Trace element occurrence and distribution problems in the irrigation water at El-Minia district, north upper Egypt

Abstract

Water pollution by trace elements is a global problem, especially in developing countries. To understand the complex behavior of trace elements dynamics in aquatic systems, 45 water samples were collected from River Nile, Bahr Youssefi canal, El Ibrahemia canal, El Sabakha canal, and El Moheet drain at El-Minia district in northern Upper Egypt. The detected heavy metals were B, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Co, Hg, Ni, Al, Pb, Cd, Cr, Se, and As. Also, the samples were subjected to other water quality parameter measurements such as dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), alkalinity, oil and grease, cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+), anions (HCO3−, SO42−, and Cl−), and minor constituents (NH4, NO3, and PO4). Overall, the irrigation water in El-Minia district is principally affected by the agricultural, industrial, and sewage input.