Integrated geophysical and hydrochemical investigations for seawater intrusion: a case study in southwestern Saudi Arabia

Alfaifi, Hussain J.; Kahal, Ali Y.; Albassam, A.A.; Ibrahim, Elkhedr; Abdelrahman, Kamal; Zaidi, Faisal K.; Al-Humidan, Saad

doi:10.1007/s12517-019-4540-8

Cited by 23 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…They concluded that dissolution, gypsum, halite, fluorite, silicates, agricultural activities and seawater intrusion were the key issues affecting groundwater quality and chemistry in this area. Alfaifi et al [ 70 ] examined the level of saline water intrusion in the Ad-Darb region of southwestern Saudi Arabia by utilizing an integrated approach of geochemical and geophysical techniques. The base ion exchange, linear mixing, and seawater intrusion were identified as the main factors influencing the groundwater chemistry in this area.…”

Section: Water Resources In Gcc Countriesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Water resources availability, sustainability and challenges in the GCC countries: An overview

Sherif,

Liaqat,

Baig

et al. 2023

Heliyon

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Section: Water Resources In Gcc Countriesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Water resources availability, sustainability and challenges in the GCC countries: An overview

Sherif,

Liaqat,

Baig

et al. 2023

Heliyon

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“…By analyzing hydrochemical and isotopic data in conjunction with geological and hydrogeological conditions, an assessment of groundwater salinization can be undertaken [28]. The utilization of a Piper diagram facilitates the categorization of groundwater types and the interpretation of groundwater chemistry [29][30][31][32]. Hydrochemical facies evolution diagrams and Gibbs diagrams serve as valuable tools for elucidating the processes and mechanisms involved in groundwater evolution [33][34][35][36][37][38].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Unraveling the Complexities of Groundwater Salinization in Coastal Environments: Insights from Laizhou Bay’s Eastern Coast, China

Huang,

Ma,

Zhou

2023

Water

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Coastal areas have made substantial contributions to global economic development but are plagued by challenges such as groundwater salinization. Groundwater serves as the primary source for drinking, industrial, and domestic purposes in these coastal areas. Therefore, understanding the causes and processes of groundwater salinization holds paramount significance for effective groundwater management. The coastal area of Laizhou Bay in northern China serves as a quintessential example of such a scenario. With substantial groundwater extraction and severe groundwater salinization issues, it exacerbates the disparity between water-resource supply and demand. Currently, our understanding of the processes and influencing factors related to groundwater salinization in this region remains limited. In this study, employing hydrochemical and stable chlorine isotope analyses on 35 groundwater and seawater samples, an in-depth investigation into the complex mechanisms underlying groundwater salinization in the Quaternary aquifers of the eastern coastal plain of Laizhou Bay was conducted. The test results of the samples indicate that brine and saline groundwater are primarily of the Na-Cl type, exhibiting a hydrochemical composition similar to that of seawater. Brackish groundwater exhibits a diverse hydrochemical composition. The hydrogen and oxygen isotope characteristics of brackish and fresh groundwater resemble atmospheric precipitation, while brine, seawater, and saline groundwater show hydrogen and oxygen isotope depletion. Compared to seawater, brine exhibits significant δ37Cl depletion. The analysis of the test results reveals that the formation of brine aquifers results from a complex interplay of climate change, tectonic movements, and sea–land evolution, involving lagoon development during seawater regression, salt concentration through evaporation, and subsequent water–rock interactions. The genesis of saline groundwater involves a complex interplay of brine–seawater mixing, significant evaporation, and potential input of fresh groundwater from atmospheric precipitation and river sources. The formation of brackish groundwater is predominantly influenced by atmospheric precipitation, and agricultural activities, with significant variations in NO3− concentrations attributed to varying intensities of fertilizer application in the northern plain area. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the origins of groundwater and can inform the development of policies for groundwater protection in this area.

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“…Saudi Arabia has two coastlines, the western Red Sea and the eastern Arabian Gulf, as well as some islands. Scholars have assessed seawater intrusion, GW salinization, and pollution sources in some parts of the western coastal region of the country (Red Sea coast) [ 8 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. The eastern coastal region, however, has yet to be covered.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrated Hydrogeological, Hydrochemical, and Isotopic Assessment of Seawater Intrusion into Coastal Aquifers in Al-Qatif Area, Eastern Saudi Arabia

et al. 2022

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Seawater intrusion (SWI) is the main threat to fresh groundwater (GW) resources in coastal regions worldwide. Early identification and delineation of such threats can help decision-makers plan for suitable management measures to protect water resources for coastal communities. This study assesses seawater intrusion (SWI) and GW salinization of the shallow and deep coastal aquifers in the Al-Qatif area, in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Field hydrogeological and hydrochemical investigations coupled with laboratory-based hydrochemical and isotopic analyses (18O and 2H) were used in this integrated study. Hydrochemical facies diagrams, ionic ratio diagrams, and spatial distribution maps of GW physical and chemical parameters (EC, TDS, Cl−, Br−), and seawater fraction (fsw) were generated to depict the lateral extent of SWI. Hydrochemical facies diagrams were mainly used for GW salinization source identification. The results show that the shallow GW is of brackish and saline types with EC, TDS, Cl−, Br− concentration, and an increasing fsw trend seaward, indicating more influence of SWI on shallow GW wells located close to the shoreline. On the contrary, deep GW shows low fsw and EC, TDS, Cl−, and Br−, indicating less influence of SWI on GW chemistry. Moreover, the shallow GW is enriched in 18O and 2H isotopes compared with the deep GW, which reveals mixing with recent water. In conclusion, the reduction in GW abstraction in the central part of the study area raised the average GW level by three meters. Therefore, to protect the deep GW from SWI and salinity pollution, it is recommended to implement such management practices in the entire region. In addition, continuous monitoring of deep GW is recommended to provide decision-makers with sufficient data to plan for the protection of coastal freshwater resources.

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Integrated geophysical and hydrochemical investigations for seawater intrusion: a case study in southwestern Saudi Arabia

Cited by 23 publications

References 31 publications

Water resources availability, sustainability and challenges in the GCC countries: An overview

Water resources availability, sustainability and challenges in the GCC countries: An overview

Unraveling the Complexities of Groundwater Salinization in Coastal Environments: Insights from Laizhou Bay’s Eastern Coast, China

Integrated Hydrogeological, Hydrochemical, and Isotopic Assessment of Seawater Intrusion into Coastal Aquifers in Al-Qatif Area, Eastern Saudi Arabia

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