Abu Salem et al. 2023 — Hydrogeochemistry and heavy metal pollution of groundwater in Beni Suef, Egypt
This study characterized the hydrogeochemical evolution and pollution sources of the shallow Quaternary aquifer in Beni Suef Governorate, Egypt, by analyzing 18 groundwater samples collected from hand-dug wells and boreholes using ICP-ES for multi-element determination. The authors applied multivariate statistical analysis (principal component analysis, cluster analysis, Piper and Gibbs diagrams) to identify geogenic versus anthropogenic contamination sources. Elevated concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Pb were attributed to agricultural drainage and industrial effluent inputs, while the overall water chemistry was dominated by evaporite dissolution and water-rock interaction. Several samples exceeded WHO drinking water guidelines for multiple parameters including heavy metals.
Key numbers
18 groundwater samples. Metals quantified by ICP-ES: Fe, Mn, Cu, Co, Ni, Zn, V, Sb, Pb, Se, Cr, Ba, Cd, Al, As, Sn. Pb was detected in several samples above WHO guideline of 10 µg/L; specific concentrations reported per sample in the source tables. Cd detected at trace levels. As, Cr, and Ni also quantified; values tabulated by sample location (source pp. and tables in raw file).
Methods (brief)
ICP-ES (inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry) for multi-element analysis. Eighteen samples from Quaternary aquifer wells and boreholes. Multivariate statistics (PCA, CA) applied to 28 physicochemical and trace-element parameters. No speciation for As or Cr reported.
Implications
Certification: Groundwater data from Beni Suef context; not directly applicable to HMT&C product thresholds but relevant to irrigation water quality context for Egyptian agricultural inputs. Courses: Useful example of geogenic vs. anthropogenic heavy metal source partitioning in drinking water. App: Not applicable (drinking water, not food ingredient matrix).