Abdelrahman Abdelgawad

Research Plan

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PRESENT RESEARCH RELATED TO RESEARCH PLAN
Abdelgawad, A.M.
Geosphere Research Institute, Saitama Univeristy.

My research was focusing on the groundwater basin of the area around Mizunami underground research laboratory (MIU). Syntheses of hydrogeochemical studies were performed experimentally and numerically to investigate the occurrence of fluoride-rich groundwater. Rock specimens were collected from the core of deep borehole drilled at the MIU-site. Mineralogical analyses and water-rock interaction tests were carried out to further identify the major rock forming minerals and the origin of fluoride content in the groundwater. The occurrence of fluoride-rich groundwater in Mizunami area was examined on the basis of the results of laboratory tests and field measurements. The major factors affecting fluoride concentration are the residence time of the groundwater, fluoride content in granitic rock matrix, and the coexisting ions. A regression model was used to roughly evaluate the contributions of both the residence time and the coexisting ions to the dissolution of fluoride ion. A Genetic Algorithm (GA) technique was used to evaluate the parameters of the model. Residence time was estimated by extrapolating experimental data to correspond with filed data. The groundwater residence time in the field was approximately varied between 1 - 2000 years near to the recharge area whereas near the discharge area residence times were in excess of tens thousands years. On the other hand, the residence time (travel time from the point of recharge to the point of discharge) of groundwater has been analyzed by solving the basic equation of groundwater flow. The path line of each water particle within the potential fluoride source rock, i.e., granitic rock, can be evaluated. The groundwater residence time estimated by the multiple regression model was validated by the groundwater particle-tracking-flow model. The estimates of ground-water residence time based on geochemical regression model were often larger than estimates of ground-water residence time developed by particle-tracking analysis using a ground-water flow model. There were large uncertainties—on the order of 10 - 10,000 years—in the estimates based on geochemical data.

My research interest is a combination of two research field i.e. hydrogeological and hydrochemical studies.

Comparison between experimental results and field data shows that the fluoride concentration is
much influenced by residence time of groundwater in granite.. The proposed research is intended to develop new techniques by combining of hydrogeological and hydrochemical investigations in order to understand the real behavior of contamination in the groundwater within the host rock. Trials were successfully carried out by developing two models (MRM and FEM-PT) to estimate the groundwater residence time in a potential fluoride rock source (granite). The residence times estimated by MRM were largely varied in between several years to several tens thousands years in the low saline water at the MIU site. However at the recharge area the estimated groundwater residence times were less than 2500 years starting from 1 year. The uncertainties in the MRM are originated from ununiform distribution of fluoride content in granitic rock and difference between experiment and the field conditions. The uncertainties in FEM-PT are originated from the heterogeneity of the geological structure such as fault and fractures zones and the difference in the length of groundwater pathways.

PURPOSE OF PROPOSED RESEARCH

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The objectives for studying these fields include characterization of actual subsurface geochemical models of groundwater chemistry and evolution in relation to the actual behavior of real groundwater flow system. Groundwater infiltrates within the host rock, resulting possibility of interacting with minerals. When ions occurred obviously within the geologic section, ions can be used as an indication of hydraulic communication between flow system components, flow direction, and groundwater chemical evolution process.

• As can be seen from the present study results that, there are uncertainties in: MRM originating from

– Heterogeneity of the spatial distribution of fluoride content in granitic rock,

– Difference between experiment and the field conditions,

– Heterogeneity of porous media.

– Lack of site observed chemical data.

• Also uncertainties in FEM-Particle-tracking (FEM-PT) method are mainly from

– Geological structures such as faults and fracture zones.

– The difference in the length of groundwater pathways.

– Pathways are affected not only by the bulk groundwater flow direction which is from north to south but also affected by differences in geological structure for each model.

Research at this facility intends to promote and support scientific studies of the underground geological environment for crystalline rock. The proposed research intended to decrease uncertainties of groundwater flow analyses and geochemical regression model by constrain the parameters of both model spatially.

Research PLAN cont.

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PROPOSED PLAN

Many researches have been done in the field of groundwater flow from the hydraulic point of view, however, the geochemistry plays a large role in controlling groundwater behavior and predicting the groundwater flow direction. On the other hand, deep subsurface hydrochemical data are important components in the geological investigations of potential radioactive waste disposal sites. Theses data can be interpreted to yield information that supports conceptual hydrogeological model. The study of groundwater chemistry is useful in hydrogeology in a number of ways. Such as, interpretation of the distribution of hydrochemical parameters can help in understanding the hydrogeological conditions. It is also useful to adopt concept of hydrochemical facies or water type. To optimize groundwater investigation techniques, knowledge of potential water sources, residence time, and flow paths is required. Therefore, researches by combining hydrogeology and hydrochemistry are much more needed. The inclusion of residence time estimation would improve the reliability of flow model predictions. Based on the hydrochemical and hydrogeological investigations, a groundwater management plan can be developed.

