El-Sadat City Research Articles

Occurrence and Seasonal Fluctuations of Common Phytonematodes Infesting Field and Vegetable Crops and Associated Weeds in the Newly Reclaimed Soil of El Sadat City, El Menoufia Governorate, Egypt

Occurrence and Seasonal Fluctuations of Common Phytonematodes Infesting Field and Vegetable Crops and Associated Weeds in the Newly Reclaimed Soil of El Sadat City, El Menoufia Governorate, Egypt

Using geochemical models to delineate the relationship between the Pleistocene aquifer groundwater and the oxidation ponds at El-Sadat city, Egypt

This study aims to assess the risk of the wastewater plume from the oxidation ponds contaminating the underneath shallow groundwater aquifer. The study area is an industrial city comprised of three main zones: industrial, populated, and agricultural. The study area is bordered on the eastern side by a wastewater pond and the Rosseta Nile river branch. The geochemical investigation is based on the determination of groundwater salinity, major ions, nitrogen compounds (NH4−, NO2−, NO3−), phosphate (PO43−), heavy metals, and the isotopic content (δ18O and δ2H) as well as the geochemical groundwater modeling. The results show most groundwater samples (50%) in the study area are freshwater, 31% are marginal saline water, and 18% are brackish. Higher nitrogen and PO43− compound concentrations are found in the shallow groundwater close to the oxidation ponds and populated zone. The δ18O and δ2H in the Quaternary groundwater is relatively depleted; they range from −2.1 to 2.3‰ and −7 to 21‰, respectively. The integrations of the geochemistry and isotopes show that the Pleistocene aquifer receives considerable recharge percent (14–56%) from the Rosseta Nile river branch and has been polluted due to the seepage from the oxidation ponds (seepage percent range: 0.6–3.6%). The results suggest that excessive fertilizer usage in the agricultural zone, seepage from oxidation ponds into the subsurface aquifer, and the anthropological effects of population size and industrial zones all contribute to the decline in groundwater quality. The highly vulnerable groundwater sites extend from the northeastern areas close to the oxidation ponds and the southwestern areas close to the industrial and populated zones.

Assessment of groundwater Quality for drinking and irrigation Suitability in El Sadat City Depression Western Desert, Egypt

Assessment of groundwater Quality for drinking and irrigation Suitability in El Sadat City Depression Western Desert, Egypt

EFFECT OF SOME GIBBERELLIC ACID AND FORCHLORFNURON APPLICATION ON PRODUCTIVITY AND BERRIES DEVELOPMENT OF EARLY SWEET GRAPES

This study was conducted during the two consecutive seasons of (2016 and 2017) in a private vineyard located at El-Sadat City, Menoufia Governorate, to study the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) and forchlorfnuron (CPPU) application on productivity and berries development of Early Sweet grape cultivar. The vines were five years old, spaced at 2×3 meters apart, grown in a sandy soil and trellised according to the Spanish Parron system. Eight treatments were applied by using dipping clusters with CPPU at concentrations from 1 to 7ppm after fruit set directly in combined plus spraying with GA3 at 20 ppm at 6-8mm berry diameter in additionally control treatment. The results revealed that all CPPU and GA3 applications had the best results in comparison with control in both seasons. Excessive CPPU doses + spraying clusters with GA3 increases yield and physical properties of berries i.e. berry weight, size and firmness, but it delay maturation. In contrast, lower CPPU doses + spraying clusters with GA3 cause a slightly in retarding maturation but reduces yield and its components. On the other hand, moderate CPPU doses (dipping clusters with CPPU at 5ppm + spraying clusters with GA3 at 20 ppm) had an achieving in appropriate balance between yield and cluster quality attributes of Early Sweet grapevines in both seasons.

CHARACTERISTICES, CLASSIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF SOILS IN THE AREA SOUTHEAST EL-SADAT CITY, MENOUFIA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

