El-Salam Canal Research Articles

Utilizing chemometric techniques to evaluate water quality spatial and temporal variation. A case study: Bahr El-Baqar drain — Egypt

This study employed factor analysis (FA)/Principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), as chemometric techniques in Bahr El-Baqar drain, Egypt to nominate and assess the most representative parameters of the present water quality status, and to assort the sampling sites according to the similarity of the selected parameters, in summer and winter seasons. The water quality data divided the drain into two datasets (before and after El-Salam canal) according to calculated values of the means percentage difference (%) and paired t-test. FA/PCA, selected four factors as indicators of water quality, explaining the cumulative variance ranged (76.0 - 81.1)%. The HCA grouped the sampling sites before the El-Salam canal into four, and five clusters during summer, and winter, respectively while the sampling sites after the El-Salam canal were grouped into three, and four clusters during summer, and winter, respectively showing that the sampling sites are influenced by the seasonal variation. It was revealed that the major sources of variability in Bahr El-Baqar drain are foremost from an anthropogenic origin and thereafter governed by biogenic and organic activities followed by agricultural activities. Finally, this study emphasizes chemometric techniques as a powerful and useful tool to understanding the water quality spatial and temporal variations and their causes. This can support cost, effort, and time reduction, thereby reinforcing regular water quality monitoring plans and may assist in the establishment of guidelines and regulatory plans. • FA/PCA, HCA, and Pearson’s correlation were adopted as chemometric techniques. • Two datasets were created according to the means % difference and paired t-test. • 4 factors explained water quality indicators with cumulative var. (76.0 - 81.1)%. • Sources of variability are anthropogenic/biogenic, organic and agricultural. • Chemometrics evaluated water quality spatial and temporal variations powerfully.

Hydrochemical Assessment of the Irrigation Water Quality of the El-Salam Canal, Egypt

The El-Salam canal in Egypt is considered an important stream of fresh water for the agricultural sector that extends from the Nile River to Sinai, while it is subjected to several anthropogenic stresses. In this study, five-georeferenced stations (named from S1 to S5) were monitored along the El-Salam Canal before El-Sahara of the Suez Canal, via the estimation of the WQ index based on major cations and anions analysis including salinity hazard, permeability index, residual sodium carbonate, magnesium hazard, sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratio, Kelley index, potential salinity, total hardness, and irrigation water quality index (IWQI). The sequence of average concentration of cations in water were Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+. The major cations constitute around 60% of the total dissolved salts. While the sequence of major anions in water were SO42− > HCO3− > Cl− > CO32−. These cations and anions showed an increasing trend from S1 (intake of the canal) to S5 (before El-Sahara) of the El-Salam Canal. Moreover, the order of heavy metals was Zn < Cd < Cr < Ni < Fe < Mn < Co < Cu < Pb. According to the US EPA (1999) guidelines, the levels of Fe and Zn in the El-Salam Canal are within the permissible limits for drinking and irrigation purposes, while Mn, Pb, Cu, Co, Ni, Cr, and Cd were detected at higher concentrations than those recommended. The value of IWQI in water samples varied from 40.26 to 114.82. The samples of S1 showed good water, the samples of region S2 (after mixing with Faraskour drainage) showed poor water quality, samples of regions S3 (after mixing with the El-Serw drain waters) and S5 (before El-Sahara) fell under the very poor water category and samples of region S4 (after mixing with the Hadous drainage) showed unsuitable water. Croplands irrigated with such water will not be exposed to any alkaline risks but will be exposed to the risk of salinity, which is more severe after mixing at the S3 and S4 sites. It is recommended to treat the drainage water before mixing with the irrigation water of El-Salam Canal to raise the suitability of irrigation water for crops, particularly for the Hadous drain.

Assessing the Agricultural Drainage Water with Water Quality Indices in the El-Salam Canal Mega Project, Egypt

The water quality index (WQI) is considered one of the most promising methods for the classification of water quality (WQ), which also contributes to water resource management. This study adopted the irrigation WQ index (IWQI) and an analogous index based on a fuzzy logic approach, namely, the fuzzy logic water reuse index (FWRI) to assess the water quality in the El-Salam canal project in Egypt where agriculture drainage water (ADW) is expected to be reused for irrigation. Simulated WQ data using a one-dimensional hydrodynamic model indicated that the WQ deteriorated towards the downstream of the canal due to the polluted water discharged from canal feeders (e.g., the El-Serw and Bahr Hadous drains). The comparison of the FWRI and IWQI indices showed that the FWRI was more sensitive to variations in the WQ parameters compared to the IWQI. In contrast, the Z-test indicated that the indices have different statistical properties. Moreover, a chi-square test (X2) illustrated that the FWRI and IWQI values can both reasonably explain the current situation. However, the FWRI was more relevant to the official classification than the IWQI. Overall, the FWRI proved its capability and accuracy for the assessment of water quality in the El-Salam canal.

