Research Information System
JOURNAL OF FOOD AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT, vol.10, pp.555-562, 2012 (SCI-Expanded)
Solute transport model was performed to estimate salt loading in groundwater on Central Anatolia Region in Turkey. The model was run for 25 observation wells which were representing all 1500-hectare study area located on Kesikkopru Basin. The estimated and measured salt loads in groundwater were compared at the end of study period. The groundwater observation data and model estimation result data were prepared as a local geodatabase to be integrated to Geographic Information System (GIS). The observed and estimated salinity maps showing salt loads in groundwater were compared at the end of study period. According to statistical evaluations, model showed acceptable prediction for groundwater salinity with the average absolute deviations (alpha) value 1.05 cm, standard errors of estimate (SE) 1.14 and modeling efficiency (E) value 0.66. Study results indicate that the model is capable of simulating salt loading to groundwater on a basin scale in irrigated semi-arid lands. Also, the model was run for next 10 years to simulate changes of the groundwater salinity in the course of time. Groundwater salinity maps were created for evaluating of the future projection. The results showed that salinity will be a potential risk for the basin in near future. The groundwater salinity potential maps will be provide abroad point of view to assist planners, managers, and state and local officials in evaluating the relative vulnerability of areas to groundwater contamination from various sources of pollution.