Hydrogeochemical modeling and groundwater recharge of the Nubian sandstone aquifer at Tushka area, south western Desert, Egypt.. .
Egyptian Journal of Appl. Sci • 2010
Publication Information
Authors
Gedamy, Y. R., M. M. Said, M. A. El Fakharany and M.A. Mahmoud
Keywords
Surface water, groundwater, geochemical modelling; Tushka area
Journal
Egyptian Journal of Appl. Sci
Publisher
Fac. of Agric. Zagazig Univ.
Volume
25
Issue
8A
Pages
527–542
publication.type
Local
Paper Link
Not Available
Supplementary Materials
Not Available
Abstract
Surface-subsurface water interaction plays an important role in controlling groundwater chemistry, understanding this process is the basis for sustainable development. This study aims to investigate the surface water recharge from Lake Nasser into the groundwater of the Nubian sandstone aquifer in Tushka area. To achieve that, resultant water level change map was constructed and forty nine water samples were collected and chemically analyzed. The geochemical modeling code NETPATH was employed; distribution maps and cross sections of saturation indices for different minerals are carefully studied.
Results indicate that Lake Nasser is one of the main potential recharge sources to the Nubian sandstone aquifer and the distance to which the seepage process is ranging from 50 to70km. The saturation indices of calcite, dolomite, gypsum, anhydrite and silica minerals show negative values, decrease in the same directions of water flow, indicating sub-saturation and high potential for dissolution of such minerals. This can be referred to dilution caused by mixing of leaked surface- water from Lake Nasser with the groundwater in the Nubian sandstone aquifer. The contribution of recent recharge varies largely from 1% to 93% with an average of 48%, the mixing ratio is quite high and confirms the recharge from surface water of Lake Nasser.
Results indicate that Lake Nasser is one of the main potential recharge sources to the Nubian sandstone aquifer and the distance to which the seepage process is ranging from 50 to70km. The saturation indices of calcite, dolomite, gypsum, anhydrite and silica minerals show negative values, decrease in the same directions of water flow, indicating sub-saturation and high potential for dissolution of such minerals. This can be referred to dilution caused by mixing of leaked surface- water from Lake Nasser with the groundwater in the Nubian sandstone aquifer. The contribution of recent recharge varies largely from 1% to 93% with an average of 48%, the mixing ratio is quite high and confirms the recharge from surface water of Lake Nasser.
Staff Members - Benha University