Geophysical and Hydrogeochemical Investigations for Fractured Limestone Aquifer in New Tuna El Gabel Village, West El-Minia, Egypt

Groundwater is a vital component of water supply in arid regions, such as West El-Minia Governorate, Egypt, where water scarcity is projected to worsen, with per capita water supply expected to drop below 500 m³ by 2025. In response, Egypt's One and a Half Million Feddan project aims to reclaim the Western Desert and develop new communities, aligning with the country's Vision 2030 for sustainable development. This study conducts a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative assessment of groundwater resources in the region, evaluating their suitability for various applications. Using 16 vertical electric soundings (VES), we constructed geoelectric cross-sections and maps, revealing four distinct geoelectric layers. The main water-bearing formation, a fractured limestone layer with clay intrusions, exhibits varying thickness, increasing towards the east and west, with higher groundwater potential in the eastern region. Hydrochemical analysis of 12 water samples collected in November 2024 indicates that while most samples are marginally potable, their high hardness renders them unsuitable for domestic use. However, according to various quality indices, including the US diagram, the majority of samples can be utilized for different purposes. This study provides crucial insights into the groundwater resources in West El-Minia Governorate, informing sustainable development and management strategies.