Siwa Oasis groundwater quality: factors controlling spatial and temporal changes
Ahmed A Elnazer1, Salman A Salman2, Yasser M A Mohamed3
1Geological Sciences Department, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohouth St. (Former El-Tahrir St.), Dokki, Giza, Egypt. ah.el-nazer@nrc.sci.eg.
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|November 3, 2022
Summary
Groundwater in Siwa Oasis shows high salinity, with 61% of samples unsuitable for irrigation. Management strategies like controlling wells and salt extraction are recommended to improve water quality.
Area of Science:
- Hydrogeology
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
Background:
- Siwa Oasis relies on groundwater for freshwater and irrigation.
- The oasis possesses significant historical, environmental, and geological importance.
- Understanding groundwater quality is crucial for sustainable agriculture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess spatial and temporal variations in carbonate aquifer groundwater quality.
- To identify factors influencing groundwater quality changes.
- To evaluate the suitability of groundwater for irrigation.
Main Methods:
- Hydrochemical analysis of groundwater samples.
- Statistical analysis to interpret data.
- Assessment of heavy metal concentrations.
Main Results:
- Groundwater salinity varies spatially (1367–8645 mg/l) and temporally (3754.3–4222.4 mg/l).
- High salinity, particularly in the central area, renders 61% of samples unsuitable for irrigation.
- Most heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb) are within permissible limits, except for Cadmium (Cd).
Conclusions:
- Groundwater management, including controlling illegal wells and salt excavation, impacts salinity.
- Desalination plants and salt extraction companies are proposed to improve water quality for irrigation.
- Urgent measures are needed to mitigate the negative effects of high salinity on agriculture.
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