International Journal of Environmental Science and Development

Abstract—This study will evaluate how vulnerable groundwater is to contamination in Jordan, whilst further determining how prone to pollution surface water is. Situated upon what is believed to be one of Jordan’s most important groundwater aquifers, the Mafraq dumpsite is understood to be a great hazard to the quality of water. With the ability to thoroughly assess both groundwater and surface water, the DRASTIC and SWSi indexes have been utilized throughout this study, providing further insight into whether the Mafraq dumpsite is located in a location where groundwater and surface water are vulnerable to contamination. The results gathered stress that the dumpsite is indeed located in an area where groundwater is at moderate risk of becoming contaminated. Additionally, surface water is at high risk of becoming contaminated due to the proximity of the dumpsite to the drainage system (Wadis) in the area. In conclusion, as the aquifer is used for both drinking and irrigation purposes, it is likely that human health is in jeopardy. Furthermore, it is apparent that the quality of both groundwater and surface water might be compromised as a result of the dumpsite.

Index Terms—Groundwater, surface water, GIS, Mafraq, dumpsite.

Rida Al-Adamat is with Department of GIS and Remote Sensing, Institute of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Al al-Bayt University, Mafraq, Jordan (e-mail: ridaali@aabu.edu.jo).

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Cite: Rida Al-Adamat, "The Use of GIS and Remote Sensing to Investigate Groundwater Vulnerability to Contamination and Surface Water Susceptibility to Pollution at Mafraq Dumpsite/Jordan," International Journal of Environmental Science and Development vol. 9, no. 12, pp. 361-367, 2018.