Hydro-chemical study of groundwater and its suitability for different purposes at Manfalut District, Assuit Governorate

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to evaluate the availability of using the groundwater for different purposes at Manfalut District, Assuit Governorate. Chemical analysis of water samples in the study area at Manfalut District are located between latitudes 27°00′ & 27°30′ North and longitudes 30°30′ & 31°00′ East. It is bounded to: the East by the River Nile, the North by El-Qusiya District, the South by Assuit District and the West by the Western Desert.The concentration of total dissolved salts (TDS) of groundwater in the studied area ranges from 256 to 2816 ppm. The minimum TDS 256 ppm was recorded in the area located near Naga Hammadi canal. The maximum TDS was found in the western part near desert. This TDS level has been affected by the soil leaching and the diffusion of marine groundwater from the Miocene aquifer located in the west.The well samples which can be used in drinking purposes according to WHO standards are located in west area of River Nile, while the sample located at the second region in the western area cannot be used for drinking or domestic uses due to very high salinity.The concentrations of trace elements in the groundwater of Manfalut District were generally within the permissible limits for irrigation. No toxicity will arise by using water for permanent irrigation in all soils. However, the slight increase in Cadmium concentration in most wells should be removed first from groundwater in the study area.