Hydrochemical analysis of salinization processes in the quaternary aquifer in the eastern Nile Delta, Egypt

Abstract EN

The study of salinization of groundwater in the Quaternary aquifer of the eastern Nile Delta is highly complex due to the arid climate, the presence of evaporates and proximity to the sea .

The Quaternary aquifer of the eastern Nile Delta is affected by salinization processes undoubtedly associated with intense groundwater exploitation for agriculture supply.

The present research is an attempt to investigate the presence of the saltwater intrusion in this aquifer, using hydrochemical analyses and the behavior of certain minor ions that could help in the characterization process.

The salinization has been characterized by jointly studying the content of a series of ionic relationships and various minor ions (B and Br).

Boron content increases in more saline areas, since it is associated with the presence of evaporitic and/or marine influences.

Bromine analysis enabled the identification of the principal processes that determine the salinity of the water along the coastal zone.

The brackish groundwaters that are related to old raised beaches have a low CI/Br ratio.

Areas affected by marine intrusion had CI/Br ratios similar to seawater and higher than in other areas along the coastal zone.

In the eastern Nile Delta sector, groundwater salinization does not appear to be attributable to the intrusion of seawater, but there are dissolution processes of marine deposits.