Master’s Degree Awarded to Ms. Ghada Al-Soofi in Hydrology
Ms. Ghada Saif Mohammed Abdu Al-Soofi was awarded a Master’s Degree in Hydrology (Environmental Sciences) for her thesis titled: A Hydrochemical Study of Groundwater in Wadi Aluja, Tihama Plain, Yemen, which was submitted to Faculty of Petroleum and Natural Resources – Sana’a University. The MA defense was held on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
The MA Viva-voce Committee, which was formed based on a resolution issued by the Graduate Studies and Scientific Research Council, consisted of the following:
# Committee Members Designation Position
1 Assoc. Prof. Arif Ali Abdullah Al-Sagheer External Examiner Chair
2 Prof. Basim Shaif Al-Kherbash Main Supervisor Member
3 Dr. Yahya Ahmed Al-Wadhaf Internal Examiner Member
The thesis aimed to analyze the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater in Wadi Aluja, identify the geochemical processes influencing its properties, and evaluate water quality and its suitability for domestic and agricultural uses.
The study findings revealed that the valley’s groundwater is suitable for domestic and agricultural purposes according to the standards of the World Health Organization and Yemeni specifications, with the exception of two samples that exceeded the permissible limit for fluoride concentration. These samples were collected from Abu Talib Water Well in Al-Sareed area and Abdullah Farm in Al-Jawadiyah area.
The study further showed that the dominant hydrogeochemical processes are represented by water-rock interactions and the effects of evaporation in semi-arid regions, and that the groundwater belongs to the mixed-water type.
In light of these findings, the researcher recommended the following:
Reducing excessive groundwater abstraction.
Strengthening the protection of water resources.
Addressing areas affected by elevated fluoride concentrations.
Continuing the use of groundwater for sustainable irrigation purposes.
Utilizing the findings of the study in future research..
The defense session was attended by a number of academics, researchers, students, colleagues, and the researcher’s family.
