Monitoring the Suitability of Pusacak Pond (Amasya) for Drinking and Irrigation Purposes Using Various Water Quality Indices and Piper Diagram

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the water quality and pollution status of Pusacak Pond, located in the Gümüşhacıköy district of Amasya Province, during the period from October 2024 to September 2025. Within the scope of the study, 17 physicochemical parameters and concentrations of 7 heavy metals were analyzed in water samples collected monthly from three different sampling stations representing the integrity of the pond ecosystem. The findings revealed that the annual average water quality parameters of the pond remained below the threshold values specified in the WHO (2021) guidelines. According to the evaluation based on SWQR (2016) criteria, copper concentrations exceeded the permissible limits and indicated potential pollution, whereas all other parameters remained within the acceptable limits.

To determine the suitability of the pond water for drinking and irrigation purposes, several water quality indices were calculated. The Water Quality Index (WQI) and Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) indicated “excellent” water quality, while Sodium Percentage (%Na) was classified as “good,” Kelley’s Ratio (KR) as “suitable,” Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) as “safe,” and Permeability Index (PI) as “moderate.” In contrast, Magnesium Hazard (MH) values indicated that the water was “unsuitable” for irrigation purposes. The fact that MH values exceeded the recommended threshold reported in the literature suggests that caution should be exercised in agricultural applications. According to the Piper diagram analysis, the pond water was characterized by the dominant Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–HCO₃⁻ hydrochemical facies.

Overall, the results emphasize the importance of regular monitoring programs and effective environmental management strategies to preserve the general water quality of Pusacak Pond and ensure ecological sustainability.