Numerical modeling of heavy metal contamination in an aquifer system of arid industrial area using MODFLOW-MT3DMS: a case study from Tenth of Ramadan City, Egypt

Faculty Science Year: 2025
Type of Publication: ZU Hosted Pages:
Authors:
Journal: Modeling Earth Systems and Environment Springer Nature Volume:
Keywords : Numerical modeling , heavy metal contamination , , aquifer    
Abstract:
This study presents a comprehensive numerical modeling approach to assess the impact of industrial activities on groundwater quality in Tenth of Ramadan City, Egypt “one of the country’s largest industrial zones located in a hyper-arid region. A groundwater-flow model was developed using MODFLOW, calibrated against field observations, and validated with statistical indicators including RMSE and R2. The transport of selected heavy metals (e.g., Pb2+, Cd2+, Cr6+) was simulated using MT3DMS, incorporating site-specific hydrogeological parameters such as dispersivity, retardation factors, and sorption coefficients. Two contamination scenarios were evaluated: a baseline case assuming continued industrial discharge, and a mitigation scenario reflecting reduced pollutant loads through improved waste-water treatment. Results indicate a progressive increase in contaminant concentrations in both scenarios, with the baseline scenario showing more widespread plume expansion. The most affected zones are near industrial clusters and along preferential flow paths influenced by local hydraulic gradients. The model reveals that while current contamination levels remain localized, long-term industrial activity with the elapsed-time could threaten broader aquifer zones. General-Head and Constant-Head boundaries were applied and justified using field-based hydraulic gradients and stable well measurements. This research supports proactive groundwater management in arid, industrialized regions by providing a robust predictive tool for contamination assessment and mitigation planning. The findings also underscore the need for continued monitoring and enforcement of industrial discharge regulations to preserve groundwater quality.
   
     
 
       

Author Related Publications

  • Badr Mohammed Ahmed Mabrouk, "Sedimentological and Hydrogeochemical Studies of the Quaternary Groundwater Aquifer in El Salhyia Area, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt", Middle East Journal of Applied Sciences, 2016 More
  • Badr Mohammed Ahmed Mabrouk, "Is climate change a threat for water uses in the Mediterranean region? Results from a survey at local scale", Elsevier B.V., 2016 More
  • Badr Mohammed Ahmed Mabrouk, "Interdisciplinary assessment of sea-level rise and climate change impacts on the lower Nile delta, Egypt", Elsevier, 2016 More
  • Badr Mohammed Ahmed Mabrouk, "Climate-induced changes on the hydrology of mediterranean basins - A research concept to reduce uncertainty and quantify risk", PSP, 2010 More
  • Badr Mohammed Ahmed Mabrouk, "Palynological studies on some Nubia Sandstone samples in Ed-Dueim Area, Sudan.", Espanola de Micropaleontologia, 1978 More

Department Related Publications

  • AbdulBaset Sabry Mohammed Mohammed, "Marine benthic invertebrates of the upper Jurassic Tuwaiq Mountain Limestone, Khashm Al-Qaddiyah, central Saudi Arabia", ScienceDirect, 2014 More
  • Khaled Mohammed Said Ibrahim, "Imaging of wastewater percolation in heterogeneous soil using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT): a case study at east of Tenth of Ramadan City, Egypt", Springer, 2017 More
  • Sarah Ahmed Mohamed Ibraheim, "Imaging of wastewater percolation in heterogeneous soil using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT): a case study at east of Tenth of Ramadan City, Egypt", Springer, 2017 More
  • Abdul Wahab Mohammed Atwa, "Imaging of wastewater percolation in heterogeneous soil using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT): a case study at east of Tenth of Ramadan City, Egypt", Springer, 2017 More
  • Mohamed Ahmed Fouad Iraqi, "Imaging of wastewater percolation in heterogeneous soil using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT): a case study at east of Tenth of Ramadan City, Egypt", Springer, 2017 More
Tweet