Assessment of the Hydrogeochemical Characteristics of Groundwater Resources at some Wadis in the East of El Minia Governorate, Eastern Desert, Egypt

The El Minia governorate lies within the Nile Valley, surrounded by calcareous plateaus to the east and west. The present study focuses on the hydrogeochemistry of the Eocene limestone aquifer at some wadis in the east El Minia governorate, Eastern Desert, Egypt. Hydrogeologically, two main aquifers are encountered in the study area, namely the Maghagha marly limestone and the Samalut chalky limestone aquifers. The Maghagha aquifer is composed of alternating layers of marly limestone and shale with thicknesses ranging from 3.49 m to 177.05 m and a groundwater depth ranging from 8.5 m to 59.27 m which reflects low groundwater potentiality. The groundwater salinity representing this aquifer ranges from 603.5 mg/L to 978.5 mg/L, reflecting fresh water type. Samalut aquifer is made up of chalky, cavernous and fractured limestone with thickness ranging from 30 m to 205 m and groundwater depth ranging from 9 m to 86.77 m, which indicates good groundwater potential. The groundwater salinity of the concerned aquifer ranges from 349.7 mg/L to 2043.9 mg/L, reflecting fresh to possibly brackish water types. Groundwater in the study area is of meteoric water origin; recent recharge is mainly controlled through the presence of fractures and their densities. The majority of groundwater samples in the study area are suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes.     

Hydrologic factors controlling groundwater salinity in northwestern coastal zone,Egypt

The aim of this article is to assess the main factors influencing salinity of groundwater in the coastal area between El Dabaa and Sidi Barani, Egypt. The types and ages of the main aquifers in this area are the fractured limestone of Middle Miocene, the calcareous sandstone of Pliocene and the Oolitic Limestone of Pleistocene age. The aquifers in the area are recharged by seasonal rainfall of the order of 150 mm/year. The relationship of groundwater salinity against the absolute water level, the well drilling depth, and the ability of aquifer to recharge has been discussed in the present work. The ability of aquifer to locally recharge by direct rainfall is a measure of the vertical permeability due to lithological and structural factors that control groundwater salinity in the investigated aquifers. On the other hand, the fracturing system as well as the attitude of the surface water divide has a prime role in changing both the mode of occurrence and the salinity of groundwater in the area. Directly to the west of Matrouh, where the coastal plain is the narrowest, and east of Barrani, where the coastal plain is the widest, are good examples of this concept, where the water salinity attains its maximum and minimum limits respectively. Accordingly, well drilling in the Miocene aquifer, in the area between El Negila and Barrani to get groundwater of salinities less than 5000 mg/l is recommended in this area, at flow rate less than 10 m³/hr/well. In other words, one can expect that the brackish water is probably found where the surface water divide is far from the shore line, where the Wadi fill deposits dominate (Quaternary aquifer), acting as a possible water salinity by direct rainfall and runoff.     

煤炭开采后峰峰矿区奥陶系岩溶水硫酸盐演化过程研究

文章运用水化学和同位素水文学等手段,寻求奥陶系岩溶水硫酸盐演化过程的“指纹”,通过不同含水层间水化学、稳定同位素差异的比对,分析其与上覆含水层间的水力联系和硫动力分馏过程,阐述采矿活动影响下峰峰矿区奥陶系岩溶水硫酸盐的演化过程。研究结果表明:煤矿开采后,峰峰矿区奥陶系岩溶水硫酸盐含量普遍增高,演化特征呈现多样性,存在多种硫动力分馏过程。分馏动力主要来自矿坑水和孔隙水通过导水裂隙的渗漏（越流）补给,以及脱白云石化过程中自身蒸发岩矿物（石膏）的溶解。      

A study of234U/238U ratios in groundwaters of Taiyuan area,Shanxi Province

Uranium contents and²³⁴U/²³⁸U ratios have been determined on 29 water samples from the Taiyuan area, Shanxi Province. The results show that the same artesian aquifer has similar uranium contents and²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity ratios, and the deeper aquifers have higher A. R. values but lower uranium contents. The A. R. values increase slightly towards groundwater flow in the artesian aquifers dominated by oxidizing ground waters. The Lancun Spring and the famous Jinci Spring belong to two different karst groundwater systems, i.e., the east and west karst groundwater systems. The recharge area of the Lancun Spring should cover the wide limestone outcrops of middle Ordovician in the northeast. The Ordovician fissure-karst ground water to the Jinci Spring is extensively mixed with fissure water in Carboniferous-Jurassic formations and seepage water from the Fenhe River.     

