Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Distribution and immobilization of heavy metals in Pliocene aquifer sediments in Wadi El Natrun depression, Western Desert

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Arabian Journal of Geosciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The Pliocene aquifer receives inflow of Miocene and Pleistocene aquifer waters in Wadi El Natrun depression. The aquifer also receives inflow from the agricultural activity and septic tanks. Nine sediment samples were collected from the Pliocene aquifer in Wadi E1 Natrun. Heavy metal (Cu, Sr, Zn, Mn, Fe, Al, Ba, Cr, Ni, V, Cd, Co, Mo, and Pb) concentrations of Pliocene aquifer sediments were investigated in bulk, sand, and mud fractions. The determination of extractable trace metals (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Pb) in Pliocene aquifer sediments using sequential extraction procedure (four steps) has been performed in order to study environmental pathways (e.g., mobility of metals, bounding states). These employ a series of successively stronger chemical leaching reagents which nominally target the different compositional fractions. By analyzing the liquid leachates and the residual solid components, it is possible to determine not only the type and concentration of metals retained in each phase but also their potential ecological significance. Cu, Sr, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Al concentrations are higher in finer sediments than in coarser sediments, while Ba, Cr, Ni, V, Cd, Co, Mo, and Pb are enriched in the coarser fraction. The differences in relative concentrations are attributed to intense anthropogenic inputs from different sources. Heavy metal concentrations are higher than global average concentrations in sandstone, USEPA guidelines, and other local and international aquifer sediments. The order of trace elements in the bulk Pliocene aquifer sediments, from high to low concentrations, is Fe > Al > Mn > Cr > Zn > Cu > Ni > V > Sr > Ba > Pb > Mo > Cd > Co. The Pliocene aquifer sediments are highly contaminated for most toxic metals, except Pb and Co which have moderate contamination. The active soluble (F0) and exchangeable (F1) phases are represented by high concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn and relatively higher concentrations of Pb and Cd. This may be due to the increase of silt and clay fractions (mud) in sediments, which act as an adsorbent, retaining metals through ion exchange and other processes. The order of mobility of heavy metals in this phase is found to be Pb > Cd > Zn > Cu > Fe > Mn. The values of the active phase of most heavy metals are relatively high, indicating that Pliocene sediments are potentially a major sink for heavy metals characterized by high mobility and bioavailability. Fe–Mn oxyhydroxide phase is the most important fraction among labile fractions and represents 22% for Cd, 20% for Fe, 11% for Zn, 8% for Cu, 5% for Pb, and 3% for Mn. The organic matter-bound fraction contains 80% of Mn, 72% of Cu, 68% of Zn, 60% of Fe, 35% of Pb, and 30% of Cd (as mean). Summarizing the sequential extraction, a very good immobilization of the heavy metals by the organic matter-bound fraction is followed by the carbonate-exchangeable-bound fraction. The mobility of the Cd metal in the active and Fe–Mn oxyhydroxide phases is the highest, while the Mn metal had the lowest mobility.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abdallah M (1970) Petrology of some Pliocene–Recent rocks in Wadi E1 Natrun–Beni Suef area, Egypt. MSc thesis, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University

  • Abdel Baki A (1983) Hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical studies of the area west of Rosetta branch and south El Nasr canal. PhD thesis, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, p 320

  • Abdel Malek M, Rizk S (1963) Bacterial sulphate reduction and the development of alkalinity: III. Experiments under natural conditions. J applied Bacteriol 26:20–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Abdo M, Sayed M (2009) Profile of some trace elements in the water—surficial sediment of Wadi El-Natrun depression lakes. Egypt Global Journal of Environmental Research 3(2):76–81. ISSN 1990-925X © IDOSI Publications, 20093

    Google Scholar 

  • Abu Khadrah A (1973) Geological and sedimentological studies of Wadi El Natrun district, western desert, Egypt. PhD thesis, Faculty of Science, Cairo University

  • Abu Zeid K (1974) Contribution to the geology of Wadi E1 Natrun area and its surroundings. MSc thesis, Faculty of Science, Cairo University

  • Ackermann F (1980) A procedure for correcting the grain size effect in heavy metal analyses of estuarine and coastal sediments. Environ Technology Lett 1:518–527

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ali E (1982) Physiological studies on the contamination and toxicity of some plants by certain heavy metals. PhD thesis, Cairo University p 318

