Physicochemical and Bacteriological Quality of Groundwater, East of Nile Delta of Egypt

Abstract

Groundwater is an important source of freshwater for drinking and irrigation purposes, and hence protecting it against depletion and deterioration is extremely required. Groundwater could get contaminated physically, chemically, or microbiologically. Each type of contamination is linked to different sources and in turn imposes different types of health problems and consequences. A water sample from Bahr Al-Baqar Wastewater drain and 13 groundwater samples were collected for physiochemical and bacteriological analyses to evaluate groundwater contamination in As-Salihiyyah and adjacent areas, east of Nile Delta of Egypt. Nitrate, COD, and BOD values collected from Bahr Al-Baqr drain and groundwater exceeded the Egyptian maximum permissible limit for drinking water (0.5, 6, 10, respectively). The total number of viable microorganisms (TVC) test for Bahr Al-Baqar drain was recorded as more than 300 CFU/mL, and the total coliform recorded 1100 MPN/100ml, indicating high level of contamination. The high count of the TVC (16-↑300 CFU/mL) for groundwater and the total coliform (3 - 1100 MPN/100ml) indicated that groundwater is contaminated and unsafe for drinking and might be affected by Bahr Al-Baqar wastewater drain.