The Quaternary aquifer is the main groundwater resource in the study area; it
mainly consists of graded sand and gravels intercalated with clay and silt lenses.
Generally, the groundwater flow in the study area is from southwest to northeast. The
groundwater of the Quaternary aquifer is now suffering from quality problems due to
human activities.
The present work aims to evaluate the impact of hydrogeological conditions and
human activities on shallow groundwater quality at Belbies – Al-Abbasa area. To achieve
that, 20 groundwater samples distributed over the study area are collected and chemically
analyzed for both major and trace elements. The distributions of different pollutants in
groundwater are carefully studied, in addition to construction of water level map of the
Pleistocene aquifer.
Results indicate that the groundwater flow in the study area is from southwest to
northeast. The formation of groundwater depression due to heavy pumping is recorded at
the northeast (Kafer Al Azzazi, Manshiate Al-Abbasa) Al-Abbasa area. The
concentrations of sulphate, chloride, iron, Nickel and lead at the northeast of the study
area (at At Tall Al Kabir, Al Abbasa and Kafer El Azzazi) exceed the permissible limits
for drinking. The probable sources of high contents of pollutants are mainly due to
infiltration of domestic, agricultural and industrial wastes arise from the development of
human activities. The lowest contents of such pollutants noticed beside the Ismailia canal,
reflecting the positive hydrochemical impact of this canal on groundwater quality. For
agricultural purposes, the ground water in the study area is suitable for irrigation purposes
in accordance with SAR, RSC and Na %. |