The current work was performed in 2019 aiming to study the geomorphological and pedological characteristics as well as classification and capability evaluation for soils in the area southeastern El-Sadat City, Menoufia governorate, Egypt. The study area is located at the western side of the Nile-Delta in the east of Cairo-Alexandria desert highway adjacent to the Rashid branch of the River Nile, Menoufia governorate, Egypt. The integration of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques was used to achieve this work. The geomorphic map produced by processing and identifying the Landsat image using RS and GIS technology indicated that,the studied area has three main geomorphic units with different landforms.These three main units are 1) Alluvial Plain includes three landforms namely: High Terraces (17.33% of the studied area), Moderate Terraces (5.87%) and Low Terraces (11.48%); 2) Pediplain with two landforms namely: High Terraces (16.22 %) and Low Terraces (12.47%); 3) as well as Aeolian Plain with three landforms namely: High Terraces (7.08%), Moderate Terraces (4.97%) and Low Terraces (24.58%). Nineteen soil profiles were chosen to represent the different geomorphic and landform units.The land and site features are observed and registered. Thesoil profiles were dug, morphologically described, and then samples were collected representing the subsequent layers in each profile for integrated physical and chemical analyses. Also, irrigation water samples were collected and analyzed especially for land capability evaluation. The studied area has almost flat to slightly undulated topography. Soils were deep to very deep where they were well drained. Most of the soils have gravely sand to gravely loamy sand texture except the soils of low Alluvial plain terraces that have clay loam texture. The analytical data revealed that, the studied soils are slightly to moderately alkaline, mostly non-saline and haven’t sodicity effect. Few parts showed a sodic horizon feature. The soils are slightly to moderately calcareous having Low gypsum and Organic matter contents. Most of the soils haven't any diagnostic horizons, therefore they were classified under Entisols. The few soils having sodic horizon were classified under Aridisols. The land capability evaluation indicated that, most of the studied soils (92.18%) are affiliated to the Fair, C3 class. Rest of the soils are classified either as a Good capability class, C2, (4.52%), or as a Poor capability class, C4 (3.30%).

EFFECT OF POTASSIUM HUMATE AND PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZATION ON FABA BEAN PLANTS OF YIELD AND ITS CONTENT OF NUTRIENTS

A field experiment was carried out in the in winter season of 2015/2016 at sandy soil in El-Sadat city, El Minufia Governorate, 30.3594° N, 30.5327° E, Egypt to evaluate the effect of phosphorus fertilization and potassium humate on the growth and yields of faba bean as well as its content of N, P and K. The experiment factors were phosphorus application at three different levels (0, 10, 15 and 30 P2O5 kg kg Fed-1) and potassium humate at rate of 0, 5 and 10 kg fed-1. Also, the phosphorus use efficiency evaluated. The obtained results could be summarized as follows: Growth and yield parameters (plant height, No. of branches, No. of pods plant No. of seed pods) were significantly increased by increasing by increasing rates of added P potassium humate individually and in combination, where the highest values were resulted from their combined treatments especially at high application rates. The combination between phosphorus at 30 kg P2O5 fed-1and potassium humate at rate of 10 kg fed-1 recorded the highest growth and production as well as minerals composition (N, P and K) content compared to the other treatments. On the other hand, potassium humate at high level combined with super phosphate recorded increased in the availability of nitrogen, phosphors and potassium. Concerning, the P-efficiency the results showed that, both agronomic efficiency and apparent recovery efficiency were recorded by the highest values when compared the P fertilizer alone.

PEDOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON DESERTIC SOILS OF EL SADAT CITY AND NOUBARIA USING SPECTRAL REFLECTANCE.

The current investigation aims to study the geomorphological and pedochemical characteristics of El Noubaria and El-Sadat city soils using the spectral reflectance and GIS technology. Soil classification and land evaluation are also carried out. Moreover, an electromagnetic induction instrument (Profiler EMI-400) was used to assessing soil salinity in the field for selected parts in these areas. Three main geomorphic units were identified in El-Sadat area namely, Flood Plain (3,02% from this area), Alluvial Plain (32,25%), and Aeolian Plain (58,13%). Also, three main geomorphic units were identified in El Noubaria studied area namely, Alluvial Plain (2,78% from this area), Elongated Hills (32,79%), and Calcareous Valley (58,7%). Fifty-five profiles were selected representing the soils of El Sadat units and sixty-four profiles were selected to represent the soils of El Noubaria units. Land and site features are observed and registered. Soil profiles were dug deep down to 150 cm, morphologically described, and samples were collected representing the subsequent layers in each profile for integrated physiochemical analyses. Moreover, the EMI-400 instrument was used for assessing soil salinity in the field for three selected parts in the two studied areas. Soils of the two studied areas are deep having almost flat to gently undulating topography and well drainage system. The soils of El-Sadat area have mostly loamy sand texture while, the soils of El Noubaria have loamy texture. All studied soils are slightly to moderately alkaline, non-to slightly saline especially in some parts of El Noubairia having low Organic matter (OM) and gypsum contents. The soils of El-Sadat area are slightly calcareous, whereas, that of El Noubaria area are strongly calcareous. Most of El-Sadat soils are classified as Typic Torripsaments and some as Typic Torriorthents. While, most of El Noubaria soils are classified as Typic Haplocalcids. According to the land suitability evaluation, most of studied soils are categorized into grade S1. The other soil categories could be maintained by reclaiming their limitations. The statistical analyses indicated that, there was a high significant correlation coefficient between EMI-400 readings and lab determined EC (dSm-1) for measuring soil salinity in the two upper layers in all studied soils especially at band of 15 KHz. The integration between RS and GIS technology was used to produce results and all geomorphic, suitability and salt distribution maps in this work.