Multi-tracer investigation of groundwater residence time in a karstic aquifer: Bitter Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico, USA

Several natural and anthropogenic tracers have been used to evaluate groundwater residence time within a karstic limestone aquifer in southeastern New Mexico, USA. Natural groundwater discharge occurs in the lower Pecos Valley from a region of karst springs, wetlands and sinkhole lakes at Bitter Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, on the northeast margin of the Roswell Artesian Basin. The springs and sinkholes are formed in gypsum bedrock that serves as a leaky confining unit for an artesian aquifer in the underlying San Andres limestone. Because wetlands on the Refuge provide habitat for threatened and endangered species, there is concern about the potential for contamination by anthropogenic activity in the aquifer recharge area. Estimates of the time required for groundwater to travel through the artesian aquifer vary widely because of uncertainties regarding karst conduit flow. A better understanding of groundwater residence time is required to make informed decisions about management of water resources and wildlife habitat at Bitter Lakes. Results indicate that the artesian aquifer contains a significant component of water recharged within the last 10–50 years, combined with pre-modern groundwater originating from deeper underlying aquifers, some of which may be indirectly sourced from the high Sacramento Mountains to the west.     

Groundwater chemistry of strike slip faulted aquifers: the case study of Wadi Zerka Ma’in aquifers, north east of the Dead Sea

Wadi Zerka Ma’in catchment area is located to the north east of the Dead Sea. It has two types of aquifers: (a) an upper unconfined aquifer and (b) a lower confined aquifer. The two aquifers are separated by a marl aquiclude. A major strike slip fault passes perpendicularly through the two aquifers and the aquiclude layer with embedded normal faults. The aim of the study was to specify the effect of the major strike slip fault on the groundwater chemistry. The spatial variability of the hydrochemical compositions and physiochemical parameters of the groundwater were investigated. It was found that the embedded normal faults, of the strike slip fault, form conduits that allow groundwater to flow from the lower aquifer to the upper aquifer, resulting in mixed groundwater. The ratio of mixing was estimated to be 94 % groundwater from the upper aquifer and 6 % from the lower aquifer. Since groundwater in the lower aquifer is around three times more saline than the upper aquifer, water mixing into the upper water aquifer generates a salinity hazard.     

Impact of human activities on quality and geochemistry of groundwater in the Merdja area,Tebessa, Algeria

Chemical data are used to clarify the hydrogeological regime in the Merdja area in Tébessa, as well as to determine the status of water quality in this area. Groundwater from the aquifer in the Merdja area can be divided into two major groups according to geographical locations and chemical compositions. Water in the center part of the area of study is characterized by the dominance of chloride, sulfate, sodium, and potassium; whereas waters in the limestone aquifers in the west are dominated by the same cations but have higher concentrations of bicarbonate. Stable isotopes show that the Tébessa aquifers contain a single water type, which originated in a distinct climatic regime. This water type deviates from the Global Meteoric Water Line (MWL), as well as from the Mediterranean meteoric water line. The water is poor in tritium, and thus can be considered generally older than 50 years. Piezometric map suggests that water is moving from the west towards the center of the studied area, and from east towards center. Degradation of water quality can be attributed to agricultural fertilizers in most cases, although the wadi El Kebir River is a contributor to pollution in the middle part of the studied area.     

Hydrogeology of karst aquifer systems in SW Turkey and an assessment of water quality and contamination problems

The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between groundwater flow and water quality of different ground and surface water basins in the southwest Turkey. In addition, groundwater vulnerability is assessed taking into consideration groundwater flow and quality. The autochthonous Beydaglari limestone is the major karstic aquifer in the region. According to the groundwater level map of alluvium aquifers in the basins, groundwater discharge toward the carbonate aquifer is direct and indirect. The hydrogeological connection between ground and surface water basins occurs via the karstic aquifer located at the bottom of the alluvium bottom. In Egirdir lake, water also discharges in the karstic aquifer via karstic sinkholes at the western border of the lake. In the research area, general groundwater discharge is toward the Mediterranean Sea by means of autochthonous carbonate system, according to hydrogeological investigations, research of lineament and hydraulic conductivities. This result is supported by the locations of lineaments and shore springs discharging from the limestone. In addition, spreading of contaminants via karstic aquifer to great distance has been clearly identified.     

