Sedimentary
and hydrological features of ancient Nile Delta Saitic branch, Egypt, with environmental
sedimentologic applications
Gamal. M. Attia and Zein S. Rizk
Geology Dept., Fac. Of Sciences, Menoufia Univ., Egypt |
The Saitic branch of the Pleistocene Nile
Delta is defined by sedimentary and hydrochemical features. To clarify them, sediments,
and surface and ground water samples were collected. Previous analyses of sediments and
waters in neighboring areas are here considered to fill any gaps present.
The sediments along the Saitic branch are generally of low clay and silt contents, and
higher sand fraction and effective porosity. This indicates the higher current competency.
The channel sediments contain comparatively smaller amounts of SiO4--, PO4--,
Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn than the surroundings. Though they are not major, yet these elements are
related mostly to allochthonous components and partly diagenetic.
The hydrochemistry within the channel shows low contents of total dissolved salts of Na,
Ca, Mg, SO4, PO4,
Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd. Such concentration has to do with the origin and source of waters.
General relationships are noticed between the hydrochemistry and chemistry of sediments.
In addition to good water quality and high hydraulic conductivity, the Saitic channel has
short water residence time and high ground-water potentiality. However, the sandy nature
of the channel facilitates contamination of water with pollutants.
The environmental sedimentology - here proposed - reveals several effective factors and
provisions for the channel aquifer. These are related to the north salt water intrusion ,
sewage and drainage water effects. These waters contain among their components, pollutants
as fertilizers, insecticides and factory wastes. Their consideration in the environmental
sedimentary model would help in forthcoming water usage and applications, and control of
pollutants.
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