Author(s): Reza Hashemi and Zahra Javadian

Abstract: Groundwater contamination in industrial zones has emerged as a pressing environmental concern due to rapid urbanization, unregulated effluent disposal, and inadequate waste management practices. This study presents a comprehensive approach integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with numerical modeling to simulate and assess groundwater contamination patterns within an industrial region. Spatial datasets encompassing geology, land use, soil characteristics, aquifer parameters, and pollution sources were compiled and processed in ArcGIS, forming the foundation for a calibrated MODFLOW-MT3DMS simulation. Field data from 24 monitoring wells were analyzed to evaluate key physicochemical parameters, including pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrate (NO??), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb), across pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The model calibration exhibited strong agreement between simulated and observed groundwater heads (R² > 0.9; RMSE < 1.2 m), while solute transport validation confirmed reliable prediction of contaminant distributions within acceptable uncertainty limits. Spatial analysis revealed higher nitrate and TDS concentrations in industrial clusters compared to residential areas, primarily due to effluent infiltration and subsurface migration along permeable strata. Post-monsoon dilution effects were observed for TDS and heavy metals, whereas nitrate concentrations increased owing to leaching and recharge-driven transport. Scenario analyses demonstrated that implementing remedial measures—such as reduced pollutant loading, lined waste ponds, and artificial recharge—can significantly curtail plume expansion over time. The results underscore the efficiency of GIS-coupled numerical modeling in identifying contamination hotspots, understanding hydrogeochemical interactions, and predicting future pollution risks. The study concludes that such integrated frameworks can serve as essential decision-support tools for sustainable groundwater management in industrial zones and can guide policymakers in formulating targeted mitigation strategies for aquifer protection and long-term environmental resilience.

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