Fayoum Province Research Articles

Inspecting environmental effects on Zooplankton diversity in Lake Qarun, Fayoum Province, Egypt

Inspecting environmental effects on Zooplankton diversity in Lake Qarun, Fayoum Province, Egypt

Assessment of pollution and metal toxicity in the bed sediment of El-Rayan Lakes, Fayoum, Egypt

Sediments are vital components of aquatic ecosystems, which trap and store various essential elements as well as harmful polluting substances. This is why sediment quality assessment is of great importance in measuring the quality, or pollution, of water bodies. In this study, the levels, ecological risk, and toxicity indices of 17 heavy metals (HMs) were evaluated in the sediments of the two lakes: Upper Wadi El-Rayan Lake (UWRL) and Lower Wadi El-Rayan Lake (LWRL). Both are important wetlands in Egypt used as agricultural drainage water reservoirs for Fayoum province. As revealed by the texture of the sediments, the sand represented the major sediment portion of the UWRL, while the mud was dominant in the LWRL. According to ecological risk assessment, the sediments of the two lakes suffer different degrees of metal pollution, mainly Cd, Pb, and Ni. Based on sediment quality guidelines, toxicity indices indicated different potential toxic effects of the studied HMs on benthic-dwelling organisms, but Ni and Ba had the highest potential biological risk. Results also revealed that the area facing the El-Wadi Drain is the most polluted due to its proximity to the water drainage entrance. However, LWRL is generally more polluted than UWRL. This is related to the shrinkage of water volume and lake area; it causes an increase in the concentration of metals in water, and thus an increase in the sedimentation rate of these metals into the bottom.

Structural characterization and physicochemical properties of the exopolysaccharide produced by the moderately halophilic bacterium Chromohalobacter salexigens, strain 3EQS1.

A strain, 3EQS1, was isolated from a salt sample taken from Lake Qarun (Fayoum Province, Egypt). On the basis of physiological, biochemical, and phylogenetic analyses, the strain was classified as Chromohalobacter salexigens. By 72h of growth at 25°C, strain 3EQS1 produced large amounts (15.1gL-1) of exopolysaccharide (EPS) in a liquid mineral medium (initial pH 8.0) containing 10% sucrose and 10% NaCl. The EPS was precipitated from the cell-free culture medium with chilled ethanol and was purified by gel-permeation and anion-exchange chromatography. The molecular mass of the EPS was 0.9 × 106Da. Chemical analyses, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that the EPS was a linear β-D-(2 → 6)-linked fructan (levan). In aqueous solution, the EPS tended to form supramolecular aggregates with a critical aggregation concentration of 240µgmL-1. The EPS had high emulsifying activity (E24, %) against kerosene (31.2 ± 0.4%), sunflower oil (76.9 ± 1.3%), and crude oil (98.9 ± 0.8%), and it also had surfactant properties. A 0.1% (w/v) aqueous EPS solution reduced the surface tension of water by 11.9%. The levan of C. salexigens 3EQS1 may be useful in various biotechnological processes.

Coupling Effects of Potassium Fertilization Rate and Application Time on Growth and Grain Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Plants Grown Under Cd-Contaminated Saline Soil

Potassium is an essential macronutrient, where its availability regulates numerous biochemical, phenological, and physiological responses in plants. Synchronizing potassium supply with plant demand is a key factor to enhance growth and grain production of wheat grown in cadmium-contaminated saline soils. Field experiments were conducted in El Fayoum province, Egypt, between latitudes 29° 02′ and 29° 35′ N and longitudes 30° 23′ and 31° 05′ E, during the cropping seasons of 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 to determine the influence of different applied potassium rates and times on nutrient uptake and wheat yield grown under Cd-contaminated saline soil (ECe = 8.53 dS m−1 and Cd = 18 mg kg−1 soil). Four K levels (K0, K40, K80, and K120 representing 0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha−1) were applied at different application times [full dose (basal) at sowing (100% S), two equal split doses at sowing and flowering stage (50% S + 50% F), and full dose at flowering stage (100% F)]. The experimental treatments were arranged in a randomized split complete block design and replicated three times. The applied K rates, times, and their interaction induced significant differences in nutrient uptake and physiological responses which in turn improved the growth and yield of the wheat crop. Potassium addition with 120 kg ha−1 at two equal split doses (50% S + 50% F) resulted in the highest values of plant height (97 cm), Fv/Fm (0.83), PI (5.49), SPAD (58.63), MSI (34.57), seed yield (5.04 t ha−1), straw yield (9.04 t ha−1), and water productivity (0.99 kg m−3). Similarly, the uptake of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn was increased, while the uptake of Na and Cd decreased as the K supply increased under the split application. The addition of potassium by 120 kg ha−1 in two equal split doses at the sowing and flowering stage could be a valuable approach to improve yield and yield quality of wheat crop grown under cadmium-contaminated saline soils.