  • Ansari A, Singh I, Tobscholl H (1999) Status of anthropogenic ally induced metal pollution in the Kanpur–Unnao industrial region of the Ganga plain. India Environ Geol 38(1):25–33

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arakel A, Hongjun T (1992) Heavy metal geochemistry and dispersion pattern in coastal sediments, soil, and water of Kedron Brook floodplain area, Brisbane. Australia Environ Geol Water Sci 3:219–231

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Attia A, Hilmy M, Bolous S (1970) Mineralogy of the encrustation deposits of Wadi El-Natrun. Desert Inst Bull 2:301–325

    Google Scholar 

  • Biksham G, Subramanian V, Griken R (1991) Heavy metal distribution in the Godaravai River basin. Environ Geol Water Sci 14:114–126

    Google Scholar 

  • Boencke J (1993) Verteilung der schwer metallgehatte in der sedimenter des Holzmoares, westeifel, Deutschland. Unpublished Diplom thesis, Mainz, University of Mainz, 129 pp

  • Breward N, Peachy D (1983) The development of a rapid scheme for the elucidation of the chemical speciation of elements in sediments. Sci Total Environ 29:155–162

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cannon H (1976) Pb in the atmosphere, natural and artificially occurring lead and the effects of Pb on health. In: Lavering TG (ed) Lead in the environment, USGS, Professional Paper 957. USGS, Washington, DC, pp 75–80

    Google Scholar 

  • Chao T, Theobold J (1976) The significance of secondary iron and manganese oxides in geochemical exploration. Econ Geol 71:1560–1569

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chester R, Hughes M (1967) A chemical technique for the separation of ferromanganese minerals, carbonate minerals and adsorbed trace elements from pelagic sediments. Chem Geol 2:249–262

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Christopher H, Swartz N, Keon B, Borhan B, Shraf A, Daneil B, Jenny J, James B, Shafiqul A, Harold R, Hemond E, Charles H (2004) Mobility of arsenic in a Bangladesh aquifer: inferences from geochemical profiles, leaching data, and mineralogical characterization. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 68(22):4539–4557

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Comans RNJ, Vandijk CPJ (1988) Role of complexation processes in cadmium mobilization during estuarine mixing. Nature 336:151–154

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dassi L (2010) Use of chloride mass balance and tritium data for estimation of groundwater recharge and renewal rate in an unconfined aquifer from North Africa: a case study from Tunisia. Environ Earth Sci 60:861–871

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dassi L, Zouari K, Seiler K, Faye S, Kamel S (2005) Flow exchange between the deep and shallow groundwater in the Sbeitla synclinal basin (Tunisia): an isotopic approach. Environ Geol 47:501–511

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davies B (1994) Trace elements with human environment: problems & risks. Environ Geochem Health 16:97–106

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Gieter M, Leermakers M, Van Ryssen R, Noyen J, Goeyens L, Baeyens W (2002) Arch Environ Deutscher NormenausschuB 1984: DIN38414, part 4: Bestimmung der Eluierbarkkeit mit wasser (S4), Berlin

  • DeGroot A, Allersma E (1975) Field observations on transport of heavy metals in sediments. In: Krenkel PA (ed) Heavy metals in aquatic environment. Pergamon, Oxford, pp 85–101

    Google Scholar 

  • Deutscher NormenausschuB (1984) DIN38414, part 4: Bestimmung der Eluierbarkkeit mit wasser (S4), Berlin

  • Dissanayake C, Rohana A, Weerasooriya S (1987) Heavy metal abundances in the Kandy lake—an environmental case study from Sri Lanka. Environ Geol Water 10(2):81–88

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Edmond JM, Spivack A, Grant BC, Hu MH, Chen ZX, Chen S, Zeng XS (1985) Chemical dynamics of the Changjiang estuary. Cont Shelf Res 4:17–36

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Edmunds WM (2009) Geochemistry’s vital contribution to solving water resource problems. Appl Geochem 24(6):1058–1073

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El Abd E (2005) Geological impact on the water bearing formations in the area southwest Nile Delta, Egypt. PhD thesis, Faculty of Science, El Minouifia University, Shibin El Kom, 254 pp

  • Elbaz F, Poulichet F, Martin JM, Huang WW, Zhu JX (1987) Dissolved cadmium behavior in some selected French and Chinese estuaries. Consequences on cadmium supply to the ocean. Mar Chem 22:125–138

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • El Kashouty M (2004) Impact of land use on the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater in Wadi El Farigh area, Egypt. 8th International Water Technology Conference (IWTC8), pp 409–428

