Natural Attenuation Capacity Indicators for Groundwater Remediation to the Northeastern Cairo

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DOI: 10.4236/gep.2017.54012    3,291 Downloads   4,377 Views  Citations

ABSTRACT

The natural attenuation capacity of groundwater is considered to be an important factor for remediation purpose, it is also important for surveying suitability in the early phases of siting hazardous facilities. The present work has been devoted to explore the natural attenuation capacity of the groundwater system northeast Cairo. Some indicators (hydrogeological, hydrochemical and isotopic) have been insighted to explore the system retardability against contaminant dispersion. Groundwater flow and contaminant transport have been pointed out using GOD index which varied from 0.04 to 0.28 reflecting high protectability. The isotopic contents (18O, 3H, and 14C) showed a general comply with the GOD index and helped to delineate the sectors of high contaminate attenuation ability. Kelly index inferred significantly high adsorption potential on the aquifer clay content. The calcite and dolomite tend to precipitate on the aquifer contact providing a chance for specific contaminants to coprecipitate. The Eh-pH relation of the studied groundwater samples indicates high oxidation conditions and openness of the system. The attenuation capacity has been determined mathematically, it assumes the dispersive, advective, sorptive, and degradative processes acting on a solute in a one-dimensional flow system. The value of attenuation capacity increases by decreasing groundwater velocity and completely vanishes at a certain high velocity; determined for the relevant radioactive contaminants.

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Embaby, A. , Sadek, M. and Rayan, R. (2017) Natural Attenuation Capacity Indicators for Groundwater Remediation to the Northeastern Cairo. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 5, 152-168. doi: 10.4236/gep.2017.54012.

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