Hydrogeochemistry of groundwater in Ras Sudr area, south Sinai, Egypt

Abstract EN

The objective of this paper, is to evaluate the hydro chemical data of groundwater in the alluvium aquifer in Ras Sudr (South Sinai) and to assess the hydro chemical processes affecting water quality (leaching, dissolution, ion exchange, mixing processes, ..etc.

).Genesis and groundwater mineralization and geochemical evolution have also been discussed.

In addition, suitability of groundwater quality for domestic, agricultural uses is evaluated.

The study reveals that there are two water salinity zones, one is the brackish water which occupies the eastern parts of deltas and the second is the saline water which dominates the coastal plain.

The main source of different ions in the brackish and saline groundwater zones of the alluvium aquifer is the water bearing formation itself and pollution with sea water.

The groundwater samples of the alluvium aquifer have multi-origin of mineralization where rain and sea water are the main sources of salt contributing to water quality of the aquifer.

The chemical composition of groundwater displays more chemically evaluated in some localities (North Wadi Lahata to South Wadi Sudr) while being less chemically evaluated in the others (East of Wadi Sudr).

The mixing, action exchange processes and the dissolution of terrestrial and marine salts leads to a considerable change in water chemistry of groundwater.

The groundwater's at different localities of the studied area are unsuitable for drinking and domestic purposes and can hardly be used for irrigation.