An Evaluation of Groundwater Quality in Alteration Zones of Tarom Range, Zanjan, Using Multivariate Analysis

Geological, mining, agricultural and industrial activities may be the origins of introducing toxic materials into the ecosystem. If traces of toxic elements are introduced three times the permitted doze into human’s body through geochemical circulation, it can be hazardous in the long run. In this research, the adverse effects of alteration zones on groundwater quality have been investigated in Tarom Range, Iran. Surface and groundwater water samples (from alteration zones and various as well as from rock types were taken from the study area. The samples were analyzed for pH, TDS, main cations and anions, as well as for trace elements. The hydro geochemical data were also analyzed using multivariate analysis of cluster and discriminate analyses. The results indicate that the naturally contaminated water can be separated from fresh water using multivariate analysis. The water quality groups resulting from multivariate analysis were evaluated using Stiff, Piper and Wilcox diagrams. Such quality water bears a sour taste; it is dangerous and particularly very dangerous if used for drinking; it as well as seriously harmful to plants if used for irrigation