West EL Minia area is considered one of promising areas for future development plans in Egypt. The current research provides an integrated remote sensing data, microfacies analysis, field studies and geochemical approach to investigate the groundwater resources in West El Minia area. Three aquifers were investigated; Oligocene sandstone, Middle Eocene limestone and Nubian sandstone aquifer. New data about two aquifers (Nubian sandstone and Oligocene) are presented in the current study extracted from well logging interpretation and wells rock samples. The groundwater of the Oligocene sandstone and Middle Eocene limestone aquifers are recorded under unconfined conditions, while the Nubian sandstone is recorded as confined aquifer. The total thicknesses of the three aquifers were identified through interpretation of the well logging data (180 m for Oligocene aquifer, 445 m for the Middle Eocene aquifer, and 145 m for Nubian sandstone aquifer). The present study discusses the groundwater levels, the geological controls and groundwater chemistry of the recorded aquifers. The low salinity values (560-916 mg/l) and water table map as well as the obtained stable isotopes data reveal that the Middle Eocene aquifer is recharged from the Nile River where it has isotopic signature of the modern Nile water with slightly contribution of paleo-water of the Nubian sandstone. The area is affected by sets of faults associated with fractures and joints and facilitates the groundwater recharge. Based on multi GIS data layers, remote sensing data, geologic investigation as well as geophysical data, a future groundwater strategy were presented.

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Water pollution with cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) is a worldwide concern because of their health impact. Determination of their concentrations and potential human health risks in surface water and groundwater in the southern El-Minya Governorate, Egypt, is the main aim of this study. Fifty-five samples were collected, 30 surface water samples and 25 groundwater samples. The samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry to determine Cd and Pb contents. Their levels in surface water and groundwater exceeded the maximum allowable level for drinking water set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The hazard quotient showed that the surface water and groundwater may pose a health risk to residents, especially to children. S. A. Salman et al.: Evaluation of human risks of surface water and groundwater contaminated with Cd and Pb

Background: Heavy metals have dangerous effect on the biota. So, this work aimed to determine the mobility and bioavailability of these metals through the application of pollution indices and geochemical fractionation technique. Thirty-one topsoil samples (20 cm) were collected from the area between Abu Qurqas and Dyer Mawas, El Minya Governorate, and subjected to chemical analysis. Results: The results revealed that Cd and As are mainly associated with carbonate fraction while Cr, Pb, Ni, and Cu are more present in the residual fraction. The relative amounts of easily dissolved phase of heavy metals in the soils are in the order of As > Cd > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cu. Conclusion: The results revealed that As, Cd, and Cr have high mobility and risks more than Pb, Ni, and Cu metals in the studied soils. As, Cd, and Cr were the heavy metals that caused pollutants in the soils of the studied area.

This study aims to investigate the aquifer in the Northern part of the Red Sea, Egypt. The RTP magnetic data were used to interpret of magnetic data, which was used to illustrate the depth of the basement rocks and subsurface structures. The major structural trends have the directions NE-SW, NW-SE, NNE-SSW, N-E, NNW-SSE and E-W, while the depth of the basement rocks ranges from 1000 m at the eastern part to 3500 m at the western part. The geoelectrical survey is represented through measuring 24 VESes which were collected by using Schlumberger configuration of AB/2 ranged (from 1.5 to 300 m). The results of quantitative interpretation refer to the subsurface sequence consists of four geoelectrical units. The first unit consists of alluvium with high resistivity and thin thickness. While the second one consists of sand and gravel with thickness ranging from 1 to 17 m of moderate to high resistivity. The third one consists of sandstone of low resistivity ranging from 0.32 to125 ohm. m and thickness ranging from 6 to 45 m; this unit represents the aquifer of the study area. The last geoelectrical unit consists of limestone with high resistivity. These units represent the post-Zeit formation of Quaternary (Pliocene-Pleistocene). ARTICLE HISTORY