Evaluation of Potassium Sources, Rates and Pattern on the Yield and Quality Traits of Fertigated Wheat Grown in Sandy Soil.

Fertigation provide efficient method for fertilizer and irrigation of water in order to evaluate some potassium sources on wheat (Giza 168) production in sandy soil at El-Sadat City, El-Menoufia Governorate, Egypt, amid the two winter seasons 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. A split-split plot design in a randomized complete block arrangement was used with 3 replications. The main plots were allocated to the 2 potassium sources (potassium sulfate and potassium chloride) 3 potassium rates (60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1 K2O beside one treatment without potassium fertilization) were devoted to sub-plot and three patterns (1, 2 weeks and 1 month) were devoted to sub-sub plot. The results showed that potassium had essentially influenced the yield and yield components of wheat and potassium fertilizers such as K2SO4 and KCl improved the quantity and quality of wheat. These results suggest that potassium application at 180 kg ha-1 associated with one pattern under fertigation can be good for obtaining an optimum yield of wheat. From this study can be concluded that the potassium application influence at 180 kg ha-1 K2O gave highly yield and chemical constituents under fertigation.

INTEGRATION OF GIS AND RS FOR LAND RESOURCES SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT OF El-SADAT AREA, EGYPT

The current work aims to study the geomorphological and pedological characteristics for soils in the area located at south west of EL-Sadat city. The integration of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques was used to perform this work. Soil classification quantitative land capability evaluation, and suitability of these soils for growing certain main crops were achieved using ALES-Arid program. This work could be presented important information about the potentiality of land resources for proper sustainable agriculture of these soils. The geomorphic map produced using RS and GIS technology indicated that, there are three identified and interpreted geomorphic units in this area. These units are Plain, High land, and Elevated area. Fourteen soil profiles were selected representing these three geomorphic units.The land and site features are observed and registered. Soil profiles were dug deep down to 120 cm. Profiles were morphologically described, and then samples were collected representing the subsequent layers in each profile for integrated physical and chemical analyses. The important morphological properties were used for evaluating pedological development of these profiles. The soils have almost flat topography to gently undulating landforms. The elevation of the studied profiles varies between 14 and 52 m. above sea level. Land surface and most of studied soils are slightly gravelly to gravelly. The soils are deep and mostly have well to excessive drainage system. These soils have light texture mostly loamy sand with rapid hydraulic conductivity. The soils vary between weak to moderate subangular to granular structure and some layers have single grains. The morphological rating scale of relative distinctness of horizons (RHD) and relative profile distinctness (RPD) values for the most of studied soilsindicated a slight distinctness between horizons and weak profile development. The analytical data of the studied soils revealed that, the soil reaction is slightly alkaline. All the studied soils are non-saline and not sodic. The soils differ from slightly to strongly calcareous according their CaCO3 content. Organic matter (OM), cation exchange capacity (CEC) and gypsum were low. The studied soils were classified up to sub great group level according to Soil Survey Staff (2014) under Entisols order as Typic Torripsaments. Land capability evaluation for these soils indicated that these soils could be categorized into grades between III to IV.