As a theoretical approach for this target we proposed the following idea as a continuity of my previous study. In my previous study, trials were successfully carried out by developing two models (MRM and FEM-PT) to estimate the groundwater residence time in a potential fluoride rock source (granite). Because these studies include some approximations and assumptions, there were large uncertainties in the both models. To constrain these uncertainties due to complicated relation among groundwater flow, groundwater chemistry, and hydraulic properties of groundwater. If the input data of two models MRM and Particle-tracking-flow model (FEM-PT) are spatially distributed, then it should be checked whether these input data are spatially correlated or not. Then the spatial correlation can constrain the parameters for each model for each model. As example if the heterogeneity of the porous media can constrain the estimated residence time in the field condition. The calibration of the experimental results could be performed.

In additional for the previous proposal the following areas should be well understood for future planning of hydrochemical and hydrogeological studies.

1) Predicting the changes of groundwater table due to shaft excavation and/or earth quake by investigating the changes in hydraulic parameters.

2) The effect of salinity on the water quality of deep groundwater of Mizunami area should be investigated. The groundwater residence time will be estimated in the high saline deep groundwater based on ions concentration leached from the host rock by adopting multiple regression model. These researches will contribute to the assessment of deep geological environment; this includes improving expertise in model development, predictive capability and dealing with uncertainty.

3) Developing a new technique by applying genetic programming.

PUBLICATIONS

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PUBLICATIONS

a. International papers

Abdelgawad, A. M.; Watanabe, K.; Takeuchi, S. (2009) Water-rock interaction study on the occurrence of fluoride-rich groundwater at Mizunami area, Japan. EnvironmentAsia 2(2) 20-29. PDF (3145K)
Abdelgawad, A. M.; Watanabe, K.; Mebruk. M. N. and Takeuchi, S. (2009) Estimating groundwater residence time using multiple regression Model based on fluoride leaching test: an Exploration of possibilities. Environmental Earth Science PDF (755.4 KB)
Abdelgawad, A. M.; Watanabe, K.; Takeuchi, S.; and Mizuno, T. (2009) The origin of fluoride-rich groundwater in Mizunami area, Japan – mineralogy and geochemistry implications. Engineering Geology. (doi:10.1016/j.enggeo.2009.06.016).

b. Local papers

Ali, A. N., Eldardir, M. S. and Abdelgawad, A. M. (2005) Experimental investigations of some factors affecting the direct upflow filtration for potable water. Journal of Engineering Sciences 33(5), pp.1769- 1784.
Abdelgawad, A. M.; Watanabe, K. and Takeuchi, S. (2008) LABORATORY TESTS ON the occurrence of fluoride rich groundwater of Tono area, Japan. Annual Journal of Hydraulic Engineering 52, 25-30.
Abdelgawad, A. M.; Watanabe, K. and Takeuchi, S. (2007) Experimental investigation of fluoride leaching by water from granite rock of Tono area, Japan. Proceeding of the Ninth International summer symposium, pp. 99-102, JSCE.
Abdelgawad, A. M.; Watanabe, K., Takeuchi, S and Mizuno, T. Geochemical studies on the occurrence of the fluoride-rich groundwater in Mizunami area, Japan. Proceedings of the International Conference on Hydro-Science and Engineering, ICHE08, Japan, 2008.
Abdelgawad, A. M., Chinone, T., Mebruk M. N., and Watanabe, K. Analytical Study on the Origin of High Fluoride Concentration in Groundwater in the Mizunami Area, Japan. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Environmental Management, Thailand, September, 2008.

c. Conferences

Abdelgawad, A. M.; Watanabe, K. and Takeuchi, S. Experimental investigation of fluoride leaching by water from granite rock of Tono area, Japan. The Ninth International summer symposium, Yokohama, Japan, JSCE, September, 2007.
Abdelgawad, A. M.; Watanabe, K. and Takeuchi, S. (2008) Laboratory tests on the occurrence of fluoride rich groundwater of Tono area. 52nd Conference on Hydraulic Engineering, Hiroshima, Japan, March, 2008.
Abdelgawad, A. M.; Watanabe, K., Takeuchi, S and Mizuno, T. Geochemical studies on the occurrence of the fluoride-rich groundwater in Mizunami area, Japan. The 8th International Conference on Hydro-Science and Engineering, Nagoya, Japan, ICHE September, 2008.
Abdelgawad, A. M. and Watanabe, K. Laboratory tests on the occurrence of fluoride rich groundwater of Mizunami area, Japan. The First Egypt-Japan. International Symposium on Science and Technology, Tokyo, Japan, June, 2008.
Abdelgawad, A. M., Chinone, T., Mebruk M. N., and Watanabe, K. ANALYTICAL STUDY ON THE ORIGIN OF FLUORIDE-RICH GROUNDWATER IN THE Mizunami Area, Japan. International Symposium on Environmental Management, Thailand, September, 2008.

