الفهرس 
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Abstract
The Quaternary flood plain deposits are the main groundwater aquifer in the Beni-Suef area, and groundwater contamination has become a significant issue due to both natural and human-caused reasons. The aim of this study is to investigate the hydrochemical properties and quality of the shallow groundwater in this area. The study collected 40 water samples from surface and groundwater and examined them for major ions and trace elements. The water quality parameters were then subjected to statistical analysis.
The results show that most of the examined area is freshwater, with a total dissolved solids (TDS) level of less than 1000 mg/l. However, the western regions of the area have high TDS, sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), sulphate (SO42-), and chloride (Cl-) levels, indicating the presence of local pollution sources arising from household, agricultural, and industrial waste seepage.
The trace element concentrations in the groundwater are within permissible levels for drinking and domestic usage. However, the concentration of iron, cadmium, aluminium, and manganese are above permissible levels in most of the groundwater areas, making it unsuitable for drinking. Iron and manganese concentrations are high throughout the region.
The evolution of the groundwater geochemistry in the Beni-Suef area is controlled by the dissolution of soluble salts such as evaporites and carbonate minerals, and the constant evapoconcentration of surface and soil water. The water geochemistry evolved from calcium (Ca2+) – magnesium (Mg2+) – bicarbonate (HCO3-) in Nile waters to sodium (Na+) – chloride (Cl-) – sulphate (SO42-) at the western side of the flood plain. The geochemistry then changed from Na+–Cl-–SO42- to Ca2+–Mg2+– HCO3- due to the dilution and mixing effect of (Ca–Mg– HCO3-) infiltrated water from EL-Ibrahimia canal, irrigation canals, and agriculture land. The principal component analysis revealed that dissolution/precipitation of carbonates, gypsum, and halite minerals, cation exchange, and anthropogenic activities are the main factors behind the geochemical evolution of groundwater in the area.
In conclusion, the study found that the groundwater in the Beni-Suef area’s flood plain aquifer is generally of good quality but is contaminated in some areas due to local pollution sources. The study recommends taking measures to prevent further contamination, and proper treatment of the water before consumption.