INTEGRATION OF RS AND GIS FOR STUDYING THE GEOMORPHOLOGICAL AND PEDOLOGICAL FEATURES OF SOME SOILS SOUTH WEST OF EL-SADAT CITY, EGYPT

INTEGRATION OF RS AND GIS FOR STUDYING THE GEOMORPHOLOGICAL AND PEDOLOGICAL FEATURES OF SOME SOILS SOUTH WEST OF EL-SADAT CITY, EGYPT

INTEGRATION OF RS AND GIS FOR STUDYING THE GEOMORPHOLOGICAL AND PEDOLOGICAL FEATURES OF SOME SOILS SOUTH WEST OF EL-SADAT CITY, EGYPT

The current work aims to study the geomorphological and pedological characteristics as well as classification for soils in the area located at south west of El-Sadat City. The integration of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques was used to perform this work. This work could be presented important information about the potentiality of these soils for proper plans of reclamation, improvement and management. The geomorphic map produced using RS and GIS technology indicated that, there are three identified and interpreted geomorphic units in this area. These units are Low Terraces, Moderate Terraces and High Terraces. Fourteen soil profiles were selected representing these geomorphic units.The land and site features are observed and registered. Profiles were morphologically described, and then samples were collected representing the subsequent layers in each profile for integrated physical and chemical analyses. The elevation of the studied profiles varied between 14 and 52 m. that increased from the Low Terraces to the High ones. The soils have almost flat to gently undulating topography with gentle sloping. All studied soils are deep and characterized as freely well drained. These soils have almost slightly to gravelly loamy sand texture with rapid hydraulic conductivity. The soils have mainly weak granular to subangular structure and some layers have single grains. The most of studied soils are virgin without or with scanty vegetation. The morphological rating scale (relative distinctness of horizons RHD and relative profile development RPD) indicates a slight distinctness between horizons which mainly attributed to the depositional pattern and /or regimes of soil materials more than development. The analytical data of the studied soils revealed that, the soil reaction is slightly alkaline. All the studied soils are non-saline and not sodic. The soils differ from slightly to strongly calcareous according their CaCO3 content. Organic matter (OM)and gypsum were low. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) was also low due to the low content of fine fractions and OM in these soils. The studied soils haven't any diagnostic horizons, therefore they were classified up to sub great group level under Entisols order mainly as Typic Torripsaments.

Productivity and Quality of Kohlrabi Grown in a Newly Reclaimed Sandy Soil Using Organic and Mineral-N Fertilizer regimes with or without Spraying of Spirulina platensis Extract

The current study aimed to investigate the influence of organic manure and/or mineral N-fertilizer with or without Spirulina platensis alga cells extract on growth, yield and quality of kohlrabi knobs. Field experiments were carried out on Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) cv. White Vienna at the Experimental Farm of the Environmental Studies and Research Institute, El-Sadat City University, Egypt, during the winter seasons of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 under drip irrigation systems. The obtained results showed that using 50% mineral-N + 50% organic-N combined with spirulina extract improved plant growth, yield and knob quality compared to other N-fertilizer regimes. Therefore, this treatment gave the best growth and increased total yield with the best knob quality as compared with no added. The highest content of nitrate in knobs (473.85 mg kg-1 DW) was recorded by using 100% mineral-N treatment (as an average in both seasons). Whereas, adding 100% organic-N recorded the lowest content of nitrate in knobs (83.45 mg kg-1 DW) as an average of both seasons. It is worthy to mention that nitrate concentration in tested kohlrabi knobs is still in the safe border for human consumption.

EFFECT OF THE DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENT FACTORS THE GROUNDWATER CHARACTERISTICS AT EL–SADAT CITY - EGYPT

This work aims to evaluate the pollution hazards of surface and groundwater at El–Sadat City, Egypt. Forty-five water samples were collected from the surface water bodies (El–Nasery canal and the oxidation ponds) and groundwater samples at the study area. The chemical composition of the water resources at El-Sadat city was outlined through out determination of pH, EC, TDS, major cations and anions. The pollution of the collected water samples was evaluated based on determination of minor elements, trace and soluble heavy metals as well as biological and bacteriological pollutants Results revealed that all surface water samples (El–Nasery canal) and the majority of the groundwater samples (93%) in the study area are fresh water, while the rest of the groundwater samples (7%) are brackish water. All surface water and majority of the groundwater samples (90%) are suitable for drinking as they have a salinity as well as nitrite, nitrate, phosphate and trace constituents less than the permissible limits as well as their low contents from faecal Coliforms. The rest of the groundwater samples (10%) are unsuitable for drinking as they have nitrite, nitrate, phosphate and trace constituents higher than the permissible limits as well as their high contents from faecal Coliforms.

