Hydrochemical analyses for assessment the quality of groundwater for drinking, domestic and irrigation purposes at northeastern part of El-Bahariya oasis, Western desert, Egypt

Abstract

Research relevance. The study area suffers from lack of surface water and located at no.rtheastern part of El-Bahariya oasis, near from El-Gedida mine, where iron ore is extracted. Therefore groundwater may be contaminated from ElGedida mine, so it’s necessary to study its quality by hydrochemical analyses. Research objectives: assessment the quality of groundwater using different of analyses of quality of groundwater and studying the feasibility of using it for different purposes like drinking, irrigation and domestic purposes. Methodology. Collected groundwater samples were analyzed for determining the concentration of various Anions and Cations, Concentration of Hydrogen Ions pH, Total Dissolved Solids T.D.S, Electrical Conductivity σ, Total Water Hardness C, Sodium Adsorption Ratio SAR, Sodium Content SC, Piper diagram, Schoeller Diagram and USSL Diagram for evaluating the quality of groundwater for drinking, domestic and irrigation purposes Results. Based on the result of the hydrochemical analyses of collected groundwater samples. 1. Water sample no. 4, which is located in the southeastern part of the study area, is classified as a good water for drinking and domestic purposes. 2. Water samples no. 4 and 5, which located at southeastern and southwestern parts of the study area, were classified as good suitability for irrigation of all types of crops, but, water samples no. 7 and 9 aren’t suitable for irrigation, Except crops capable of withstand very high salinity.