الملخص الإنجليزي
Groundwater, a vital natural resource, is vulnerable to contamination due to human land use
practices. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the impact of diverse land use types,
including urbanization, agriculture, industrial activities, and landfill on groundwater quality in
Oman. Using a combination of field sampling, laboratory analysis, statistical analysis, we
collected data over a two different period of time in one year from various wells across Muscat
government. Groundwater samples were analysed for key indicators of quality, including
salinity by measuring electrical conductivity, and vulnerability of groundwater aquifer.
Concurrently, the hydrological analysis of the samples was carried out by the seven parameter
consider by DRASTIC that classified the samples from land use in terms of their susceptibility
to human activities pollution. Our findings reveal significant variations in groundwater quality
across different land use zones. Urban and landfill areas demonstrated moderate contamination,
primarily attributed to storm water runoff and domestic sources. Agricultural regions exhibited
increased nitrate levels, linked to intensive fertilizer and pesticide application. Furthermore,
industrial land use displayed the most pronounced groundwater contamination, marked by high
concentrations of chemicals and industrial pollutants. Statistical analysis confirmed significant
correlations between the land use variables and groundwater quality indicators. Also,
DRASTIC model results proved that the land use practices has a clear role in increasing the
vulnerability of groundwater reservoirs in study areas to pollution, highlighting in the research
the direct influence of land use process on groundwater quality parameters. This study's results
not only highlight the complex interplay between land use and groundwater quality but also
provide valuable insights for policymakers and land planners. Recommendations for
sustainable land use practices, improved regulations, and targeted remediation efforts are
proposed to mitigate the adverse impacts on groundwater quality. Ultimately, this research
contributes to the broader understanding of the environmental consequences of land use
choices and underscores the importance of responsible land management in safeguarding our essential groundwater resources for current and future generations.
