HYDROCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SALINIZATION PROCESSES IN THE QUATERNARY AQUIFER IN THE EASTERN NILE DELTA, EGYPT

The study of salinization of groundwater in the Quaternary
aquifer of the eastern Nile Delta is highly complex due to the arid
climate, the presence of evaporates and proximity to the sea . The
Quaternary aquifer of the eastern Nile Delta is affected by salinization
processes undoubtedly associated with intense groundwater
exploitation for agriculture supply. The present research is an attempt
to investigate the presence of the saltwater intrusion in this aquifer,
using hydrochemical analyses and the behavior of certain minor ions
that could help in the characterization process. The salinization has
been characterized by jointly studying the content of a series of ionic
relationships and various minor ions (B and Br). Boron content
increases in more saline areas, since it is associated with the presence
of evaporitic and/or marine influences. Bromine analysis enabled the
identification of the principal processes that determine the salinity of
the water along the coastal zone. The brackish groundwaters that are
related to old raised beaches have a low Cl/Br ratio. Areas affected by
marine intrusion had Cl/Br ratios similar to seawater and higher than
in other areas along the coastal zone.
In the eastern Nile Delta sector, groundwater salinization does
not appear to be attributable to the intrusion of seawater, but there are
dissolution processes of marine deposits.