  • El Kashouty M, Saber M (2006) Contamination by agro-industrial activities and remediation procedures in the Shoubra El Khima District. International Conference on Geochemistry, Alex University, Faculty of Science

  • El Shiekh A (2000) Hydrogeology of the area north and west of Wadi El Natrun. MSc thesis, Faculty of Science, El Minoiuifia University, Shibin El Kom, 177 pp

  • Fekry AM (1993) Hydrogeological studies of the southern region west of the Nile Delta. PhD thesis, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University

  • Fehdi Ch, Rouabhia A, Baali F, Boudoukha A (2009) The hydrogeochemical characterization of Morsott-El Aouinet aquifer, Northeastern Algeria. Environ Geol 58:1611–1620

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Filipek L, Owen D (1979) Geochemical association and grain size partitioning of heavy metals in lacustrine sediments. Chem Geol 26:105–117

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Filopek L, Chao T, Carpenter R (1982) Factors affecting the partitioning of Cu, Zn and Pb in boulder coatings stream sediments in the vicinity of a polymetallic sulfide deposit. Chem Geol 33:45–64

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Forstner U (1982) Accumulative phases for heavy metals in limnic sediments. Hydrobiologia 91:269–284

    Google Scholar 

  • Forstner U (1987) In metal speciation, separation, and recovery. Lewis, Michigan, pp 3–26

    Google Scholar 

  • Forstner U, Wittman GTW (1979) Metal pollution in the aquatic environment. Springer, Berlin, pp 18–20

    Google Scholar 

  • Forstner U, Witmann G (1983) Metal pollution in the aquatic environment. Springer, New York, 486 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Foster SSD, Chilton PJ (2003) Groundwater: the processes and global significance of aquifer degradation. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B 358:1957–1972

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gadde PR, Laitinen HA (1974) Studies of heavy metals absorption by hydrous Fe and Mn oxides. Anal Chem 46:2022–2226

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gibbs RJ (1977) Transport phases of transition metals in the Amazon and Yukon rivers. Geol Soc Am Bull 88:829–943

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta GC, Harrison FL (1981) Effects of cation on copper adsorption by kaolin. Water Air Soil Poll 15:323–339

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Harbison P (1986) Mangrove muds—a sink and a source for trace metals. Marine Pollution Bulletin 17:246–250

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • He XT, Traina SJ, Logan TJ (1992) Chemical properties of municipal solid waste compost. J Environ Qual 21:318–329

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hertig W (2009) Environmental tracer study of groundwater recharge near the Nile Delta, Egypt. 13.3.06, DPG-Tagung, Heidelberg, Universität Heidelberg

  • Hend A (2010) Environmental isotopic and geochemical investigation of the groundwater aquifer of Wadi El Natrun area, Egypt. MSc thesis, Faculty of Science, Geology Department, Cairo University, 188 pp

  • Jenne F (1968) Controls of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn concentrations in soils and water: the significance of hydrous Mn and Fe oxides. Am Chem Soc Adv Ser 73:337–387

    Google Scholar 

  • Jianhua S, Qi F, Xiaohu W, Yonghong S, Haiyang X, Zongqiang C (2008) Major ion chemistry of groundwater in the extreme arid region northwest China. Environ Geol 57:1079–1087

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Juracic M, Bauman V, Pavdic V (1980) Physio-chemical characterisation of recent sediments of the North Adriatic in relation to pollution problems. Ves J Etud Pollut Mar Mediterranee CIESM, Cagliari, pp 977–982

  • Juracic M, Bauman V, Pavdic V (1982) Are sediments the ultimately depository of hydrocarbon pollution. Ves J Etud Pollut Mar mediterrance CIESM, Cagliari, pp 83–87

  • Lacerda L, Abrao J (1984) Heavy metal accumulation by mangrove and salt marsh intertidal sediments. Rev Bras Biol 7:49–52

    Google Scholar 

  • Lapp B, Balzer W (1993) Early diagenesis of trace metals used as an indicator of past productivity changes in coastal sediments. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 57:6639–4652

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • La Moreaux P (1962) Reconnaissance report and recommendation for ground water investigations, Wadi El Natrun, western desert of Egypt. General Desert Development Organization, Egypt

    Google Scholar 

  • Lee C (1985) Sedimentary process of fine sediments and the behaviors of associated metals in the Keum estuary, Korea. In: Sigleo AC, Hatton A (eds) Marine and estuaries geochemistry. Lewis, Michigan, pp 210–225