山西娘子关泉群及其水的来源

娘子关泉域群泉是中国北方最大的岩溶泉,泉域汇水面积达7 436 km2,前人认为:泉域内岩溶水由北、西、南3面向娘子关一带径流汇集,由于娘子关一带下奥陶系燧石团块或条带白云岩相对隔水层隆起,并被桃河侵蚀出露,使岩溶地下水溢出地表成泉群,其主要含水层为中奥陶系含石膏碳酸盐岩。但各泉的水化学、同位素特征有差异,娘子关泉群并不是出自统一源。文章通过水化学、同位素、水文地质剖面等方法研究得出: 娘子关泉域存在两个含水层、三个子系统:中奥陶系灰岩含水层和中上寒武系白云岩含水层;西部奥陶系岩溶水系统、东部奥陶系岩溶水系统和东部中上寒武系岩溶水系统。泉域内城西泉与程家泉出露于中奥陶系下马家沟组泥灰岩之上,含水层为中奥陶系灰岩裂隙、溶隙水,由于区域下马家沟组泥灰岩隆起隔水出露地表成泉,属于东部奥陶系岩溶水系统;坡底泉、五龙泉、河北泉、水帘洞泉、苇泽关泉其补给主要来源于中上寒武系含水岩组,为承压上升泉,属于东部中上寒武系岩溶水系统。      

山西高阳煤矿奥陶系峰峰组含水层赋存特征

高阳煤矿主采太原组9-10-11#煤层,矿区内断层、陷落柱发育,奥陶系灰岩溶裂隙水是威胁矿井安全开采的主要水源。据井下突水资料及地面水文地质勘探成果,总结出奥陶系峰峰组岩溶裂隙含水层的赋存特征:①从垂向上看,一段以泥灰岩、石膏、硬石膏为主,为相对隔水层,二段由青灰色及黑色厚层状泥晶、粉晶灰岩组成,钻探可见岩溶裂隙,富水性中等;②从水平方向上看,西部埋藏较浅区富水性明显强于中、东部深埋区,且在向斜轴部出现滞流区;③水位西高东低,相差近300m;④顶部存在隔水层段,隔水层厚度一般3.09~34.01m;⑤水位和水化学特征对比发现,峰峰组与马家沟组含水层没有水力联系;⑥地下水总体自西向东,自北向南径流,侧向径流排出井田外。该研究为煤矿底板水的防治提供了依据。     

四川锦屏落水洞岩溶地下水示踪

在岩溶水文地质调查的基础上,进行钼酸铵示踪试验。结果显示,落水洞沟水在落水洞附近进入地下含水层后,沿T2z / T1 岩层接触边界或断层( F6- F9)分成两股,一股向东排向磨房沟东大理岩地下水排泄带,另一股向南转西南、西北分别排向景峰桥- 牛圈坪沟段西雅砻江河床。磨房沟泉流域地下水向西袭夺造成该流域西部地表、地下分水岭不一致。而西雅砻江示踪段构造裂隙发育,地下水主要沿具有双重含水介质(稀疏裂隙和少量岩溶管道)的大理岩流动,天然条件下地下水流动缓慢。其中的局部大型溶蚀裂隙或串珠状溶洞成为主要地下水储水空间,其疏干性突水对工程施工有一定影响。      

