Integrated groundwater quality assessment near Ismailia Canal, Egypt

• Non complaint levels of Cd, As and Pb were recorded in the northern region of the study area. • The aesthetic properties of the groundwater could be affected with the high levels of Fe, Al and Mn recorded. • The WQI, HPI and PI recorded deteriorating groundwater quality towards the northern and northeast region of the study area. • Iron is the most contaminating metal in groundwater samples. Groundwater is an important freshwater source prone to contamination by anthropogenic and natural drivers. In the Ismailia Canal area of the Eastern Nile Delta, Egypt, limited information exists on groundwater quality. Therefore, this study assessed the suitability of groundwater in the Quaternary Aquifer Near Ismailia Canal, Egypt, for drinking purposes using Integrated water-quality indices. Seventy-six groundwater samples were collected from the study area and analyzed for major and trace elements. The pH, TDS, and EC were measured in-situ using portable multi-meters. Water Quality Index (WQI) was used to estimate the suitability of the groundwater for drinking. Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), and Pollution Index (PI) were used to evaluate the level of metal contamination in the groundwater. The data were further analysed using hierarchical cluster analysis. The pH of groundwater samples ranged from 7.13 ± 0.03 to 9.63 ± 0.10 (mean = 7.75 ± 0.41), with most complying with WHO standards. TDS varied from 205 ± 0.05 to 4965 ± 0.61 mg/L (mean = 1058 ± 968 mg/L), while electrical conductivity ranged from 321 ± 0.30 to 7758 ± 0.50 µS/cm (mean = 1653 ± 1513 µS/cm), with several samples exceeding the WHO limit of 1500 µS/cm. Total hardness ranged between 50 ± 2.10 and 1703 ± 4.30 mg/L (mean = 350 ± 339 mg/L), indicating hard water mainly in the northern and southeastern zones. Elevated chloride, sulphate, and heavy metals (Al, As, Cd, Fe, Pb, Tl, and V) were recorded in the northern and eastern regions. WQI values (75–680; mean = 167 ± 87) indicated variable water quality, while HPI results showed 57% of samples exceeded the critical threshold (HPI = 100). Overall, groundwater quality varied spatially, and continued use without treatment may pose health risks, highlighting the need for regular monitoring and protection measures.