Watershed Management, A Tool for Sustainable Safe Reuse Practice, Case Study: El-Salam Canal

In Egypt, drainage and irrigation network receives a complex mixture of industrial and domestic effluent. Therefore, water quality was subjected to rapid deterioration over the past decades. A need for using marginal quality water in agriculture for new expansion projects is becoming a great necessity. Good quality water is no longer available for new irrigation projects. One strategy to increase available water resources is to reuse agriculture drainage water for irrigation. Surface water of low quality along with limitation of current water resources was found to be the largest current environmental threat to the drainage reuse practice in Egypt. The detrimental effects of drainage water reuse can be minimized by adopting appropriate pollution sources management. Although domestic diffuse sources represent very small portion of the total discharge in drains, they contribute to a high percentage of organic load to the water system. Lack of investment and time required to execute proper wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), become a constrain impeding the improvement in surface water quality. The proper water quality management system along with good planning for constructing, upgrading and upscaling of WWTPs within a certain watershed can positively improve the water quality at the mixing point with fresh water for reuse. In this study, a practical management tool based on watershed as one of the primer water system unit has been introduced. The tool works under GIS environment to help water managers and planners concerned in irrigation system to incorporate the reuse of drainage water to set best prioritization scenario of WWTPs implementation, upgrading or upscaling within the sub-watershed of El-Serw and Bahr-Hadous drains that feed El-Salam canal. The study is based on analyzing the transport and decay of pollutants expressed as BOD load through network analysis of drains network within El-Salam canal watershed as a case study. Keywords: Water quality management, Watershed, Drainage water reuse, GIS, Point source pollution (PSP), BOD. DOI : 10.7176/CER/11-4-06 Publication date :May 31 st 2019

INCREASING THE EFFFICINCY OF El-SALAM CANAL PROJECT USING DATA DRIVEN WATER QUALITY MODELS

The Egyptian Government started the El-Salam Canal Project (ESCP) for the reclamation of an estimated 620,000 feddans of desert land in north sinia. It receives fresh water from Damietta Branch of the River Nile and agricultural drainage water from Lower Serw, Farsqur and Bahr Hadus drains. The present study aims to increase the efficiency of the project and assess the quality of water in the feeding sources and compare it to the current/future operating conditions. The results are obtained by developing a numerical/data driven models to simulate the project working conditions using real field data. Then, an alternative working scenarios are proposed. The water quality data were collected monthly for the period 2003/2015 different water quality parameters are considered. Water samples were collected from 8 locations along the main reach of El-Salam canal and the feeding drains. They were analyzed for some water quality parameters such as TDS, BOD. The results indicate that in months of high demand, it is possible to increase the discharges to feed ESCP from Farsqur, Lower Serw or Hadus drains (if needed/available) assuming having their current levels of concentrations. This will not significantly deteriorate the canal water in relation to the water quality parameters of TDS and BOD.

Bio-Fertilization Effect on the Productivity and Biodiesel Quality of Castor Plant Oil under El-Salam Canal Irrigation Condition

