Life Under Lake Nasser: Water Quality as Means to Achieving the Egypt’s Agenda 2030

Abstract

AbstractNasser Lake is one of the world’s largest man-made lakes. It has been crucial to Egypt for several decades because of the country’s secure water supply. Underwater life (Goal 14) in Lake Nasser is under threat (e.g., due to pollution), leading in dwindling fisheries and the loss of coastal habitats. As a result, the water quality of Lake Nasser must be thoroughly researched, and changes in physico-chemical parameters in Lake Nasser water must be monitored regularly and appraised. The current state of the physico-chemical water parameters of Lake Nasser in Egypt is described in this study. The research was extremely helpful in determining the water quality situation in Lake Nasser and identifying the characteristics that need to be monitored on a regular basis. Thirteen (13) samples of water were analysed for physical and chemical properties. Kalabsha, Khour Kalabsha, Gurf Hussein, El Alaaki, El Madeek, Wadi El Arab, Ebreem, Toushka, Khour Toushka, Abu Simble, Adendan, Sara, and Arkeen were all used to gather these samples. The purpose was to find out the compatibility of properties and its utilities. The parameters were tested are Temperature, Hydrogen-ion concentration (pH), Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Turbidity, Nitrate, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and Total Hardness (TH). The study showed that the temperatures of the samples are suitable environment for animal and plant aquatic life (less than 40 °C). The temperatures of the samples are suitable environment for drinking water in all water samples instead of Kalabsha and Gurf Hussin (more than 35 °C). The water is basic in all water samples. All water samples are less than the permissible limits of EC, TDS, DO and TH. Thus, water in Lake Nasser is suitable to aquatic life and fish. In relation to the percentage of turbidity, in Kalabsha, Khour Kalabsha, Gurf Hussin, El Alaaki, El Madeek, Wadi Alarab, Ebreem and Khour Toushka, turbidity is less than 5 NTU. As a result of, it is usually acceptable to consumers and the disinfection is more effective. But in Toushka, Abu Simple, Adendan, Sara and Arkeen, turbidity is more than 5 NTU. As a result of, it isn’t usually acceptable to consumers and the disinfection isn’t effective. In relation to the percentage of Nitrate, all water samples are less than 10 ppm of nitrates in drinking water and thus are safe to use.KeywordsWater pollutionWater qualitySustainable development goalsLake Nasser