Tracing Recharge Sources and Salinization Processes of the Quaternary Aquifer Using Stable Isotopes and Hydrogeochemistry, South of the Ismailia Canal, Egypt

Abstract:

The reclamation policy to alleviate overpopulation problem of the Nile Delta, Egypt, has created both quality and quantity problems for the Quaternary aquifer beneath the reclaimed areas. It is partly because of the less well managed way for land use planning and lack of the environmental impact assessment at least at the early stage of the development. A stable isotopic ( δ 18O and δ 2H) and hydrochemical investigation was carried out in the reclaimed area at the south of the Ismailia Canal to identify recharge sources, and mixing and salinization processes of the Quaternary aquifer. On the basis of the isotopic data, four end-members, i.e., the Quaternary aquifer, the Miocene aquifer, surface freshwater and wastewater ponds were found to be mixed in different degree in the study area. As a consequence of mixing with groundwater in the Miocene aquifer which shows highly saline and depleted isotopic signature, groundwater in the Quaternary aquifer was found to have a depleted isotopic trend towards south, i.e., toward structural highs. On the contrary, northward trends of the enriched isotopic values and lower EC values in the Quaternary aquifer indicated the mixing with surface water. Local abnormal EC values at an agricultural area and the vicinity of well field were considered to be related to the excessive pumping for irrigation and reclamation activities which in turn resulted in upconing of deeper saline groundwater. Mixing pattern also suggested local contribution of the wastewater ponds to the recharge process, which is consistent with the previously reported heavy metal contamination in the vicinity of these ponds, indicating the necessity to protect and remediate the subsurface water resources in the area.