Hydrogeochemical Evaluation of Groundwater Quality Parameters for Ogallala Aquifer in the Southern High Plains Region, USA

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Jul 11;19(14):8453. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19148453.

Abstract

The purposes of this study are to analyze the groundwater quality of the Ogallala Aquifer and evaluate the hydrological characteristics in the southern High Plains region of the Permian Basin, Texas. Levels of chloride, fluoride, nitrate, selenium, pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS) were analyzed for the period 1990-2016. Data concerning a total of 133 wells were collected from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), which is an open database provided by the US government. The average levels of contaminants were compared to their respective Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) stipulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The study area experienced high concentrations of most parameters including chloride, fluoride, nitrate, selenium, and TDS, within the contaminants' respective MCLs. Borden and Dawson counties experienced the highest overall amounts of groundwater pollutants. Possible sources of each contaminant are discussed, with oil and gas activities, agricultural practices, and other human actions impacting the conditions. This research provides important information about groundwater quality of the Ogallala Aquifer and contributes to understanding the response to development in the Permian Basin, Texas.

Keywords: High Plains region; Ogallala Aquifer; Permian Basin; Texas; groundwater quality; statistical analysis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chlorides / analysis
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Fluorides / analysis
  • Groundwater*
  • Humans
  • Nitrates / analysis
  • Selenium*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis

Substances

  • Chlorides
  • Nitrates
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Selenium
  • Fluorides

Grants and funding

This work was supported by a Rising STARs (Science and Technology Acquisition and Retention) Program—Grant Number, P5-0110-32, from the University of Texas System.