Integrated Hydrogeochemical Assessment of Groundwater Quality in Eastern Benghazi, Northeastern Libya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63359/ggd12c24Keywords:
Groundwater quality, Hydrochemistry, Saturation Index, Benghazi, LibyaAbstract
Libya, located in the arid region of North Africa (Figure 1), faces severe water shortages due to low rainfall and high evaporation rates. The Benghazi coastal plain relies predominantly on groundwater supplies, which are mainly replenished by limited and highly variable rainfall. This study investigates the hydrochemical properties, assesses groundwater quality, and evaluates the potential uses of groundwater in the area situated to the east of Benghazi City in northeastern Libya. The chemical analyses were performed, and hydrogeochemical diagrams, such as Piper and Gibbs diagrams, were used to identify the origin, water type, and groundwater characteristics, thereby elucidating the interrelationships among various chemical variables for 17 groundwater samples collected from the study area. However, a bimodal salinity distribution is observed: approximately 50% of groundwater samples exhibit elevated total dissolved solids (TDS > 1000 mg/L), classifying them as saline, while the remaining samples maintain freshwater status (TDS < 1000 mg/L). This bimodal salinity distribution indicates the cumulative effects of seawater intrusion along the coastal margin, evaporative concentration under semi-arid climatic conditions, and intensive groundwater pumping, which together enhance salinization in the western sector of the study area. Pearson correlation analysis showed strong correlations between salinity indices and major ions, except for bicarbonate. The saturation index (SI) indicates that the groundwater is slightly saturated with respect to carbonate minerals and undersaturated with respect to evaporite minerals. Groundwater chemistry and quality are mainly controlled by natural processes, particularly water–rock interactions, evaporation effects, and the mixing or intrusion of seawater. The samples B1 and B2 are unsuitable for irrigation, while the other samples B3 to B17 range from "good to excellent," indicating their suitability for irrigating most crops, particularly in soils with medium to high permeability.
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