El-Salam canal as a marginal water can be utilized for the irrigation of non-traditional plants such as castor oil plant for biodiesel production .The article aim to maximize yield and oil content of castor plants for production of biodiesel using either biofertilizers or plant growth hormones. Two bacterial strains (Azotobacter chrococcum and Pseudomonas geniculata) of high potential to produce indole acetic acid (IAA) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and two synthetic growth hormones (IAA or IBA) were used. A field experiment, conducted at Baloza Experimental Station, North Sinai which irrigated with El-Salam water, revealed that application of growth hormones (IAA and IBA) or biofertilizer (Azotobacter chrococcum or Pseudomonas geniculata) separately or as mixture had positive effect on all growth parameters of castor plants, nitrogen and phosphorus uptake and total microbial populations in their rhizosphere. The IBA and Azotobacter chrococcum followed by Pseudomonas geniculata recorded the highest plant length, inflorescence weight, plant dry weight, weight of 1000 seeds and oil content. The results revealed that the treated plants with foliar application or biofertilizer separately increased the contents of trace and heavy metals in shoot plants, the combined treatments recorded the highest significant values for most elements studied. At the same time, usage of IAA and IBA mixture and A.chrococcum showed a significant superiority of available heavy metal contents in the soil. It was observed that the viscosity of all castor oil samples at 250C was extremely higher than that of petroleum diesel, no remarkable variations in the viscosity of castor oil samples was recorded among treated or untreated castor plants. As esterification of three selected castor oil samples was performed, their viscosity reduced and so, biodiesel was produced. Characterization of three biodiesel samples revealed that only flash and cloud point conformed to the standard ranges, while viscosity, carbon residue and heat resistance exceeded the standards of biodiesel. It is recommended to blend the biodiesel obtained with other diesel to minimize the viscosity of fuel.

Assessment of Water Quality of El-Salam Canal West of Suez Canal, Egypt

During the summer and winter seasons of 2014 and 2015, a total of 14 samples (7 samples in winter and 7 in summer) was collected from 7 sampling points as follow: Damietta branch, El-Serw drain, El-Salam canal after mixing with El-Serw drain, Bahr Hadous drian, El-Salam canal after mixing with Bahr Hadous drain, El-Salam canal at El Assafra Bridge and El-Salam canal before El-Sahara. The aim of this research is to study the extent of water contamination in Elsalam canal west of Suez Canal as a result of mixing drainage water with Nile water. The results showed that the chemical analysis (salinity and alkalinity) of the studied locations of El-Salam canal differs due to the ratio of mixed the drainage water with Nile water and also differs in different seasons ( summer and winter ). Higher values of heavy metal ions (Fe2+, Zn2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+) were noted after the second mixed stage compared with the first stage at Damietta branch, especially in summer season. It is necessary to note that periodically monitor the water of El-Salam Canal is recommended to avoid the risks results on the surrounding agricultural environment.

Studies on ruminant brucellosis in El Salam canal area, Egypt

The current study is aimed to provide some epidemiological data about brucellosis and its impact among ruminants in the area around El-Salam canal, North Sinai. In addition to determination of the sensitivity, specificity; positive & negative predictive values and diagnostic efficacy of Brucella Antibody Test Kits as a rapid field assay for the diagnosis of brucellosis. Our results revealed that, the overall prevalence rate of brucellosis was 7.1% (12/168) and 10.1% (17/168) using ELISA and Brucella Antibody Test Kits respectively. Out of 168 serum samples; 9 were seropositive and 148 were sero-negative for brucellosis by both ELISA and Brucella Antibody Test Kits. Another 3 and 8 serum samples were only positive with ELISA and Brucella Antibody Test Kits respectively, revealing 75% sensitivity, 94.8% specificity, 47% positive predictive value, 53.5% negative predictive value and 93.4% diagnostic efficacy for this test. Brucellosis was found to be one of the causes of abortion in the study area as 61.9% (13/21) of aborted animals were seropositive for brucellosis. While to a little extent, it can be considered one of infertility causes as 4.7% (7/147) of infertile animals were seropositive for brucellosis. On the other hand, there were 38% (8/21) and 95.2% (140/147) of aborted and infertile animals respectively were sero-negative for brucellosis revealing that, there were another causes of abortion and infertility in the area of study rather than brucellosis and there was a necessity for their further investigations in order to improve the fertility and productivity of the animals in this targeted area.

Effectiveness of Humic Acid Applicationin Improving Saline Soil Properties and Fodder Beet Production

