Combining Hydro-Geochemistry and Environmental Isotope Methods to Evaluate Groundwater Quality and Health Risk (Middle Nile Delta, Egypt)
Khatita AM, van Geldern R, Bamousa AO, Alexakis DE, Ismail E, Abdellah WR, Babikir IA (2025)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2025
Journal
Book Volume: 12
Article Number: 72
Journal Issue: 4
DOI: 10.3390/hydrology12040072
Abstract
This study aims to assess the vulnerability of groundwater in the Nile Delta to contamination and evaluate its suitability for drinking and irrigation. A total of 28 groundwater wells (ranging from 23 to 120 m in depth) and two Nile surface water samples were analyzed for total dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metals, groundwater quality index (GWQI), and hazard quotient (HQ). The findings reveal that deep groundwater (60–120 m) displays paleo-water characteristics, with low TDS, total hardness, and minimal heavy metal contamination. In contrast, shallow groundwater (<60 m) is categorized into three groups: paleo-water-like, recent Nile water with elevated TDS and heavy metals, and mixed water. Most groundwater samples (64%) are of the Ca-HCO3 type, while 28% are Na-HCO3, and 8% are Na-Cl, the latter associated with sewage infiltration. Most groundwater samples were deemed suitable for irrigation, but drinking water quality varied significantly—4% were classified as “excellent”, 64% as “good”, and 32% as “poor”. HQ analysis identified manganese as a significant health risk, with 56% of shallow groundwater samples exceeding safe levels. These findings highlight the varying groundwater quality in the Nile Delta, emphasizing concerns regarding health risks from heavy metals, particularly manganese, and the need for improved monitoring and management.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Taibah University / جامعة طيبة
Saudi Arabia (SA)
University of West Attica (UNIWA) / Πανεπιστήμιο Δυτικής Αττικής
Greece (GR)
Saudi Arabia (SA)
University of West Attica (UNIWA) / Πανεπιστήμιο Δυτικής Αττικής
Greece (GR)
How to cite
APA:
Khatita, A.M., van Geldern, R., Bamousa, A.O., Alexakis, D.E., Ismail, E., Abdellah, W.R., & Babikir, I.A. (2025). Combining Hydro-Geochemistry and Environmental Isotope Methods to Evaluate Groundwater Quality and Health Risk (Middle Nile Delta, Egypt). Hydrology, 12(4). https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12040072
MLA:
Khatita, Atef M.Abu, et al. "Combining Hydro-Geochemistry and Environmental Isotope Methods to Evaluate Groundwater Quality and Health Risk (Middle Nile Delta, Egypt)." Hydrology 12.4 (2025).
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