The environmental impact on the hydrogeochemical characterization of the Kurkar aquifer system, Gaza strip, Palestine.

Abstract

The Gaza strip is suffering groundwater deterioration as a result of high population density where the outflow exceeds inflow by about 20 Mm3/y. This quantity of water is believed to be replaced by deep seawater intrusion and/or upconing of deep brines in the southern areas or by anthropogenic wastewater. Large cones of depression have been formed over the last 40 years within the Gaza, Khan Younis, and Rafah governorates. The salinity increases in the northwestern and the southeastern parts of Gaza Strip. Nitrate and chloride exceed the WHO maximum permissible limits and are considered as the major pollutants of the aquifer, their high concentration values are attributed to agricultural activity and leaked wastewaters as well as the scarcity of the resource. The cluster analysis (Q-mode) classified the data into 5 clusters and 3 independent cases depending upon salinity and nitrate concentrations. The rotated factor analysis identified 3 factors. The AquaChem program clarified that the study area was supersaturated with calcite and dolomite and undersaturated with gypsum and anhydrite minerals. In general, the groundwater was unsuitable for drinking according to their TDS and NO3 contents. The groundwater can be used in permeable soils for irrigation purposes.