Abstract
Fresh water resources in terms of water quality is a crucial issue worldwide. In Egypt, the Nile River is the main source of fresh water in the country and monitoring its water quality is a major task on governments and research levels. In the present case study, the physical, chemical and algal distribution in Nile River was monitored over two seasons (winter and summer) in 2019. The aims of the study were to check the seasonal variation among the different water parameters and also to check the correlations between those parameters. Water samples were collected from the Nile in Cairo governorate in EGYPT. The different physiochemical and microbiological properties in water samples were assessed. The studied parameters were included: temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, pH, electric conductivity, total dissolved solids, total hardness, anions and cations. Also, the total algae count, blue-green algae, green algae, diatoms, unicellular and filamentous algae were monitored. The results revealed that during winter season the values recorded for (turbidity, total dissolved solids, pH, total alkalinity, total hardness, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand as well as nitrate, sulfate, chloride, fluoride ions, calcium and magnesium) were higher than during summer. While other parameters including ammonia, nitrite, silicate, carbon dioxide, phosphate, manganese, iron and residual aluminium were higher in summer compared to winter. The data showed a variation total algal count of 4600 to 6500 unit/ml in winter and varied from 3100 to 4500 unit/ml during summer season with predominance of diatoms. The recorded Pearson’s correlations indicated several significant correlations between tested parameters. In conclusion, although there were several variations in tested water quality parameters though all results were within the permissible limits set by the World Health Organization for drinking water.
Highlights
Freshwater sources and their quality are of utmost importance in every country around the world
It was noticed that during the winter season, the values recorded for were higher in winter than during summer while other parameters including ammonia, nitrite, silicate, carbon dioxide, phosphate, manganese, iron and residual aluminum, were higher in summer compared to winter
Regular monitoring of water quality parameters is important for early detection of any alterations that may occur
Summary
Freshwater sources and their quality are of utmost importance in every country around the world. The increase of population, along with economic development, is expected to increase the pressure on freshwater resources, which creates challenges for maintaining the water supply. The availability of water and change in its properties is usually affected by the climatic changes [1]. The Nile has meant a lot to the Egyptians as it has a direct impact on the economy, health, culture, social and political lives [4]. The River Nile is the longest river in the world (4,135 miles), passing through ten African countries [5]
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