Two field experiments were carried out at Bahr Hadous drain and El-Salam canal locations in Sahl El-Hossinia , El-Sharkia -Governorate, Egypt, for winter seasons of 2014/2015 and 2015/2016, to study the effect of humic acid application on some physical and chemical soil properties and fodder beet (Beta vulgaris L.) productivity and quality in saline soil conditions irrigated with different water sources i.e. [Bahr Hadoos drainage water and Nile water from El-Salam canal mixed with agricultural drainage (1:1)].The obtained results show a noticeable reduction in soil pH and salinity as a result of treating the soil with humic acid compared to control. The effect is more obvious in case of applying humic acid high rate of (2400 ml/400 L water,T4) irrigated with El-Salam canal water than Baher Hados drain water .The soil O.M content and cation exchange capacity values were improved by applying humic acid high rate where soil OM content reached 0.80 and 0.73 % in case of using El-Salam canal and Baher Hados drain water compared with 0.63 and 0.55 % for control treatment, respectively. The highest diameter of dry aggregates was affected by the application of humic acid high rate with El-Salam canal water than Baher Hados drain water .Moreover, the maximum values of total stable aggregates were obtained in case ofhumic acid high rate using El-Salam canal water compared to Baher Hados drain water and control treatments. The data also show that the values of hydraulic conductivity were lowand increased by humic acid application. The highest value of hydraulic conductivity was obtained in case of applying humic acid high rate using El-Salam canal water than Baher Hados drain watercompared to control treatment. Applying humic acid high rate decreased the soil bulk density and increased total soil porosity valuesusingEl-Salam canal water as compared to Baher Hados drain water and control treatments. The maximum values of field capacity and available water were recordedin case of applying humic acid high rate using El-Salam canal than Baher Hados drain water compared to control. The result show an increase in fodder beet yield in all treatments compared to control and was higher in the case of humic acid high rate with El-Salam canal than Baher Hados drain water. Generally, the study recommends using humic acid (2400 ml/400 L water,T4) with El-Salam canal or Baher Hados drain which improves soil chemical and physical properties and thus increases the productivity of saline soil.

Effect of Compost and Nitrogen Fertilization on Yield and Nutrients Uptake of Rice Crop under Saline Soil

Under high saline conditions, a field experiment was carried out to investigate the role of different rates of compost and N fertilization on yield and nutrients uptake of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Sakha 101) cultivated in Sahal El-Hossynia Agric. Res. Station Farm in El-Sharkia Governorate, Egypt and irrigated with drainage water from El-Salam canal during summer growing seasons 2014/2015. Compost was added to soil at two rates (5 and 10 ton fed-1) in combination with three rate of N fertilization (35, 50 and 70 Kg N fed-1). The obtained data indicated that increasing N fertilization from 35 to 70 kg N fed-1 increased significantly straw, grain and 1000 grain weight of rice. The high yield values (2.88 ton fed- 1(straw), 2.11 ton fed-1(grain) and 35.50 g (1000 grain weight) can be obtained under a high level of the N fertilization and compost rate (70 kg N fed-1 and 10 ton fed-1, respectively). As well as increasing of N, P, K, Fe, Mn and Zn uptake of straw and rice grain attributed to increasing N fertilization rate especially under high level of compost (10 to fed-1). Nitrogen fertilization rates under two levels of compost didn’t affect on most nutrients content, except N and P which increased when N fertilization increased under high level of compost (10 ton fed-1).

Biomonitoring Of Some Heavy Metals In Water Of El Salam Canal using Oreochromis niloticus As Bioindicator

This study was initiated to assess the levels of (Fe, Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Co, Mn and Ni) in water samples and Oreochromis niloticus tissues (muscles, gills and liver) collected from Fum El-Salam canal, Hadous drain and mixing point of El-Salam canal with Hadous drain throughout Summer 2014. Levels of physicochemical parameters of water samples (TDS, EC and ammonia) were significantly high (P<0.05) in Hadous drain and mixing point of El-Salam canal with Hadous than the permissible levels of the law 48/1982. The results showed that Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu recorded 1.612±0.6-<0.001-0.011±0.001,0.56±0.29- 0.479 ± 0.03- 0.075±0.01, 0.25±0.028 - 0.179±0.01 - 0.046±0.003, 0.045± 0.01 - 0.019±0.01 - 0.009±0.007 mg/l in Hadous drain, Mixing point and Fum El-Salam canal respectively, while the increase in Zn and Mn for Hadous drainage exceeded the permissible values sets by USEPA (1996). The discharging of Bahr Hadous drainage water to El-Salam canal leads to alteration in water quality of El-Salam canal as it increases heavy metals loads which implicate pollution, such deterioration showed in the studied tissues of Oreochromis niloticus. It is recommended to treat the different wastes before discharging to El-Salam canal.

