Implication of the Mining Activities on the Hydrogeochemical Imprints and Quality Assessment of the Groundwater in Wadi Asal and Wadi Queih, Red Sea Area, Egypt

Abstract

This study used integrated geochemical, and ionic ratios, to investigate hydrogeochemical aspects, quality, and possible contamination due to mining activities in Wadi Asal and Wadi Queih, Red Sea, Egypt. Five groundwater samples were gathered from Middle Miocene, Duwi Formation, and Nubian aquifers. The dominant ions are: Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+/Cl– > $${\text{SO}}_{4}^{{2 - }}$$ > $${\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - }$$ for Duwi aquifer, while Asal and Nubian aquifers have Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+/Cl– > $${\text{SO}}_{4}^{{2 - }}$$ > $${\text{HCO}}_{3}^{ - }$$ . The hydrochemical facies for Duwi aquifer plot in Ca–Na–Cl–SO4 field (40%), and Asal and Nubian aquifers in Wadi Queih (60%) plot in Na–Ca–Cl–SO4 field. The heavy metal contents are as follows: Zn > Pb > Cr > Ni > Cd > Cu for Asal and Pb > Cr > Zn > Ni > Cd > Cu for Queih; all related to mining activities of Pb–Zn and phosphates. Drinking water quality index (DWQI) reveal that all the groundwater samples are improper for drinking. Irrigation water quality index (IWQI) reveal that all groundwater demonstrating a medium quality class for irrigation purposes. Groundwater exploration combined with suitable remediation techniques is recommended for future sustainable development in the investigated zone and similar coastal areas in Egypt.