AHP with GIS represents an advanced step in the multi-criteria analysis of environmental phenomena. Its application in the Wadi Righ region enables the prioritisation of factor weights (such as soil type, water quality, etc.) based on scientific expertise, and facilitates the production of more accurate and informative maps. This approach is relatively novel in the local context, which has traditionally relied on descriptive assessments or isolated analyses. The analysis incorporates key parameters such as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Permeability Index (PI), Kelly's Ratio (KR), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Magnesium Hazard (MH), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Normalized Difference Salinity Index (NDSI), Land Use and Land Cover (LULC), and water depth. Results indicate that 17% of the groundwater in the region is classified as "Good", and 83% as "Permissible" for irrigation purposes, with variations influenced by spatial distribution and specific indices. Despite high TDS levels rendering some areas unsuitable, parameters such as low NDSI values and favourable PI, KR, and SAR classifications highlight the potential for agricultural use. Notably, the depth of water wells, ranging from 50 to over 300 m, significantly impacts water quality and its interaction with soil properties. Mapping revealed that northern and southern zones fall predominantly within the "Permissible" category, while central areas exhibit good suitability for irrigation. The integration of AHP and GIS methodologies produced a highly consistent irrigation water suitability map (CR = 0.02), affirming the robustness of the approach and aligning with findings from previous studies. These insights support sustainable water management strategies tailored to the region's arid climate, deep aquifers, and water-scarce agricultural conditions.