Status of soil chemical properties and nutrient contents of some crops cultivated of sahl el-tina north sinai under irrigation with low water quality of el-salam canal

Status of soil chemical properties and nutrient contents of some crops cultivated of sahl el-tina north sinai under irrigation with low water quality of el-salam canal

IMPACT THE FOLIAR APPLICATION OF SILICON AND B WITH OR WITHOUT COMPOST ON SOIL FERTILITY AND PEANUT PRODUCTIVITY UNDER NEWLY RECLAIMED SOIL CONDITIONS

Two field experiments were carried out in a private farm at El-Quntra Shark east Suez Canal, Egypt during the two successive summer seasons of 2011 and 2012. Both experiments were conducted to study the influence of spraying on soil surface of Silicon i.e. 0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm and boron i.e. 0, 25, 50 and 100 ppm with or without compost on soil fertility and yield, yield components, oil %, protein, proline, chlorophyll content as well as nutritive status of peanut plants grown on sandy saline soil. The soil is irrigated with Sprinkler from El-Salam canal water (Nile water mixed with agriculture drainage water 1:1). The cultivar of seeds peanut was Gregory. Plant samples were taken at maturity stage to estimate the yield and the chemical composition of seeds. The results showed significant increase in all studied parameters of peanut as compared with the treatment of without compost in both seasons. The highest values of yield and yield components were obtained from plants received foliar spraying with 150 ppm Si and 100 ppm B alone or with compost. Also different rates of Si and B increased significantly the concentration of N, P, K, Si, Zn and B in seeds of peanut in both seasons as compared without compost treatments. The highest values of N, P, K, Si, Zn and B concentrations in seeds of peanut plants were obtained by using (150 ppm of Si and 100 ppm of B combined with compost in both seasons. The highest values of oil (%), protein (%) and chlorophyll contents in peanut seeds in both of seasons were attained when the highest level of Si (150 ppm) and B (100 ppm) alone or combinated with compost. addition as foliar application. The different rates of Si and B led to decreases of proline in both seasons as compared with control. The highest values of proline in both seasons were obtained by using foliar spraying with the low rates of Si or B, under high soil salinity. Soil salinity (EC) was decrease when soil treated with compost combined with highest rates of Si 150 ppm and B 100 ppm. Soil pH decreased with increasing Si and B combined with compost .The highest values of N, P, K, Si, B and Zn were obtained from soil receiving foliar spraying with 150 ppm Si and 100 ppm B alone or with compost. It could be concluded that foliar spray Si and boron at (100 and 150 ppm Si) and (50 and100 ppm B) in combination with compost led to improve soil fertility, enhanced plant growth and peanut yield and its components.

Characterization of the aquifer system in the northern Sinai peninsula, Egypt

Northern Sinai has received great attention with respect to future agricultural development, especially after initiation of El Salam canal, as a source of irrigation. The research aim is to highlight on the nature and potentiality of the Quaternary aquifer in the northern Sinai. To achieve this target, a 256 groundwater samples were collected and analyzed chemically with respect to major ions, SiO2, B3+, PO43-, NO3-, Br-, I- , Pb2+, Fe3+, Cd2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, and Co2+. Five infiltration tests were accomplished at five soil sites. Two pumping and one reanalyzed tests were carried out to determine the hydrogeological parameters of the Quaternary aquifer. The granulometric investigation was measured for 15 sub soils of five soil sites. The total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration of the Quaternary aquifer is increased in the northern part of the sub area A. It reflects the impact of seawater intrusion. In the sub area B, the TDS concentration is decreased towards the northern part, due to recharge from El Salam canal (fresh water). There is hydrogeological interconnection between El Salam canal and aquifer system in the northern Sinai. In sub area C, the TDS concentration is increased towards the northwestern part (Suez canal), caused by seawater intrusion from Suez Canal. The PO43-, NO3 and most of the toxic metals (Pb2+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn+2 and Co2+) concentrations in groundwater were recorded in medium to high concentrations in sub areas (B and C). It attributes to leakage of septic tank, seepage from El Salam canal, agricultural activity and geomedia. The dendrogram investigation, principle component analysis, and correlation study were discussed and interpreted according to geography, geology, hydrogeology, and anthropogenic sources. Key words: Hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry, modeling, northern Sinai.