涞源北盆地地下水氢氧同位素特征及北海泉形成模式

拒马源泉群作为拒马河的源头,受到了较多专家和学者的关注。但这些研究多集中在地下水的水化学、水位动态、泉流量等特征上,对地下水氢氧同位素特征的分析几乎没有,且对北海泉的成因解释多为粗略的定性概述。为了说明涞源北盆地地下水的氢氧同位素特征,详细揭示北海泉的形成模式,首次系统地采集了不同含水岩组的地下水样品,测定了水样的氢氧同位素组分。结果表明:样品点δD和δ18O值均落在区域大气降水线上或附近,大气降水是研究区地下水的主要补给来源;白云岩、灰岩含水岩组高程效应较明显,径流途径长,松散含水层径流途径短,受蒸发作用较强;白云岩、灰岩含水岩组和松散含水层氘盈余d值分别为6.0‰～11.6‰、4.2‰～11.2‰、3.8‰～8.0‰,较大气降水大部分偏小,表明岩溶水和松散孔隙水经历了不同的流动过程;白云岩、灰岩含水岩组从补给区向排泄区各自流动过程中,在小西庄、香炉屯村附近断裂带发生沟通混合,然后在向盆地中心径流过程中受断层阻水上升,上升过程中又接受了松散孔隙水的补给,最后在松散岩层中出露成泉,形成北海泉。在孔隙水混入前,两者的平均补给比例大约为48.4%～57.6%和42.4%～51.6%。     

骆驼山煤矿不同含水层水中荧光性DOM分布特征

结合骆驼山煤矿不同含水层水文地质条件,通过检测分析各含水层水中天然有机质三维荧光光谱、总有机碳TOC和无机阴离子,研究了荧光性溶解有机物(Dissolved Organic Matter,DOM)的分布特征,结果表明:TOC和有机物在254 mm波长紫外光下的吸光度UV₂₅₄整体上随着含水层层位加深而减少,奥灰水中TOC和UV₂₅₄比其他水体分别低2~3.3倍和2.4~4.7倍;有机物芳香度也逐渐降低,紫外吸光度SUVA值在地表水、第四系水、砂岩水和奥灰水中分别为3.28、2.27、2.24和1.96。地表水和第四系水的三维荧光光谱(3DEEM)图存在5个指纹区域,随着地层层位的加深,水中有机物总体上呈递减趋势,最深层的奥灰水中没有酪氨酸、疏水性有机酸和海洋性腐植酸,而色氨酸的荧光强度比其他水体都高,表明地下水中有机物会反应生成色氨酸类有机物。奥灰水中TOC随着地下水流向逐渐减少(从0.27 mg/L减少至0.22 mg/L);有机物反应生成色氨酸,导致色氨酸FI随着水流而逐渐增加;根据3DEEM光谱图,骆驼山煤矿区奥灰水中有机物比较稳定,能够明显区分出其作为突水水源的特征离子。      

Spatial and temporal constraints on regional-scale groundwater flow in the Pampa del Tamarugal Basin,Atacama Desert,Chile

Aquifers within the Pampa del Tamarugal Basin (Atacama Desert, northern Chile) are the sole source of water for the coastal city of Iquique and the economically important mining industry. Despite this, the regional groundwater system remains poorly understood. Although it is widely accepted that aquifer recharge originates as precipitation in the Altiplano and Andean Cordillera to the east, there remains debate on whether recharge is driven primarily by near-surface groundwater flow in response to periodic flood events or by basal groundwater flux through deep-seated basin fractures. In addressing this debate, the present study quantifies spatial and temporal variability in regional-scale groundwater flow paths at 20.5°S latitude by combining a two-dimensional model of groundwater and heat flow with field observations and δ¹⁸O isotope values in surface water and groundwater. Results suggest that both previously proposed aquifer recharge mechanisms are likely influencing aquifers within the Pampa del Tamarugal Basin; however, each mechanism is operating on different spatial and temporal scales. Storm-driven flood events in the Altiplano readily transmit groundwater to the eastern Pampa del Tamarugal Basin through near-surface groundwater flow on short time scales, e.g., 10⁰–10¹ years, but these effects are likely isolated to aquifers in the eastern third of the basin. In addition, this study illustrates a physical mechanism for groundwater originating in the eastern highlands to recharge aquifers and salars in the western Pampa del Tamarugal Basin over timescales of 10⁴–10⁵ years.     

