Exploring the Geographical Distribution of Groundwater Sources and their Associations to Chronic Kidney Diseases: A Review

This review explores the geographical distribution of groundwater sources and their
potential link to chronic kidney diseases (CKD), with a focus on relevancy to Iraq. Groundwater is
a crucial water source for many regions, including parts of Iraq, and its availability and quality vary
significantly across geographical locations due to geological, hydrological and anthropogenic
factors. The review examines studies and data from various locations including Sri Lanka, India,
Bangladesh, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia and Iraq to identify patterns and associations between
groundwater quality and CKD prevalence. These regions provide useful case studies due to
widespread groundwater usage, available research, and diverse environmental settings. The
findings highlight how groundwater mineral composition can impact CKD rates in different areas.
In Iraq, chronic kidney disease has spread widely in recent years as some communities have
increasingly relied on groundwater extraction for drinking and irrigation, due to declining flows in
the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The review investigates factors influencing groundwater quality
and considers their potential influence on chronic kidney disease in Iraq and other regions. While
an association between groundwater and CKD is evident, additional research is still needed to fully
characterize this relationship and its public health implications when accounting for confounding
variables and clarifying mechanisms. The review provides valuable insights for studying the spatial
distribution of CKD in Iraq and surrounding areas.