Trace elements in groundwater in Kafr El-Sheikh soils [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate the concentration of trace elements in groundwater of Kafr El-sheikh soils, north Nile Delta, (2) to characterize the salt, trace elements contents and groundwater depth relationships. Daily water table depths were measured in observation wells installed in the soils of 227 sites distributed in different regions of Kafr Elsheikh Governorate, north Nile Delta during the period from the first November 1999 to the end September 2000. Groundwater samples were taken monthly from the observation wells during the period of November 1999 to April 2000. Electrical conductivity (EC) and the total concentrations of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Co, Ni, and Pb were determined. The relations between mean groundwater depths and mean values of EC and concentrations of the studied elements were statistically analyzed and correlation coefficients were calculated. Results showed that the contents of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Co, Ni and Pb varied from 0.01 to 6.37 mg/L, 0 to 3.71 mg/L, 0 to 0.22 mg/L, 0.02 to 0.60 mg/L, 0 to 0.28 mg/L 0.01 to 1.16 mg/L, 0 to 2.06 mg/L and 0 to 4.61 mg/L, respectively. The mean values were 1.31,0.77,0.08, 1.10, 0.52, 0.08, 0.08 and 0.49 mg/L, respectively. The average contents of the studied elements varied from an element to another and from one region to another. Such elements can be arranged according to their contents in the order: Mn > Pb > Fe > Ni > Co > Cd, Zn and Cu. Obtained data showed also that the concentrations of Fe, Cu, Zn, and Pb in the groundwater of the studied sites were lower than the permissible concentrations in irrigation water. Cd concentration was somewhat greater than that the permissible level. However, the average levels of Mn, Co and Ni were higher than permissible-levels for long-term use, but were lower than those limits recommended for short-term use.

Summary in Arabic.

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