Hydrogeophysical and hydrochemical characteristics of Pliocene groundwater aquifer at the area northwest El Sadat city, West Nile Delta, Egypt

Due to the overpopulation in the main cities and shortage of water in Egypt, finding new possible reclamation areas becomes an urgent necessity. The area northwest of El Sadat city can be considered one of the most promising new reclamation areas. This study focuses on detecting the groundwater aquifers, delineating the best localities to drill groundwater boreholes, and evaluation of the groundwater quality. To achieve these goals, an integrated study of vertical electric sounding (VES), time domain electromagnetic (TEM) sounding, and hydrochemical analyses has been executed. The results show that the Pliocene aquifer is the main groundwater aquifer in the survey area where it is divided into two sub-aquifers. The first aquifer is encountered at depth ranging from 30 m to 70 m, where it's thickness range is 20–60 m and its resistivity is varying from 28 to 70 Ωm. The second aquifer is recorded at depth range from 95 m to 135 m with resistivity values of 33–57 Ωm.Moreover, the suitability of 57 groundwater boreholes for drinking and irrigation purposes was assessed as they were compared with the known standard guidelines values. Piper's tri-linear diagram shows the dominance of Alkaline earth (Ca2++Mg2+) and strong acids (SO42− + Cl−) in most of the water samples. According to the concentrations of major ions, the water types in the area are: CaHCO3 (22.8%), CaSO4 (17.5%), NaSO4 (15.8%), NaCl (14.0%), CaCl (14.0%), NaHCO3 (10.5%), MgHCO3 (3.5%), and MgSO4 (1.8%). The electric conductivity (EC) and the total dissolved solids (TDS) values suggest fresh to brackish water. The groundwater is classified according to its total hardness (TH) based on the calcium carbonate concentration into moderately hard, hard and very hard water. Water quality indices such sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium content (SC), permeability index (PI), and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) were considered to evaluate the groundwater quality for agricultural activities. These parameters suggest a safe and suitable groundwater for agricultural activities. Before exploitation further studies are however essential in order to establish a sustainable level of abstraction from the aquifer, as well as assessing the vulnerability to protect it from pollution.

Comparing Response of Melon (Cucumis melo) to Some Different Growth Stimulants (Foliar Spray)

field experiment was conducted on melon (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus Naud, cv. Rodin hybrid) grown in a sandy loam soil during the two successive seasons of 2015 and 2016 in a private farm at EL-Sadat City, Minofia Governorate, Egypt to assess the response to foliar spray with four treatments i.e., distilled water (DW), yeast extract (YE), Lithovit® (micronized calcium carbonate) (LV) and Delfan® (amino acids) (DF), and two treatments of nitrogen application i.e., N1: 50% of the recommended N as mineral-N + 50% of the recommended N as organic manure (compost), and N2: 100% of the recommended rate as mineral-N. The recommended rate of N is 170 kg N ha-1. Lithovit gave the highest increase in plant length, leaf area, weight of shoots per plant, total chlorophyll, fruit diameter, fruit weight, fresh yield, nutrient uptake, total sugar, and total soluble solids. For some plant traits (fruit diameter, fruit weight, fresh yield, nutrient uptake, total sugar and total soluble solids) YE gave the second highest increase. N1 treatment was superior to N2 in nearly all traits. Spraying with both LV or YE gave the highest fresh yield and the best fruit quality. The highest values were obtained when LV was sprayed either with 50% mineral-N + 50% organic-N or 100% mineral-N, or when YE was sprayed with 50% mineral-N + 50% organic-N. These increases for the above mentioned treatments reached 28.78, 27.27 and 26.30% as an average in both seasons for total yield, as compared with plants supplied with 170 kg mineral-N and sprayed with the distilled water (control).

Isolation and identification of indigenous entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) isolate from Egyptian fauna

Soil samples from different Egyptian Governorates as Giza, Behera, Alexandria, Sohag, Qulupeia, El-Sadat City, Sharkia, Bani-Swif, North Sinai (El-Arish) and South Sinai (Ras-Seder), Tanta, Fayoum and Suez have been surveyed for isolation of new entomopathogenic nematode isolates. One isolate coded as IB was isolated from Sharkia (Belbies). Based on morphometric characters, the isolate was found to belong to Heterorhabditidae and identified as Heterorhabditis indica. The isolate individuals were reproduced by in vivo method using sixth larval instars of Galleria mellonella. The survival of native isolate H. indica was better at low temperature (15 °C) compared to room temperature (27 °C).The bioassay results showed reduction in stored IJs activity against G. mellonella compared with fresh IJs where the median lethal concentration LC50 which recorded to be 46.87 for fresh IJs/ml then increased to 571.38 and to 1181.87 IJs/ml after storage for 2 and 4 weeks, respectively.