Configuration of the limestone aquifers in the central part of Egypt using electrical measurements

The Western Desert of Egypt is an area of natural expansion for agricultural, industrial, and civil activities. This expansion has led to a great demand for groundwater. In the central part of Egypt, on the western limestone plateau, vertical electrical sounding and borehole geophysical logging were conducted to delineate aquifer boundaries. The measurements were interpreted using the lithological information from the drilled wells as a constraining factor. Fractured chalky limestone sediments represent the main aquifer, which is covered by sand and gravel deposits and which rests directly on partially saturated and highly resistive massive limestone. Discontinuous clay layers, which overlie the aquifer unit, were detected in the southern part of the study area as well as a relatively thin marly limestone layer in the northern part. The integrated analyses carried out represent a significant and cost-effective method for delineating the main aquifer in this area. In turn, future well locations can be placed with more confidence than before, in accordance with the evaluation of the potentiality of the groundwater aquifers in the area. Although the groundwater is normally brackish, it can serve the acute demands for water, especially for agricultural purposes.     

Hydrogeological investigation of shallow aquifers in an arid data-scarce coastal region (El Daba’a,northwestern Egypt)

Hydrogeological investigations in arid regions are particularly important to support sustainable development. The study area, El Daba’a in northwestern Egypt, faces scarce water resources as a result of reported climate change that particularly affects the southern Mediterranean coast and increases stress on the local groundwater reserves. This change in climate affects the area in terms of drought, over-pumping and unregulated exploration of groundwater for irrigation purposes. The hydrogeological investigation is based on a multidisciplinary data-layer analysis that includes geomorphology, geology, slope, drainage lines, soil type, structural lineaments, subsurface data, stable isotopes, and chemical analyses. The study area contains Pleistocene and middle Miocene marine limestone aquifers. Based on lithology and microfacies analysis, the middle Miocene aquifer is subdivided into two water-bearing zones. The area is affected by sets of faults and anticline folds, and these structures are associated with fractures and joints that increase permeability and facilitate the recharge of groundwater. Stable isotope data indicate that groundwater of both the Pleistocene and middle Miocene aquifers is recharged by modern precipitation. The high salinity values observed in some groundwater wells that tap both aquifers could be attributed to leaching and dissolution processes of marine salts from the aquifers’ marine limestone matrix. In addition, human activities can also contribute to an increase in groundwater salinity. A future water exploration strategy, based on the results from the multidisciplinary data-layer analysis, is proposed for the area. The derived scientific approach is transferable to other arid coastal areas with comparable conditions.     

海河平原东部地区地面沉降机理与趋势

海河平原东部地区是中国水资源最紧缺的地区之一。地下水开采量占该地区供水总水量的60％以上。深、浅层地下水超采量均超过500亿m^3。该区也是山前拦蓄地表径流最高的地区,大小水库达1820多座,拦蓄能力320亿m^3,控制山区流域面积近90％。在地下水补给源减少与大规模超采地下水的综合作用下,造成平原区河流干涸、地下水水位持续下降、含水层疏干及地面沉降等环境地质问题。同时诱发了含水层之间强越流渗透以求动力场平衡问题,第四系松散地层出现垂向压密而导致地层塑性变形。在滨海平原区,区域性地层垂向压密变形存在缓慢发展趋势。研究表明,地面沉降致灾过程至少存在3个阶段,即自然沉降机制阶段、缓变劣变质变阶段以及快速衰变破坏阶段。缓变劣变质变阶段是采取措施减灾最佳时期。     

云应盆地东北部含水层结构特征及地下水转化模式

云应盆地东北部属鄂北贫水地区,赋存于古近系—第四系含水层中的地下水是当地生产、生活用水的主要来源,亟需查明含水层的结构、含水层间地下水的转化关系等基本条件,为研究区内合理开发利用地下水提供依据。本研究通过野外水文地质调查、水文地质钻探工作,将研究区划分为单层含水层与双层含水层结构两个亚区（6个小区）。并通过地下水水位动态长期监测,获取了区内不同含水层的水位动态变化特征,分析各含水层之间的水力联系,建立了区域地下水转化的概念模式,即:研究区地下水以接受山前降雨入渗及风化裂隙水侧向径流补给为主,主要以水平径流的形式经古近系孔隙-裂隙含水层及第四系孔隙承压含水层往澴水方向运移,而后进入第四系孔隙潜水含水层。地下水和地表水在不同季节补排模式不同,雨季地表水（澴水）补给地下水,旱季地下水向地表水（澴水）排泄。古近系孔隙-裂隙水与上覆第四系孔隙水联系密切互为补给,共同构成具有统一水力联系的垂向多层结构的含水系统。独特的含水层结构决定了区内地下水接受降水补给的条件较差,地下水可开采资源量总体较贫乏,建议重点利用区域地表水资源,适度开发地下水资源,推进农业节水灌溉工程,实现水资源可持续利用。     

