Hydrochemical evaluation of groundwater quality in the Cavuscayi basin, Sungurlu-Corum, Turkey

The purpose of this study is to investigate the quality and usage possibility of groundwater in the Cavuscayi basin and suggest the best water structure for the groundwater use. Results from hydrochemical analyses reveal that groundwater is mostly affected by salty (Na+-Cl-) waters of the Incik Formation and brackish (Ca2+, Mg2+-SO42-) waters of the Baydur Formation. The Alibaba saltpan discharged (2 l/s) from the Incik Formation is used for salt production. In the basin, salinity risk increases with depth and along the groundwater flow direction. Therefore, shallow water and trenches opened in the alluvium aquifer at the east of the basin were determined to yield suitable water with no Na+ stopand Cl- contamination. Following the heavy rainy period, waters of less salinity and conductivity are possibly used for agriculture.