Sediment and Water Quality of the Nile Delta Estuaries

Abstract

The Nile Delta is a dynamic ecosystem; its coastal area receives water from the two estuaries of the Nile River (Rosetta and Damietta), the outlets of the coastal lakes (Mariout, El-Manzala, El-Burullus, and Edku), and the drains. Water quality is a complex term that can indicate the state of the water compared to standard criteria for use in specific purposes. It contains many physical, chemical, and biological factors, but the critical water quality factors are water temperature, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen (ammonia/nitrate/nitrite), hydrogen ion concentration (pH), alkalinity, salinity and electrical conductivity, carbon dioxide, and turbidity. Estuaries are a mix between freshwater and marine water. Water and sediment quality were discussed for Rosetta and Damietta estuaries. Water quality of the Nile Delta coastal lakes is discussed for the four important lakes (Mariout, El-Manzala, El-Burullus, and Edku). Pollution, climate change, human activities, and fish farms are discussed as factors affecting water quality deterioration in the Nile River estuaries. The water quality index was introduced as single value representing water quality parameters. The spatial and temporal variations are presented in the Nile Delta estuaries. The pollution evaluation index is also discussed. Water management and environmental laws are briefly presented.