水文地球化学方法在煤矿水害研究中的某些应用——以平顶山、肥城矿区研究为例

矿井防治水的理论和工程实践表明，水文地球化学方法是矿井水害预防和治理工作中较为有效的一种方法，以平顶山矿区、肥城矿区为例，阐述了水文地球化学方法在水害研究中的某些应用，在平顶山矿区、环境同位素（氢、氧）和统计分析（聚类分析）技术的研究结果，进一步证实和校正了以往对该区水流系统的概念模型，即局部水流系统和过渡水流系统（或西南部和东北部子系统）的划分仅适于寒武系灰岩含水系统；砂岩含水层在矿区中、北部低山区接受大气降水补给，并有可能补给薄层灰岩含水层。在肥城矿区，地下水示踪试验结果表明，该区的GF9，F7－1、F7－3断层在试验段内具有较强的导水性，奥灰水可通过上述断层并以不同特征的通道和速度继续径流并补给各井下出水点，因而是该区煤矿安全的主要威胁。     

Modeling of limestone aquifer in the western part of the River Nile between Beni Suef and El Minia

A robust classification scheme for partitioning groundwater chemistry into homogeneous groups was an important tool for the characterization of Eocene limestone aquifer. The aquifer locally is composed of chalky limestone with thin clay intercalated (Samalut Fm.), the fissures, the joints, and the fractures are represented the conduits of the aquifer system. The flow patterns are conditioned by karstification processes which develop a conduit network and preserve low permeability microfractured blocks. The aquifer is mainly recharged by surrounding aquifers and agricultural wastewaters. The groundwater flows in the eastern part (due the Bahr Yossef and River Nile), which is a discharge area rather than a recharge. Twenty-eight groundwater samples was collected from the Eocene limestone aquifer and analyzed for isotopes, major, and trace elements. δD and δ¹⁸O concentrations ranged widely due to geology, infiltration of different surface waters, evaporation, and hydrogeology. The concentration of δD and δ¹⁸O isotopes is depleted in the northern zone of the northern part and western zone of the central and southern part of the study area. They are enriched due the eastern area of the central and southern part of the study area. δD vs. δ¹⁸O delineate the Pleistocene aquifer and has a strong influence than other waters on aquifer hydrogeochemistry. It is confirmed by the AquaChem outputs of the mixing proportions of different water types included in the aquifer system. Cl-δD and Cl-δ¹⁸O relationships indicate the role of evaporation especially due the eastern area of the central and southern part of the study area. This research tests the performance of the many available graphical and statistical methodologies used to classify water samples. R-mode clustering, correlation analysis, and principal component analysis were investigated. All the methods were discussed and compared as to their ability to cluster, ease of use, and ease of interpretation. Nearly most low-salinity waters are in equilibrium to supersaturate with respect to both carbonate minerals, while it is shifted to undersaturate with salinity. The inverse modeling findings clarify that the calcite, gypsum, and anhydrite dissolution increased due the northeastern area, middle zone, and southern corner of the northern, central, and southern part of the study area, respectively. The latter areas also were characterized by the lowest precipitation of the dolomite. Such areas are distinguished by much more enhancement for aquifer permeability and therefore transmissivity. The latter areas can be use as injection zone by fresh water. It can be a triple function; firstly, it recharges the saline Eocene limestone aquifer through the enhancement hydraulic conductivity and dilutes it. Secondly, it enhances much more the aquifer permeability and therefore the transmissivity. The Eocene limestone aquifer can be improved in quality and quantity by using such a model and exploits it as an alternative water resource with Quaternary aquifer and Nile water. Thirdly, it irrigates more areas to increase the income/capita. The dedolomitization represents the main hydrogeochemical process in the aquifer system. The geomedia (limestone, clay, marl, shale, and sand deposits) are in contact with water, therefore, the rock/water interaction, mixing, and ion exchange were estimated by the geochemical evolution of the groundwater systems.