Abstract

Present hydrogeochemistry of the area between El Daba'a and Ras el Hekma, North western coast, Egypt

Author(s): M.A.Gomaa, G.A.Omar

The objective of this paper is to study the present hydrogeochemistry of the area between El DabaÂ’a and Ras El Hekma. Two main water-bearing formations are recognized, the first is the Pleistocene at both El DabaÂ’a and Ras El Hekma areas, while the second is the Miocene aquifer at El DabaÂ’a only. The recharging source is the rainfall. The groundwater flowdirection ismainly northward. Fifty groundwater sampleswere chosen to evaluate aquifersÂ’ quality the groundwater varies from fresh to saline, moderately hard to very hard. The groundwater salinity and the concentration of major constituents increase in the same direction of the groundwater flow, particularly in the Miocene groundwater. The main water type is Cl-Na, reflecting the mature phase of groundwater metasomatism. The study of ion ratios as well as the hypothetical salts reflects the impacts of marine sediments rich in Ca and magnesium on groundwater quality. The investigated water is super saturated with carbonate minerals, which cause a scale formation, so it is recommended to be treated before use.