Assessment of industrial contamination of agricultural soil adjacent to Sadat City, Egypt

Abstract Assessment of the environmental impact of El Sadat City, a Cairo satellite, known for its clustered enterprises, on the neighbourhood water supply El Manashi Tawfikia Canal was undertaken through soil analysis. A total of 20 agricultural soil samples were collected along the El Manashi Tawfikia Canal. Neutron activation analysis was implemented to determine heavy metal contents of such elements as As, Ba, Co, Cr, Ni, and Zn. Multivariate statistical analysis was applied to the results obtained. The metal pollution index and enrichment factor were calculated. It was shown that the content of toxic heavy metals in soil samples does not exceed the worldwide-published values, except arsenic which considerably exceeds normalized to the content of the same element in the Upper Continental Crust. The metal pollution index is high compared with the calculated ones for similar soil samples from the Nile Delta, and the enrichment factor varied from moderate to high enrichment (5 < EF > 10).

Investigation of the probable wastewater infiltration and its impact on groundwater quality by electrical resistivity tomography and hydrochemistry: a case study of the Pleistocene aquifer at El Sadat city, Egypt

Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and hydrochemical investigations were conducted at the wastewater ponds (oxidation ponds) in El Sadat industrial city, Egypt, to study the possibility of wastewater percolation to the Pleistocene aquifer and its effect on the groundwater chemistry. Pleistocene aquifer is the main groundwater reservoir in this area, where El Sadat city and its vicinities use it as a main source for water supplies required for drinking, agricultural and industrial activities. In this study, seven ERT profiles were measured around the wastewater ponds and ten water samples were collected from the ponds and the nearby groundwater wells. The water samples were analyzed for major cations (Ca2+, Na+, K+, and Mg2+); major anions (Cl−, \( {\text{CO}}_{ 3}^{ - 2} \), \( {\text{HCO}}_{ 3}^{ - } \), \( {\text{SO}}_{ 4}^{ - 2} \)), nutrients (\( {\text{NO}}_{ 2}^{ - 1} \), \( {\text{NO}}_{ 3}^{ - 1} \), and \( {\text{PO}}_{ 4}^{ - 3} \)) and heavy elements (Cd, V, Cr, Zn, Ni, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Pb). Also, the physical parameters (pH, alkalinity, EC, and TDS) of the water samples were measured. The ERT sections exhibited low resistivity values towards the wastewater ponds and high values in opposite sides. Besides, the water table was detected at shallow depths towards the oxidation ponds. These indications could verify the possibility of wastewater infiltration to the groundwater aquifer around the oxidation ponds. Comparison of the physicochemical parameters of the wastewater samples with those of the groundwater samples indicates that the ionic levels are randomly varying and no specific trend could be obtained. Also, the wastewater samples show some ionic levels lower than those detected in the nearby groundwater samples. Besides, the nitrate level is higher in the water samples collected from the cultivated land than the wastewater samples. From this study, it could be concluded that the wastewater infiltrated from the oxidation ponds is NOT the main controller of the groundwater chemistry of the Pleistocene aquifer in this area. Rather, the variable ionic concentrations could be attributed to local, natural and anthropogenic processes.

A Study of some biological aspects of the spider Theridion jordanense Levy & Amitai, 1982 (Araneae: Theridiidae) in Egypt.

Theridion jordanense Levy & Amitai, 1982 was collected from grape trees in El-Sadat city, El-Menofia Governorate, Egypt. Biologica l aspects were studied under laboratory conditions (26-28 o C and 60-70% R.H.). Males reached maturity after 4 spiderlings (instars) (64±3.1 days), while females reached maturity after 5 spiderlings (instars) (88±3.7 days). Spiders were fed on different instars of larvae of cotton leaf worm. Food consumption was observed.

A Study of some biological aspects of the spider Theridion jordanense Levy & Amitai, 1982 (Araneae: Theridiidae) in Egypt.

Theridion jordanense Levy & Amitai, 1982 was collected from grape trees in El-Sadat city, El-Menofia Governorate, Egypt. Biologica l aspects were studied under laboratory conditions (26-28 o C and 60-70% R.H.). Males reached maturity after 4 spiderlings (instars) (64±3.1 days), while females reached maturity after 5 spiderlings (instars) (88±3.7 days). Spiders were fed on different instars of larvae of cotton leaf worm. Food consumption was observed.