Hydrogeological Evaluation of Fractured Volcanic Aquifer in Al-Sahoul Basin-IBB City-Yemen

The fractured Tertiary volcanic aquifer in the Al-Sahoul Basin near Ibb City, Yemen, was systematically investigated to assess groundwater quality and the impact of anthropogenic activities on this critical water resource. Sixteen groundwater samples were collected from 26 boreholes and analyzed for key physicochemical parameters, including electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness, total alkalinity (TA), bicarbonate (HCO??), carbonate (CO?²?), chloride (Cl?), sulfate (SO?²?), fluoride (F?), calcium (Ca²?), magnesium (Mg²?), sodium (Na?), and potassium (K?). Advanced tools such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Surfer software were employed to generate geological, hydrological, and topographical maps for data visualization and interpretation. The results revealed that wells located in the western part of the basin exhibited significant contamination, with chemical concentrations exceeding Yemeni and World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standards. This contamination is attributed to the proximity of a landfill on the western side of the basin, likely releasing leachates that degrade the water quality and render it unsuitable for drinking. In contrast, wells in the southern and eastern parts of the basin demonstrated better water quality, meeting the required standards for drinking and agricultural use. The study highlights the vulnerability of groundwater in the Al-Sahoul Basin to anthropogenic influences, particularly improper waste disposal. It emphasizes the urgent need for effective landfill management, regular monitoring of groundwater quality, and the implementation of mitigation strategies to safeguard this vital aquifer system. The findings provide critical insights for decision-makers, encouraging the development of sustainable water resource management policies to ensure safe and reliable access to water for the region’s population and agricultural needs. This research underscores the importance of proactive measures to prevent contamination and protect groundwater resources.