Nile and Groundwater Interaction in the Western Nile Delta, Egypt

Groundwater Quality Investigation Using Multivariate Analysis — Case Study: Western Nile Delta Aquifer, Egypt

“…The major source of sodium content in the ground water is due to presence of salts. High concentration of Sodium (7774 mg/l) is observed in the northern part near the Mediterranean Sea due to seawater and freshwater interface and less recharge of freshwater from irrigation canals and River Nile, Sharaky et al [1]. On the other hand, concentration of Sodium decreases gradually in the central and eastern part due to recharging from irrigation canals.…”

“…Sixteen hydro-chemical variables [1] including electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), chloride (Cl), nitrate (NO 3 ), sulfate (SO 4 ), iron (Fe), sodium (Na), potassium (K), bicarbonate (HCO 3 ), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), cupper (Cu) and ammonium (NH 4 ) were selected as variables inputs for Factor analysis.…”

“…13. [1]. This may be due to either saltwater intrusion or to pollution from industrial or domestic wastes which finds its way to groundwater through seepage or inflation.…”

“…On the other hand, concentration of Sodium decreases gradually in the central and eastern part due to recharging from irrigation canals. [1]. Calcium occurs in water mainly due to the presence of limestone, gypsum, and dolomite and gypsi ferrous minerals.…”

“…The Fresh water in the western Nile Delta concentrated in the central-eastern part, close to Rosetta branch. The concentration of (Cl) and (SO 4 ) ions acquires the higher concentrations of the anions, where as the concentration of (Na), (Ca) and (Mg) acquire the higher concentrations of the cations, Sharaky et al [1]. However, the Nile Delta saturated zone lies beneath several land uses which reflect variations in the aquifer characteristics within the delta basin.…”