GEOSPATIAL EVALUATION OF WATER QUALITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES: A CASE STUDY OF THE PERMIAN BASIN, TEXAS

In an effort to learn more about the groundwater contamination in the Permian Basin, Texas, this study assesses groundwater characteristics and environmental changes. These analyses can pinpoint areas where environmental change may have impacted groundwater quality when combined with open data from the US government. In all, 228 wells were chosen from among the six counties of Andrews, Crane, Ector, Martin, Midland, and Upton. Five different factors were mapped in terms of their spatial distribution, including total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride, fluoride, nitrate, and arsenic. Groundwater quality radar of the overall groundwater quality includes all contaminants and show areas with bad, medium, and ideal conditions. These charts show spatial changes in groundwater quality from 1990 to 2020. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards were used as a benchmark for comparison of the results for each contaminant in these counties. As a result of anthropogenic activities including the use of chemical fertilizers and the development of oil and gas, it was discovered that the main cause of groundwater contamination was the mobilization of contaminants. Also, the population and urban growth in the Permian Basin over the study period from 1990 to 2020 has contributed to the decline in groundwater quality and land cover redistribution. This research adds to our understanding of how the Permian Basin's groundwater quality responds to environmental change. As a result, this research offers crucial information to groundwater managers who are creating strategies for the future use of water resources.