Abstract

Northern Sinai has received great attention with respect to future agricultural development, especially after initiation of El Salam canal, as a source of irrigation. The research aim is to highlight on the nature and potentiality of the Quaternary aquifer in the northern Sinai. To achieve this target, a 256 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed chemically with respect to major ions, SiO₂, B³⁺, PO₄^3-, NO₃^-, Br^-, I^- , Pb²⁺, Fe³⁺, Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Co²⁺. Five infiltration tests were accomplished at five soil sites. Two pumping and one reanalyzed tests were carried out to determine the hydrogeological parameters of the Quaternary aquifer. The granulometric investigation was measured for 15 sub soils of five soil sites. The total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration of the Quaternary aquifer is increased in the northern part of the sub area A. It reflects the impact of seawater intrusion. In the sub area B, the TDS concentration is decreased towards the northern part, due to recharge from El Salam canal (fresh water). There is hydrogeological interconnection between El Salam canal and aquifer system in the northern Sinai. In sub area C, the TDS concentration is increased towards the northwestern part (Suez canal), caused by seawater intrusion from Suez Canal. The PO₄^3-, NO₃ and most of the toxic metals (Pb²⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn⁺² and Co²⁺) concentrations in groundwater were recorded in medium to high concentrations in sub areas (B and C). It attributes to leakage of septic tank, seepage from El Salam canal, agricultural activity and geomedia. The dendrogram investigation, principle component analysis, and correlation study were discussed and interpreted according to geography, geology, hydrogeology, and anthropogenic sources. 

Key words: Hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry, modeling, northern Sinai.