    Google Scholar 

  • Leita LM, Nobili D (1991) Water-soluble fractions of heavy metal during composting of municipal solid waste. J Environ Qual 22:857–863

    Google Scholar 

  • Li Y (1982) Interelement relationship in abyssal Pacific Ferro manganese nodules and associated pelagic sediments. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 46:1053–1060

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu C, Yu J, Kendy E (2001) Groundwater exploitation and its impact on the environment in the North China Plain. Water Int 26(2):265–272

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loring D (1984) Trace-metal geochemistry of sediments from Baffin Bay. Can J Earth Sci 21:1368–1378

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martincic D, Kwokal Z, Branica M (1990) Distribution of zinc, lead, cadmium, and copper between different size fractions of sediments. I. The Limski Kanal (North Adriatic Sea). Sci Total Environ 95:201–215

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marzouk I (1970) Rock stratigraphy and oil potentialities of the Oligocene and Miocene in the western desert of Egypt. 7th Arab Petroleum Congress, Kuwait, 54, pp 1–37

  • Masoud G, Atwia M (2011) Spatio-temporal characterization of the Pliocene aquifer conditions in Wadi El-Natrun area, Egypt. Environ Earth Sci 62:1361–1374. doi:10.1007/s12665-010-0623-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moore D, Reynolds R (1989) X ray diffraction and the identification and analysis of the clay minerals. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 331 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Nair C, Balchand A, Nambisan P (1991) Heavy metal speciation in sediments of Cochin estuary determined using chemical extraction techniques. Sci Total Environ 102:113–128

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nriagu JO (1979) Copper in the environment. Part I. Ecological cycling. Wiley, New York, p 217

    Google Scholar 

  • Omara S, Sanad S (1975) Rock stratigraphy and structural features of the area between Wadi El Natrun and the Moghra depression, Western Desert, Egypt. Geol J, B-16, Hanover, Germany, pp 45–73

  • Padmalal D (1993) Mineralogy and geochemistry of the sediments of Muvattupuzha River and central Vembanad estuary, Kerala, India. PhD thesis (unpublished). Cochin University of Science & Technology, 122 pp

  • Padmalal D, Seralathan P (1991) Interstitial water sediments geochemistry of P and Fe in the sediments of Vembanad lake, west coast of India. Indian J Mar Sci 20:263–266

    Google Scholar 

  • Pavlov M (1962) Hydrogeology. Preliminary report on the geology, hydrogeology, and groundwater hydrology of the Wadi El Natrun and adjacent areas. Internal report, part 2; Desert Inst., The general Desert Development Organization, Cairo, UAR, 63 pp

  • Pickering WF (1986) Metal ion speciation—soils and sediment (a review). Ore Geology Rev 1:83–146

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Phillip G, Abdallah A, Darwish M (1973) Petrographic studies on the Upper Tertiary rocks in the south of Alamein area, North western desert, Egypt. Bulletin of Faculty of Science, Cairo University, No. 46

  • Phillip G, Barakat M, Abu Khadrah A (1975) Stratigraphy and mechanical analysis of Neogene sediments in Wadi El Natrnn area, Egypt, Bulletin. Faculty of Science, Cairo University, No. 48

  • Presley B, Kolodny Y, Nissenbaum A, Kaplan A (1972) Early digenesis in reducing fjord, Saanich Inlet 2: trace metal distribution in interstitial water and sediment. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 36:1073–1090

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Presley B, Trefry H, Shokes R (1980) Heavy metal inputs to Mississippi Delta sediments. Water Air Soil Pollut 13:481–494

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pruysers P, Delange G, Middelburg G (1991) Geochemistry of eastern Mediterranean sediments: primary sediment composition and digenetic alterations. Mar Geol 100 (Special Section):137–154

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rapin F, Nembrinis GP, Forstner U, Garcia JI (1983) Heavy metals in marine sediments phases determined by sequential chemical extraction and their interaction with interstitial water. Environ Technol Lett 4:387–396

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rashed MA (1991) Engineering–geological properties of Pliocene argillaceous sediments of the Wadi El-Natrun Area (Egypt). Bull Int Assoc Eng Geol 44:69–77

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Riemer DN, Toth SJ (1970) Chemical composition of five species of Nymphaeaceae. Am Water Wks Ass 62:195–208

