Thirty groundwater samples were taken from Assiut’s northern outskirts. The physicochemical properties of these samples were investigated. For the evaluation of water–rock interaction, the saturation index (SI), chloro-alkaline indices (CAI1 and CAI2), Gibbs ratios for cations and anions (GC and GA), principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used. (1) With the exception of five samples that were supersaturated, the rest of the groundwater samples were under-saturated with carbonate mineral dissolution (calcite, dolomite, and aragonite) and evaporite mineral dissolution (anhydrite, gypsum, halite, and sylvite). (2) The presence of ion exchange between alkali elements (Na⁺ + K⁺) and earth alkaline elements (Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺) is explained by the positive values of the chloro-alkaline indices. (3) In four groundwater samples, negative chloro-alkaline indices suggest reverse ion exchange and an increasing alkali element content. (4) The Gibbs diagram demonstrates that, with the exception of four samples that reflect saline groundwater, the majority of the groundwater samples are freshwater recharging from the fresh surface water in the research area. (5) Groundwater types include Ca-HCO₃ (11%), Mg-HCO₃ (48%), Na-HCO₃ (23%), Mg-Cl (13%), and Na-Cl (3%). (6) The alkali, earth alkaline elements, and sulphate are the key controls on groundwater salinity, according to PCA and HCA. (7) The somewhat saline groundwater in the research area’s western desert margins should not be used since it poses a health danger to people.

Water pollution with cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) is a worldwide concern because of their health impact. Determination of their concentrations and potential human health risks in surface water and groundwater in the southern El-Minya Governorate, Egypt, is the main aim of this study. Fifty-five samples were collected, 30 surface water samples and 25 groundwater samples. The samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry to determine Cd and Pb contents. Their levels in surface water and groundwater exceeded the maximum allowable level for drinking water set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The hazard quotient showed that the surface water and groundwater may pose a health risk to residents, especially to children.

Heavy metals have dangerous effect on the biota. So, this work aimed to determine the mobility and bioavailability of these metals through the application of pollution indices and geochemical fractionation technique. Thirty-one topsoil samples (20 cm) were collected from the area between Abu Qurqas and Dyer Mawas, El Minya Governorate, and subjected to chemical analysis. The results revealed that Cd and As are mainly associated with carbonate fraction while Cr, Pb, Ni, and Cu are more present in the residual fraction. The relative amounts of easily dissolved phase of heavy metals in the soils are in the order of As > Cd > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cu. The results revealed that As, Cd, and Cr have high mobility and risks more than Pb, Ni, and Cu metals in the studied soils. As, Cd, and Cr were the heavy metals that caused pollutants in the soils of the studied area.

In the Western-west area of El Minya Governorate, Egypt, the present study investigates the water quality and salinity of 33 groundwater samples. The primary aim is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of water purity and gain insights into salinity dynamics. The investigation involves a combination of geochemical analysis and multivariate statistics to reveal significant findings that contribute to our understanding of groundwater characteristics in the region. The collected groundwater samples are analyzed to assess various properties, including pH levels, mineral content, hardness, and salinity. The prevalence of sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) ions emerges as a noteworthy aspect, implying their derivation from deeper aquifers through mechanisms like upward seepage or reverse ion exchange. The observation is validated through Durov's plot analysis. Concerning the suitability of the water for consumption, the study raises concerns. Apart from magnesium (Mg) ions, all other parameters exceed the acceptable drinking water limits defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), indicating potential health implications related to water quality in the region. Furthermore, outcomes from the saturation index reveal an oversaturation of groundwater with evaporites and carbonates, with halite and sylvite minerals standing as exceptions to this trend. Negative chloroalkaline ratios offer insights into the origins of excessive Na and Cl ions in 72% of the samples, pointing towards processes such as rainy recharging and reverse ion exchange as contributors. Gibbs' chart analysis highlights evaporite dissolution as the predominant process influencing water composition. The study also utilizes principal component analysis, identifying the dissolution of halite as the primary source of Na, K, Cl, and SO₄ ions, while the presence of calcium (Ca) and bicarbonate (HCO₃) ions originates from the dissolution of carbonate minerals, thereby influencing water hardness and salinity levels. Considering the findings, we recommend the dilution of groundwater with fresh water, assuming the absence of additional contaminants. This step is essential for enhancing water safety for drinking purposes. This research not only advances our understanding of water quality and salinity dynamics in the region but also underscores the imperative for implementing sustainable water resource management strategies. Furthermore, we propose that future investigations delve into the broader environmental ramifications of these discoveries, thus contributing to a more holistic comprehension of the complexities associated with groundwater quality and salinity.

Groundwater in Wadi Ranyah, the main water source for local communities, was analyzed using 77 samples to evaluate physicochemical properties, major ions, and heavy metal concentrations. While most parameters met World Health Organization (WHO) standards, levels of arsenic, lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel exceeded permissible limits. Hydrochemical analyses were conducted using Piper and Durov diagrams, alongside health risk assessments based on statistical ratios established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The analysis identified two dominant water types (SO₄·Cl–Ca·Mg and HCO₃–Ca·Mg), influenced by ion exchange, evaporite dissolution, and silicate weathering. Health risk assessment, based on US EPA models, revealed significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, particularly for children. Oral ingestion accounted for the majority of exposure, with arsenic and lead being the most hazardous. Dermal exposure risks were comparatively lower. The identified health threats include potential dermatological, cardiovascular, and neurological effects, and an increased cancer risk. Based on these findings, groundwater in Wadi Ranyah is unsuitable for drinking without treatment. Mitigation strategies such as reverse osmosis, ion exchange filtration, and continuous monitoring are recommended to reduce heavy metal contamination and protect public health.