Bacteriological quality and safety of four fluid dairy products sold in El Fayoum governorate, Egypt

The study was designed to assess the safety and bacteriological quality of one hundred and twenty samples including (small scale fluid cream, large scale Laban rayeb, Pasteurized milk and UHT milk) (30 of each). The samples were collected randomly in their retail packages from different localities in Fayoum province, Egypt. Samples were analyzed for total bacterial count (TBC), total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The mean value of TBC in small scale fluid cream and pasteurized milk were 1.68×106 ± 1.3×105 and 4.30×103 ±6.66×102 CFU / ml respectively. The mean value of Faecal coliforms in Fluid cream were 1.87×104 ± 8.18×103 CFU / ml. E. coli only present in fluid cream with a mean value of 2.25×103 ± 8.63×102 CFU / ml. Isolated E. coli strains were serologically identified as O125(16/30), O158 (10/30), O1 (4/30) with a percentage of 53.33%, 33.33 and 13.33% respectively. By using conventional PCR, E. coli were harbored aroA and fimH genes and not harbored STx1 and STx2. Staphylococcus aureus was detected in the examined fluid cream samples, with a mean value of 7.56×104 ± 8.81×103, CFU / ml. High microbial counts of fluid cream may present a public health hazard to the consumers and so the study presented some recommendations to diminish the hazard from that product.

Preparation And Evaluation Of A Recent Infectious Laryngotracheitis (Ilt) Vaccine From A Local Field Isolate

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is a respiratory tract disease affecting chickens worldwide. The disease leads to severe production losses due to increased mortality, decreased egg production, and delayed body weight gain, causing enormous economic losses to the poultry industry. ILT is controlled through vaccination with live-modified attenuated vaccines of chicken embryo origin (CEO) and/or the tissue-culture origin (TCO). This study was conducted to develop Specific Pathogenic Free (SPF) egg-adapted live attenuated ILT vaccine from the field strain Fayoum_2018 isolated from broilers in Fayoum Province, Egypt in 2018. The isolate Fayoum_2018 with accession number (MN082684) was characterized molecularly as a TCO vaccine related strain. Measurement of immunity in vaccinated chicks employing the potency test revealed that chicks vaccinated with 0.5 ml of prepared ILT vaccine exhibited ELISA with 1905 antibody titer at 2nd-week post-vaccination, which was considered an ILT adequate immune response and increased till reach 3497 antibody titer at 6th-week post-vaccination. The current work revealed that Fayoum_2018 ILTV egg adapted live attenuated vaccine produced a satisfactory antibodies titer that was efficient in controlling the ILT field infection in Egypt.

Integrated approach to quality indices and health risk assessment of water in the Bahr Yusuf Canal, Fayoum, Egypt

Abstract The Bahr Yusuf Canal is the life artery of the Fayoum Province, which provides the province with two thirds of the freshwater quota from the Nile River. The present work was carried out to assess the suitability of water in the Bahr Yusuf Canal for various purposes and to assess the potential health risk associated with metal content. The results showed that the water quality of Bahr Yusuf was classified as poor and very poor for recreational use according to the Oregon WQI. On the other hand, the Aquatic Toxicity Index indicated the suitability of water for all fish species. The Canadian WQI and the Weighted Arithmetic WQI classified the canal water as good (WQI = 92), fair (WQI = 73) & marginal (WQI = 64) and excellent, poor to good & good to excellent for irrigation, drinking and aquatic life, respectively. Despite the significant contamination of water with heavy metals (as indicated by the Heavy Pollution Index, ranging from 104.44 to 206.32, from 16.81 to 38.48 and from 219.07 to 472.24 μg l−1), the Hazard Quotient (HQ) and the Hazard Index (HI) data indicate that water of Bahr Yusuf does not pose a human health risk through ingestion or dermal contact. In general, the study showed that water in the Bahr Yusuf Canal is characterized by different levels of pollution, which requires rapid and critical intervention by responsible authorities to prevent the discharge of different types of waste and further deterioration of the water quality during the lifetime of the channel and its subsequent rehabilitation.

Bioremediation potential of a halophilic Halobacillus sp. strain, EG1HP4QL: exopolysaccharide production, crude oil degradation, and heavy metal tolerance.

A halophilic bacterial strain, EG1HP4QL, was isolated from a salt sample from Lake Qarun, Fayoum Province, Egypt. Morphological, physiological, biochemical, and phylogenetic analyses indicated that the strain belonged to the genus Halobacillus. Strain EG1HP4QL produced an extracellular polysaccharide (EPS), with production peaking (5.9g L-1) during growth on medium S-G containing 2% (w/v) sucrose at 35°C (pH 8.0). The EPS had significant emulsifying activity (E24 %) against kerosene (65.7 ± 0.8%), o-xylene (64.0 ± 1%), and sunflower oil (44.7 ± 0.5%). The composition of the EPS included two polymers-a negatively charged and a neutral one (~ 3:1)-in which mannose and glucose were the main neutral monosaccharide constituents. Strain EG1HP4QL was able to utilize crude oil (35.3%) as the sole carbon source within 12days. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of heavy metals [Zn(II), Cd(II), Pb(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II)] for strain EG1HP4QL were 1.0, 2.0, 2.0, 2.5, and 5mM, respectively.

