A Decoupling Analysis of The Economic Growth from Groundwater Quality in Iran

Groundwater resources holds significant importance in Iran, yet their quality degradation, attributed to unsustainable economic growth, necessitates a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics between economic growth and groundwater quality for integrated water resources management. Addressing this issue, the present study, for the first time, employs the Decoupling approach to illuminate these interactions. Findings underscore the non-sustainability of Iran's economic growth, often entailing the deterioration of groundwater quality. Establishing a circular economy, promoting water recycling in industries, and investing in sewage collection and treatment infrastructures are among the primary strategies for moving away from the current situation.