Influence of Fine-Grained Layer on Groundwater Quality Parameters in Johor’s Rural Cathments

Abstract

Soil testing can be used to characterize clay layers and assess their influence on groundwater quality. The mineral composition of soils plays a significant role in determining groundwater characteristics. In Batu Pahat District, the presence of soft clay and high organic matter content in the soil affects key groundwater parameters. This study aimed to identify the dominant chemical elements in clay soil samples obtained from the RECESS borehole using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, and to examine the correlation between the clayey layer and groundwater quality. The analysis revealed that SiO₂ was the primary component detected in both XRF and XRD results, followed by Al₂O₃ as the second most dominant oxide. K₂O was present at various depths, while other oxides such as Fe₂O₃ and MgO were detected at different levels. Correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship (r = 0.90) between dominant soil elements and clay soil characteristics. However, the correlation between groundwater quality parameters and clayey soil composition was relatively low (r = 0.43). The findings contribute to the understanding of clay soil properties in the Johor region, particularly in Parit Raja, and provide valuable insights into the relationship between soil mineralogy and groundwater quality.