HYDROGEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND QUALITY EVALUATION OF GROUNDWATER AT SOHAG DISTRICT, SOHAG GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

Document Type : Novel Research Articles

Abstract

Groundwater in Sohag Governorate is considered as the second source for freshwater used for domestic, agricultural and industrial uses. Groundwater resources of Sohag district are threatened by contaminants from agricultural and industrial activities. Groundwater chemical parameters are routinely used for characterizing and understanding the processes within hydro-chemical groundwater system. This study evaluates the quality of groundwater and its suitability for different purposes in Sohag district. To achieve this purpose, hydro-geochemical classification and spatial distribution model of the Quaternary aquifer have been carried out. Groundwater samples were collected from thirteen  different stations and have been analyzed for figure physicochemical parameters (TDS, EC and pH) and concentration of major ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl, HCO3and SO42−). The distribution of the major ions is in the order of Ca2+>Mg2+>Na+>K+ and HCO3->Cl>SO42−. Spatial distribution to both of major anions and cations in groundwater samples are demonstrating somewhat uncommon variety. Major ions in groundwater are within the permissible limits for drinking uses with the exception of bicarbonates HCO3-. The Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) and the Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) can indicate and evaluate groundwater suitability for irrigation. It is observed that, most of the water samples are plotted in C3-S1 field and display low Sodium Adsorption Ratio and high salinity hazard. The geochemistry of groundwater over investigated region is generally controlled by way of common natural geochemical processes such as rock water interaction, dissolution, and ion exchange. Furthermore, anthropogenic induced activities like over pumping aquifers, fertilizer influences and agricultural return flow slightly affected on groundwater quality of the Quaternary aquifer over study area.

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