Effect of Kima drain wastewaters on Nile river waters

Abstract

The influence of industrial and domestic wastewaters discharged from the Kima drain (Aswan, Egypt) on the quality of the Nile river waters is described by measuring the concentrations of inorganic nonmetals (free CO2, CO32−, HCO3−, OH−, Cl−, SO42−, PO43−, NO2−, NO3−, SiO2, COD, DO, and pH value), metals (Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, and Zn), and the physical parameters (cond., T°C, SS, and DS). Kima drain wastewaters exhibit high concentrations of dissolved salts, particularly close to where the waste of the Kima factory enters, but decrease substantially near the end of the Kima drain. The reason is the dilution factor, aeration, sedimentation, oxidation reductions, and the biochemical effects. A slight increase of the dissolved solids (DS) in the Nile river water at the Kima drain does not effect the Nile river water quality, as the regeneration of the Nile water continuously (the Nile River receives 200 Mm3/d of fresh water from the High Dam Lake) prevents the accretion of the concentrations of metals and anions. Statistical analysis of the database exhibits positive, good, and interesting correlation coefficient values.