Groundwater Hydrogeochemistry Impacted by Industrial Activities in Ain Sukhna Industrial Area, North-Western Part of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Abstract

Economic development and human life depend on groundwater resources in arid regions around the world. To define water quality in the Northwest Gulf of Suez, its elements, geogenic and anthropogenic sources, and suitability for various purposes, ten groundwater samples were collected and analyzed from wells tapping Quaternary and Tertiary aquifers. Average ion distribution was in the following order: Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > K+ and Cl− > SO42− > HCO3−. Two water types with hydrochemical Ca-Mg-Cl-SO4 facies accounted for 30% of samples due to reverse ion exchange, while Na-K-Cl-SO4 accounted for 70% of samples due to evaporation. Cd (0–0.042 mg/L) and Pb (0–0.222 mg/L) from industrial applications in the study area exceeded the acceptable values in drinking water (>0.003 and 0.01 mg/L, respectively). Heavy metals and ionic value enrichment are due to weathering, precipitation/evaporation, ion exchange, and anthropogenic activities. Most ions in groundwater are higher than the acceptable limits prescribed for drinking water at all sites. Most groundwater in the investigated area is inappropriate for irrigation based on total salinity and MH index. High-salinity-tolerant plants and vegetables can be utilized according to the USSLS diagram. All groundwater samples have improper effects of incrustation and corrosion. Proper management actions are recommended to ameliorate the groundwater quality.