THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE RAINFALL -RUNOFF UPON GROUNDWATER QUALITY IN WADI SUDR, SOUTH SINAI

摘要

In this study, the prevailing aquifers in Wadi Sudr are assessed for the rock type, the source of recharge and the water quality. The collected meteorological data were analyzed for the evaluation of the rainfall and runoff behavior as storm events. The changes of water quality in each of the investigated aquifers indicated prominent variation in the clastic aquifers (wadi fill and deltaic) rather than in the carbonate aquifer (limestone and dolomite). The direct response of groundwater quality of some aquifers and the non-response of the others may indicate different sources of recharge or a kind of separation among those aquifers. The water quality changes due to rainfall and runoff are represented by salinity dilution, sodium and chloride ion low concentrations, and calcium sulfate salt increasing. The changes in water quality are associated with immediate changes in water levels. The water quality of the deltaic aquifer is considerably affected by the sea water intrusion, where the rainfall effect upon the ion concentrations is of less importance.