Assessing the Fresh–Saline Groundwater Distribution in the Nile Delta Aquifer Using a 3D Variable-Density Groundwater Flow Model

Mabrouk, Marmar; Jonoski, Andréja; Essink, Gualbert Oude; Uhlenbrook, Stefan

doi:10.3390/w11091946

Cited by 27 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…A 3D variable-density groundwater flow and coupled salt transport model for the NDA was developed using SEAWAT [18]. The model captures the situation in the year 2010, since for this year, most data is available.…”

Section: Numerical Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These values are quite small, so the developed model is considered to be sufficiently reliable for future analyses. Further details about the model development and calibration results are available in Reference [18].…”

Section: Numerical Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The significance of the results from this scenario is that they demonstrate that even without any SLR or increased groundwater extraction, the salinization of the NDA will continue. It was shown by [18] that the NDA has not reached equilibrium yet and that this complex groundwater system is characterized by slow hydrogeological variations that bring significant impacts only after a long period of time [24]. For this reason, this scenario, in fact, raises a warning alarm.…”

Section: The Whole Nile Deltamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To carry out this analysis, a 3D variable-density groundwater flow model coupled with salt transport developed using the SEAWAT modelling system [18]. Because this is a regional model that is focused on freshwater resources in the NDA, it does not consider the dynamic coastline or the local coastal flooding processes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Impacts of Sea Level Rise and Groundwater Extraction Scenarios on Fresh Groundwater Resources in the Nile Delta Governorates, Egypt

Mabrouk

Jonoski

Essink

et al. 2018

Water

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As Egypt’s population increases, the demand for fresh groundwater extraction will intensify. Consequently, the groundwater quality will deteriorate, including an increase in salinization. On the other hand, salinization caused by saltwater intrusion in the coastal Nile Delta Aquifer (NDA) is also threatening the groundwater resources. The aim of this article is to assess the situation in 2010 (since this is when most data is sufficiently available) regarding the available fresh groundwater resources and to evaluate future salinization in the NDA using a 3D variable-density groundwater flow model coupled with salt transport that was developed with SEAWAT. This is achieved by examining six future scenarios that combine two driving forces: increased extraction and sea level rise (SLR). Given the prognosis of the intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC), the scenarios are used to assess the impact of groundwater extraction versus SLR on the seawater intrusion in the Delta and evaluate their contributions to increased groundwater salinization. The results show that groundwater extraction has a greater impact on salinization of the NDA than SLR, while the two factors combined cause the largest reduction of available fresh groundwater resources. The significant findings of this research are the determination of the groundwater volumes of fresh water, brackish, light brackish and saline water in the NDA as a whole and in each governorate and the identification of the governorates that are most vulnerable to salinization. It is highly recommended that the results of this analysis are considered in future mitigation and/or adaptation plans.

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Section: Numerical Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Numerical Modelmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: The Whole Nile Deltamentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Impacts of Sea Level Rise and Groundwater Extraction Scenarios on Fresh Groundwater Resources in the Nile Delta Governorates, Egypt

Mabrouk

Jonoski

Essink

et al. 2018

Water

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“…With the help of this method, we can classify areas of fresh and saltwater. This is extensively used in diverse groundwater and lithological settings where the salinity of the water varies (Mabrouk et al, 2019). This technique is based upon Ohm's law.…”

Section: Electrical Resistivity Surveymentioning

confidence: 99%

Aquifer Characterization and Physiochemical Analysis of District Dera Ghazi Khan Punjab, Pakistan

Shafiq

Ullah

Zaheer

et al. 2021

MGPB

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The study area is located in the arid section of Punjab province, Pakistan. The accessibility of freshwater is the main problem in this area. The area is mainly flat and alluvial deposits are present down to 800 m. The groundwater is not fit for drinking because of its salinity. Hence, it is essential to mark the transition between fresh water and saltwater. Resistivity models were used to locate freshwater areas. The saltwater areas are between 10 and 30 m deep. Salt flats and clayrich deposits are visible on resistivity maps and were identified by low resistance values. After linking resistivity data and maps, it is determined that the south portion of the area has a freshwater aquifer, especially at a depth of 200 m. At this depth, the quality of water is very good, regardless of its mild salinity in some areas. The margin between salty and freshwater is set to no degree. This is dependent upon the recharge and usage of an aquifer. Groundwater pollution poses a severe threat to the city’s residents. Results from the physio-chemical analysis of the water samples confirm the presence of arsenic in excessive amounts in water samples and are outside the limits set by the WHO and NDWQS. Just two out of 10 samples are within the limits for safe drinking water. The results of this research are valued for groundwater management and the installation of tubular wells in freshwater areas for households and irrigation purposes.

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Modelling the impact of lining and covering irrigation canals on underlying groundwater stores in the Nile Delta, Egypt

Abd‐Elaty

Pugliese

Bali

et al. 2022

Hydrological Processes

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Canal seepage losses can contribute significantly to groundwater aquifers in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide. In addition, surface water evaporation and evapotranspiration from adjacent riparian vegetation directly affect surface water availability across these regions. This study aims to evaluate interactions between irrigation canals and the Nile Delta groundwater aquifer in Egypt under four operational scenarios: (i) decreased stream flows in the four main diversion canals associated with upper Nile diversions and climate change, (ii) concrete lining of irrigation canals, (iii) combined lining and use of Photo-Voltaic (PV) Solar Panel covers on canals and (iv) enclosure of the canals in closed conduits. We investigated the effects of these scenarios on regional groundwater supplies and levels using MODFLOW and water budget analyses. Decreased streamflow (scenario 1) resulted in decreased aquifer recharge (from 732 910 to 483 800 m 3 day À1 ) and lower groundwater levels as compared to the base case (present) conditions. Moreover, groundwater flows from the aquifer to the four main canals noticeably increased from 23 176 to 79 364 m 3 day À1 . Water budget analyses associated with canal lining scenarios (2, 3, & 4) indicated that canal leakage to the aquifer accounted for 146 582, 146 582, and 73 291 m 3 day À1 respectively. The changes in canal efficiencies reached 29.3%, 67.1%, 75.3%, and 91.8% while the changes in aquifer recharge efficiencies were 66%, 20%, 20%, and 10% for the four scenarios, respectively. Overall, we found that canals lining is likely the most suitable solution for managing water resources in the Nile Delta. Further aspects to be considered in future studies include the loss of biodiversity along streams embankments due to channel lining.

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Assessing the Fresh–Saline Groundwater Distribution in the Nile Delta Aquifer Using a 3D Variable-Density Groundwater Flow Model

Cited by 27 publications

References 41 publications

Impacts of Sea Level Rise and Groundwater Extraction Scenarios on Fresh Groundwater Resources in the Nile Delta Governorates, Egypt

Impacts of Sea Level Rise and Groundwater Extraction Scenarios on Fresh Groundwater Resources in the Nile Delta Governorates, Egypt

Aquifer Characterization and Physiochemical Analysis of District Dera Ghazi Khan Punjab, Pakistan

Modelling the impact of lining and covering irrigation canals on underlying groundwater stores in the Nile Delta, Egypt

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