Skills

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LICENSE AND QUALIFICATION

LICENSE	Place	Date obtained
AutoCAD	Assiut	July 2001	Ibn Sina Center for computer service, Assiut, Egypt.
SAP 2000	Cairo Univ. Egypt	Aug 2001	Center for advanced software and biomedical Engineering consultations,
ICDL	Sohag University.	June 2005	International Computer Driving License
TOEIC	Saitama University	April 2008	Test of English for International Communication

LECTURES

Courses	level	Institution	Period
Surveying Fundamentals Part 1	First grade First term	Assiut Institute of Irrigation and Surveying, Egypt.	Sept. 2003 to Jan. 2004 Sept. 2004 to Jan. 2005
Surveying Fundamentals Part ２	First grade Second term	Assiut Institute of Irrigation and Surveying, Egypt.	Feb. 2004 to June 2004
Basic Drafting	First grade First term	Assiut Institute of Irrigation and Surveying, Egypt.	Sept. 2003 to Jan. 2004 Sept. 2004 to Jan. 2005
Interpreting Construction Drawing	First grade Second term	Assiut Institute of Irrigation and Surveying, Egypt.	Feb. 2004 to June 2004
Maps and Topographic Drawings	Second grade First term	Assiut Institute of Irrigation and Surveying, Egypt.	Sept. 2004 to Jan. 2005
Surveying Quantity Measurement	First grade First term	Assiut Institute of Irrigation and Surveying, Egypt.	Feb. 2004 to June 2004

OTHER COMPUTER SKILLS

Program	Excellent	Good	Fair	Weak	Note
AutoCAD 2000					Performed many projects at field.
Microsoft Office
LaTeX (text processing)
Canvas (image editing)
Photo shop
Fortran
Matlab					Going to improve within next few months
Surver
MODFLOW					Going to improve within next few months
Different water supply software					No field experience. Used in graduation project.
SAP 2000
Primavera

HONORS AND AWARDS

Received Merit Scholarship in every academic year from 1996-97 to 2001-02 while studying B.Sc. Engineering at Assiut University.

Awarded the first Exemplary Student prize in the academic year 1998-1999, Faculty of Engineering, Assiut University.

Ranked as the second student in B.Sc., Civil Engineering Department “200 student”, Faculty of Engineering, Assiut University.

Awarded Monbukagakusho scholarship (Japanese Government scholarship) for doctoral program.

MEMBERSHIP IN SOCIETIES

Japan

Society Civil Engineering

Work Experince

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JOB AND RESEARCH CAREER

Position	Organization/ company	From	To
Research Assistant	Geosphere Research Institute, Saitama, Japan	Oct. 2008	March 2009
Lecturer	Assiut Institute of Irrigation and Surveying, Egypt.	Sept. 2003	June 2005
Junior project Engineer	Consultant Office Group (COG), Assiut, Egypt.	Sept. 2003	August 2004
Engineering Senior Estimator	Galal Construction Co. ltd., Assiut , Egypt	June. 2002	Sept. 2003
Senior CAD Designer	Ibn Sina Center for computer service, Assiut, Egypt.	June. 2002	Sept. 2003

Education:

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EDUCATION

Deg.	organization	Date obtained	Study area
Ph.D.	Saitama University, Japan.	Mar. 2009	Environmental Hydrogeochemistry
M.Sc.	Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.	June 2005	Environmental Engineering
B.Sc.	Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.	June 2002	Civil Engineering
H.S.	Hiraa private school, Assiut, Egypt.	June 1996
J.H.S.	Hiraa private school, Assiut, Egypt.	June 1993

RESEARCH FRIENDSHIP LINK

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RESEARCH FRIENDSHIP LINK

- Associate Professor Dr. Mahmoud Selim Saleh

Head of Natural and Appliedscience Department, Al-AflajCommunity College, King Saud Univeristy

http://faculty.ksu.edu.sa/MMSelim/

- Professor Dr. Shreif Elsafti

Head of Nano-dynamic Materials Designs Group, National Institute For Material Science, Tsukuba, Japan.

http://www.nims.go.jp/imel/en/group/22.php

Personal:

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PERSONAL

ABDELRAHMAN MOHAMED ABDELGAWAD

B-202 Porejio Enomoto,

630-1 Kami-okubo,

Sakura-ku, Saitama, 338-0824

Japan

Home phone :0081(50) 1554-2302

Cell phone :0081(90) 9139-0490

Fax :0081(48) 855-1378

E-mail :abdo_gawad2003@yahoo.com

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

- Six years’ experience from teaching, estimating, designing, and research within water manegment, irrigation, and civil engineering Survey.

- Design of water treatment plants, including development a new process for direct upflow filtration for municipal water supply systems.

- Performing series of research work combining hydrology and geochemistry of groundwater.

- Exploration the possibilities for estimating the groundwater residence time based on fluoride concentration.