    Google Scholar 

  • RIGW (Research Institute of Groundwater) (1990) Hydrogeological inventory and groundwater development plan, Western Nile Delta region. Internal report

  • RIGW (2004) Groundwater inventory in western Nile Delta. Internal report. Research Institute for Groundwater, El Kanter El Khairia, Egypt

  • Salomons W, Förstner U (1984) Metals in the hydrocycle. Springer, Berlin, p 349

    Google Scholar 

  • Salomons W, Forstner U (1984) Metals in estuaries and coastal environments. In: Salamons W, Forstner U (eds) Metals in the hydrocycle. Springer, Berlin, pp 212–257

    Google Scholar 

  • Saxby JD (1973) Diagenesis of metal–organic complexes in sediments: formation of metal sulfides from crystalline complexes. Chem Geol 12:241–288

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schutz U 1993 Bindungsformen und mobilization von schwermetallen in der sedimenter des Holzmoares, westeifel, Deutschland. Unpublished Diplom thesis, Mainz, University of Mainz, 55 pp

  • Scrudato R, Estes M (1975) Clay lead sorption relations. Environ Geol 1:167–170

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shabaan M (2002) Environmental impacts of development on the hydrogeology and hydrochemistry, west of Delta, Egypt. PhD dissertation, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, 208 pp

  • Shata A, El Fayoumy I (1967) Geomorphological and morphopedological aspects of the region west of the Nile Delta with special reference to Wadi El Natrrun area. Bull Desert Inst., d’Egypt, Tomme XVIII, no. 1, pp 1–28

  • Shata A, El Fayoumy I, Tamer M (1970) Geomorphology, geology, hydrogeology, and soil of Wadi El Natrun–Maryut Agricultural project. Internal report, Desert Inst., Cairo, 19 pp

  • Shehata M, Al Ruwaih F (2005) Management of groundwater of the multi aquifer systems in the northeastern oart of the Western Sedert, Egypt. Eur J Sci Research 10(1):4165

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh S, Subramanian V (1984) Hydrous Fe and Mn oxides scavengers of heavy metals in aquatic environment. CRC Crit Rev Environ Control 14:33–90

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sturchio N, Sultan M, El-Alfy Z, Taher A, El-Maghraby A, El-Anabaawy M (1998) Geochemistry and origin of ground water in the newly reclaimed agricultural lands, western Nile Delta, Egypt. Preliminary isotopic results. The fourth International Geologic Arab World Conference

  • Taher A (1999) Heavy metal concentrations in surficial sediments from Wadi El-Natrun saline lakes, Egypt. Int J Salt Lake Res 8:75–92

    Google Scholar 

  • Tessier A, Cambpell P, Bisson M (1982) Particulate trace metal speciation in stream sediments and relationships with grain size: implications for geochemical exploration. J Geochemical Explor 16:77–104

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas G, Fernandez T (1997) Incidence of heavy metals in the mangrove flora and sediments in Kerala, India. Hydrobiologia 352:77–87

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thorne L, Nickless G (1981) The relationship between heavy metals and particle size fractions within the Severn Estuary (U.K.) inter-tidal sediments. Sci Total Environ 19:207–213

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Turekian K, Wedepohl K (1961) Distribution of elements in some major units of the earth’s crust. Geol Soc Am Bull 72:175–192

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • USEPA (United State Environmental Protection Agency) (1999) National recommended water quality criteria—correction. United States Environmental Protection Agency EPA, 822-Z-99-001, p 25. htt://www.epa.gov/ostwater/pc/revcom.pdf

  • Whitney P (1975) Relationship of manganese–iron oxides and associated heavy metals to grain size in stream sediments. Geochem Explor 4:251–263

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zagonari F (2010) Sustainable, just, equal, and optimal groundwater management strategies to cope with climate change: insights from Brazil. Water Resour Manage 24:3731–3756. doi:10.1007/s11269-010-9630-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Science, Geology Department, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

    Mohamed El Kashouty

  2. Channel Maintenance Research Institute, Qanater El Khairiya, Qalubia, Egypt

    Abdelmoteleb El Sabbagh

Authors
  1. Mohamed El Kashouty
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Abdelmoteleb El Sabbagh
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mohamed El Kashouty.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

El Kashouty, M., El Sabbagh, A. Distribution and immobilization of heavy metals in Pliocene aquifer sediments in Wadi El Natrun depression, Western Desert. Arab J Geosci 4, 1019–1039 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-011-0358-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-011-0358-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation