| Author(s) | A.H. El-Hussaini, H.A. Ibrahim and A.S. Sebaq |
| Affiliation | Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut- 71516, Egypt |
| Title | Application of Electrical Resistivity and Self-potential for Groundwater Exploration and Contamination Study in the Area Northwest of Assiut City, Egypt |
| Source | Journal of King Saud University. Science. Volume 16, No 1. (2004/1424) |
| Abstract | Water pollution is one of the greatest risks to human health. In this study, the groundwater contamination by a sewage station and other sources at the area northwest of Assiut City was assessed by both geophysical and hydrochemical methods. Bearing in mind all the available geological and hydrochemical characteristics of the investigated area, geoelectrical methods (electrical resistivity and self-potential) were chosen for the geophysical survey. Geoelectric profiling (including resistivity and self-potential) along three lines of measurements were made to determine the preliminary distribution of the contaminant plumes. Then, several Schlumberger Vertical Electric Soundings (VES-es) were undertaken at 24 stations to determine, in more detail, the dimension of the contaminated plume. Also, the hydrochemical data were collected from different water ducts, wells and canals within the surveyed area. Careful examination of both geoelectrical and hydrochemical data with the geological and hydrogeological background in the area northwest of Assiut has revealed presence of a major very high conductive zone, i.e. possibly contaminated zone. This zone has a very low resistivity value (20 Ohm.m) and extends from the ground surface down to about 47m depth. Also, the study showed presence of two high conductive zones (shallow and deep). These zones are considered fresh water bearing having resistivity values of 20-180 Ohm.m. Finally, the overall results were integrated and discussed as well as the merits and disadvantages of the techniques that have been employed. |
