Hydrogeological and Hydroecological Assessment of Springs in Azerbaijan: Spatial Variability, Water Quality, and Sustainable Management

Abstract

This study explores the hydrogeological characteristics of springs in Azerbaijan, focusing on their distribution, water quality, and potential for sustainable use. The country's diverse geological formations, including the Greater Caucasus, Lesser Caucasus, Talish mountain-fold zones, and the Kura-Araz Lowland, significantly influence the quantity and quality of groundwater. Groundwater in Azerbaijan is primarily found in fractureporous and fracture-vein aquifers, with spring flow patterns following radial distribution from the center of the mountainous zones to their peripheries. Hydrogeological factors such as lithology, tectonic structures, and erosion zones play a critical role in determining spring formation, discharge rates, and mineralization levels. The study categorizes springs based on discharge, mineralization, temperature, and flow rate variability, with many springs exhibiting low to medium flow rates and mineralization that meets drinking water standards. Hydrogeological investigations confirm that most springs comply with national water quality standards, although areas with higher mineralization require careful monitoring. The research underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices to preserve spring-fed water resources, ensuring their long-term viability for local communities and ecosystems. The findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of Azerbaijan’s groundwater resources, highlighting the need for continued research and monitoring to safeguard these critical water supplies.