Myanmar Groundwater Study Reveals Calcite Saturation Risks for Irrigation Infrastructure

A recent hydrogeochemical assessment published in Environmental Geochemistry and Health provides new insights into the quality of groundwater used for dry-season irrigation in central Myanmar. The study focused on 17 government-operated irrigation wells located in southern Tatkon Township, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. While groundwater is a critical resource for agriculture in this region, its mineral saturation characteristics and the potential implications for agricultural infrastructure had remained poorly understood prior to this investigation. The research team combined field measurements, laboratory analyses, and PHREEQC modelling to evaluate both the irrigation water quality and the saturation state of calcite within the sampled wells.

The hydrochemical composition of the groundwater from most of the sampled wells was characterised as a Ca–Mg–HCO3 type. The study indicates that this composition is mainly influenced by natural water–rock interactions, with probable contributions from carbonate weathering.

The SAR values ranged from 0.91 to 3.42, which is well below the critical threshold of 10. Conventional salinity- and sodicity-based indices further supported the conclusion that most of the sampled groundwater has generally acceptable conditions for maintaining soil infiltration and hydraulic functioning.

Most of the sampled wells exhibited acidic to near-neutral conditions and were undersaturated with respect to calcite. The saturation index for calcite (SIcalcite) in these wells ranged from −2.06 to +0.73. This undersaturation, combined with the acidic conditions observed in several wells, suggests potential concerns for concrete linings and metal pumping infrastructure.

In contrast to the majority of the wells, one specific well showed localised calcite supersaturation. This supersaturation may indicate a scaling tendency.

The findings of this study highlight that irrigation management within the investigated well network should consider both soil-related suitability and the potential effects of groundwater chemistry on irrigation infrastructure.

Subject of Research: Hydrogeochemical assessment of groundwater quality and calcite saturation in irrigation wells in Tatkon Township, Myanmar

Article Title: Irrigation water quality and hydrogeochemical behaviour of groundwater in Tatkon Township, Nay Pyi Taw, Central Myanmar

Article References: San, A., Park, Y., Khant, N. A., Moe, A. K., Aung, A., & Kim, H. (2026). Irrigation water quality and hydrogeochemical behaviour of groundwater in Tatkon Township, Nay Pyi Taw, Central Myanmar. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 48(17), Article 674. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-026-03574-1

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1007/s10653-026-03574-1

Keywords: groundwater, irrigation, hydrogeochemistry, calcite saturation, Myanmar, water quality, SAR, infrastructure, PHREEQC, soil health, water, quality