Journal of Aquifer and Qanat
In collaboration Iranian Hydraulic Association

Vulnerability assessment of Malekan alluvial aquifer by using DRASTIC model and its validation by using receiver operating characteristic curve

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mehdi Asadi 1
Taghi Mahdavi 2

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, Gonabad Branch of Islamic Azad University, Gonabad, Iran

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, Maragheh Branch of Islamic Azad University, Maragheh, Iran.

10.22077/jaaq.2026.10880.1138
Abstract
There are many ways to extract groundwater areas susceptible to contamination. Accurate local analyses are costly, but the application of the DRASTIC model is less costly than other quantitative and qualitative methods. This study focuses on assessing groundwater vulnerable areas in the Malekan alluvial plain in the east of Lake Urmia, which is highly vulnerable to contamination due to the presence of a concentrated population and agriculturally suitable lands alongside booming industrial settlements. This study innovatively uses GIS tools along with validation techniques with nitrate concentration to investigate the groundwater vulnerability of the Malekan plain using the DRASTIC model. The final vulnerability map shows that 27 percent of the aquifer has a low vulnerability level and the remaining parts of the aquifer (73 percent) have a moderate vulnerability level, often with high infiltration rates, coarse-textured soil, shallow groundwater depth, and groundwater levels close to the ground surface. By identifying areas where contaminants can penetrate and spread from the surface to groundwater, this research helps to prevent contamination of groundwater resources and take timely preventive and remedial measures.

Keywords

Groundwater
Nitrate Concentration
DRASTIC Model
Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve
Subjects
Journal of Aquifer and Qanat
Volume 7, Issue 1
August 2026
Pages 41-64

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