Diversity of bacteria nesting the plant cover of north Sinai deserts, Egypt

North Sinai deserts were surveyed for the predominant plant cover and for the culturable bacteria nesting their roots and shoots. Among 43 plant species reported, 13 are perennial (e.g. Fagonia spp., Pancratium spp.) and 30 annuals (e.g. Bromus spp., Erodium spp.). Eleven species possessed rhizo-sheath, e.g. Cyperus capitatus, Panicum turgidum and Trisetaria koelerioides. Microbiological analyses demonstrated: the great diversity and richness of associated culturable bacteria, in particular nitrogen-fixing bacteria (diazotrophs); the majority of bacterial residents were of true and/or putative diazotrophic nature; the bacterial populations followed an increasing density gradient towards the root surfaces; sizeable populations were able to reside inside the root (endorhizosphere) and shoot (endophyllosphere) tissues. Three hundred bacterial isolates were secured from studied spheres. The majority of nitrogen-fixing bacilli isolates belonged to Bacillus megaterium,Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus polymexa,Bacillus macerans,Bacillus circulans and Bacillus licheniformis. The family Enterobacteriaceae represented by Enterobacter agglomerans,Enterobacter sackazakii, Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia adorifera,Serratia liquefaciens and Klebsiella oxytoca. The non-Enterobacteriaceae population was rich in Pantoae spp., Agrobacterium rdiobacter, Pseudomonas vesicularis, Pseudomonas putida, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Ochrobactrum anthropi, Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Chrysemonas luteola.Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus were reported inside root and shoot tissues of a number of tested plants. The dense bacterial populations reported speak well to the very possible significant role played by the endophytic bacterial populations in the survival, in respect of nutrition and health, of existing plants. Such groups of diazotrophs are good candidates, as bio-preparates, to support the growth of future field crops grown in deserts of north Sinai and irrigated by the water of El-Salam canal.

El-Salam canal is a potential project reusing the Nile Delta drainage water for Sinai desert agriculture: Microbial and chemical water quality

More than 12×109m3/year of Nile Delta drainage water is annually discharged into the Mediterranean Sea. El-Salam (peace) canal, having a mixture of such drainage water and the Nile water (1:1 ratio), crosses the Suez canal eastward to the deserts of north Sinai. The suitability of the canal water for agriculture is reported here. Representative samples were obtained during two successive years to follow effects of seasonal and spatial distribution, along the first 55km course in north Sinai, on the water load of total bacteria, bacterial indicators of pollution, and chemical and heavy metals contents. In general, the canal water is acceptable for irrigation, with much concern directed towards the chemical contents of total salts (EC), Na and K, as well as the trace elements Cd and Fe. Extending the canal course further than 30km significantly lowered the fecal pollution rate to the permissible levels of drinking water. Results strongly emphasize the need for effective pre-treatment of the used drainage water resources prior mixing with the Nile water.

Soil structure and salinity effects of fish farming as compared to traditional farming in northeastern Egypt

Recently, fish farming instead of traditional agriculture has been seen as a way to increase agricultural profits from saline affected land. Concerns, however, have been raised that fish farming may increase the salinity problems. In the salinity affected soils of the El-Salam canal project area in Egypt, farmers are giving up traditional farming for fish farming due to possibilities to increase their profits. The government, however, supports traditional agriculture in order to increase national income and secure food. The purpose of this study is to investigate and compare soil properties such as solute transport and soil salinity distribution for soil that has been used for fish farming as compared to traditional agriculture. This was done by dye experiments and salinity readings at three experimental plots located within El-Salam Canal project area. The first plot represents natural soil without human influence. The second and third plot was used for 3 years for fish farming and traditional agriculture, respectively. Each plot was irrigated with a solution containing dye tracer for 3 days. On the day following the last day of irrigation, a trench was dug and 10 cm thick vertical slices were excavated and photographed. Soil bulk salinity and pore water salinity measurements through a grid of 1 m width, 0.5 m depth, and 10 cm interval were taken. Soil samples were taken from different depths (10–50 cm). The dye pattern showed that solute transport at the fish farm site was small, reflecting low permeability. On the contrary, solute transport at the plot representing traditional agriculture was fairly large through the tillage layer (20 cm). Salinity maps showed that traditional agriculture contributes to decreasing soil salinity by about 70% and making soil more uniform in salinity distribution. Salinity maps at the fish farming plot site showed insignificant decrease in soil salinity. There was also a clear heterogeneity in salinity distribution. The results appear to show that fish farming does not contribute to decrease in the soil salinity. Thus, increasing fish farming activities may lead to increasing soil salinity problems in agricultural lands. The results showed also that there is no evidence that soil properties are enhanced by fish farming. On the contrary, the soil nutrient state appears to be decreasing.

Biodiversity of diazotrophs associated to the plant cover of north sinai deserts: Biodiversität diazotropher assoziiert mit der pflanendecke der wüsten nordsinais

Efforts are made to record biodiversity of microflora and diazotrophs associated with the plant cover of the major agricultural development areas in north Sinai, around the El-Salam canal, a newly-constructed canal that brings Nile water westward across the Suez canal. Natural plant communities were collected from three major areas. Ectorhizosphere, endorhizosphere and phyllosphere samples were examined for total microbial population and diazotrophs. The vegetation of South Qantara (area I) is characterized by the dominance of Stipagrostis scoparia followed by Nitraria retusa, Convolvulus lanatus, Cornulaca monacantha and Filago desertorum. Rabaa-Bir El Abd (area II) is dominated by Artemisia monosperma, Panicum turgidum and Zygophyllum album. Euphorbia terracina, Oligomeris linifolia, Astragalus kahiricus, Hyoscyamus muticus and Thymelea hirsuta represent the major plants of El Ser and Al Quarir (area III). Microorganisms colonized root surfaces of all tested plants ranging from > 105 to 1010 cfu g − 1. Diazotrophs were common residents (1010 cfu g − 1), invaded the root tissue and established endophytically (102 – 106 cfu g − 1). Fifty-one N2-fixing isolates were obtained. Among the 32 bacilli isolates, Bacillus polymyxa and Bacillus circulans were more common compared to Bacillus macerans. BNF Gram-negative isolates belonged to Enterobacter agglomerans, Enterobacter gergoviae, Enterobacter amnigenus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas luteola, Pseudomonas cepacia, Agrobacterium radiobacter and Azospirillum spp.

Biodiversity of microorganisms in semi-arid soils of north sinai deserts

North Sinai environment is currently subjected to changes due to the major agricultural development project of El-Salam canal which brings Nile water to the arid deserts of Sinai. Therefore, intensive efforts are made to record biodiversity of natural microflora and diazotrophs associated to the plant-soil system of the major agricultural development areas around the canal. Fourteen soil profiles were made, during the seasons 1997-2000, representing major sites of the area investigated (South Qantara, Rabaa-Bir El-Abd and El-Ser and Al-Quarir). Physico-chemical and microbiological properties of soils tested are presented. Microbiological profiling included total population of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, sporeformers, thermophiles, diazotrophs and spore-forming diazotrophs. Results obtained are discussed to relate physico-chemical properties to soil biofertility in an effort to categorize general fertility levels of soils under investigation.

PHYTOPLANKTON SPECIES COMPOSITION AND SOME PHYSICAL-CHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF NEWLY MAN MADE CANAL (EL-SALAM CANAL), EGYPT

One of the giant projects that are presently adopted by the government is that of the reclamation of desert land in Sinai as a trial to make use of each drop of wasted desert water. Towards that goal the water that is being continuously drained into the Mediterranean has been consumed in the construction of a new man made canal El-Salam canal. It has been mixed with 50% of agricultural drainage water through some of the drains that streams into Manzalah canal as Hadous and Serw drains. The main concept for constructing such a canal is to carry fresh water to arid lands in Sinai. Yet such projects may have both positive as well as negative sequels. The present study has been conducted to measure some physical parameters as water temperature and transparency, depth of water and electric conductivity. All parameters were found to increase towards the west. This is primarily due to the influence of mixing with agricultural drainage water. Some chemical parameters (dissolved oxygen; nitrites; nitrates; ammonia; inorganic phosphorus) were also measured where most of them showed significant increase in concentration. One hundred and fifteen phytoplankton species were studied. Chlorophyceae were the most abundant followed by Bacillariophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Dinophyceae &Chrysophyceae, respectively. The highest density for phytoplankton recorded was during the spring season. In addition, chlorophyll a was investigated as an indication of the biomass. There is an inverse proportional relation was found between chlorophyll a and transparency. Statistical analysis was undertaken to clarify the relation between biomass and phytoplankton with the physical and chemical parameters.