Impact of Ascorbic Acid Foliar Spray and Seed Treatment with Cyanobacteria on Growth and Yield Component of Sunflower Plants under Saline Soil Conditions

A field experiments were conducted during the two summer seasons of 2015 and 2016 in saline soil (ECe = 9.0 dSm-1), at Fayoum province, Egypt to study the effect of ascorbic (AsA), as foliar application alone or combined with cyanobacteria (CB) on growth, yield, its components and nutritional status of sunflower plants variety Sakha 54. Treatments comprised 2 ascorbic acid (AsA) levels with or without seed inoculation with cyanobacteria (CB). They were 1 mM AsA, 2 mM AsA, 1 mM AsA + CB and 2 mM AsA + CB in addition to the control treatment in which seeds were not received CB and their plants were sprayed with distilled water. Results could be summarized as follows: increasing the addition of ascorbic acid concentration up to 1Mm with combination of CB increased significantly values of growth attributes (e.i., plant height, of leaves no. /plant, shoot dry weight and leaf area), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids), physiological responses (total soluble sugars, proline and soluble phenols) as well as the head diameter, seed yield/ plant, 100 seed weight and seed yield (t ha-1). Also, N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and oil percentage of sunflower seeds with compared to control treatment in both years. Generally, the results in most cases, demonstrate that the all parameters increased significantly by using the concentration of ascorbic acid 1Mm combined with CB in both seasons

Impact of Ascorbic Acid Foliar Spray and Seed Treatment with Cyanobacteria on Growth and Yield Component of Sunflower Plants under Saline Soil Conditions

A field experiments were conducted during the two summer seasons of 2015 and 2016 in saline soil (ECe = 9.0 dSm-1), at Fayoum province, Egypt to study the effect of ascorbic (AsA), as foliar application alone or combined with cyanobacteria (CB) on growth, yield, its components and nutritional status of sunflower plants variety Sakha 54. Treatments comprised 2 ascorbic acid (AsA) levels with or without seed inoculation with cyanobacteria (CB). They were 1 mM AsA, 2 mM AsA, 1 mM AsA + CB and 2 mM AsA + CB in addition to the control treatment in which seeds were not received CB and their plants were sprayed with distilled water. Results could be summarized as follows: increasing the addition of ascorbic acid concentration up to 1Mm with combination of CB increased significantly values of growth attributes (e.i., plant height, of leaves no. /plant, shoot dry weight and leaf area), photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids), physiological responses (total soluble sugars, proline and soluble phenols) as well as the head diameter, seed yield/ plant, 100 seed weight and seed yield (t ha-1). Also, N, P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and oil percentage of sunflower seeds with compared to control treatment in both years. Generally, the results in most cases, demonstrate that the all parameters increased significantly by using the concentration of ascorbic acid 1Mm combined with CB in both seasons

Water Quality Index and Microbial Assessment of Lake Qarun, El-Batts and El-Wadi Drains, Fayoum Province, Egypt

This study was carried out on Lake Qarun and 2 drains (El-Batts and El-Wadi) that discharging wastewater into it, at Fayoum Province, Egypt, to assess the Water Quality Index (WQI) and miicrobial loadof their waters. This investigation was conducted during the period from autumn 2017 to summer 2018. The general annual averages of WQI values of Lake Water were poor for irrigation (69.61) and very poor for aquatic life (78.53). El-Batts and El-Wadi Drains were poor both for irrigation (55.45) and for aquatic life (54.45). Moreover, total viable bacteria count (TVBC) at 22°C ranged between 3 ×103 CFU/ml and 450 × 103 CFU/ml, and the TVBC at 37°C varied from 0.4 ×103 CFU/ml to 330 ×103 CFU/ml . Total coliform (TC) in the range of 0.3 ×103 - 46 × 103 MPN /100ml water , Fecal coliform (FC) in the range of 3×102- 460× 102 MPN /100ml water . Fecal streptococci (FS) in the range of 3 × 102 - 1100 × 102 MPN/ 100ml water and the numbers of E.coli fluctuated between 0.1×102 and 60 × 102 CFU /100ml water. The obtained values of physical, chemical and microbial parameters of Lake and drains water were compared with the standard values set by FAO (1994)for irrigationand CCME (2007) for aquatic life. It was found that the values of tested parameters were higher than the recommended standards and this affects the biota in the studied area and is expected to cause healthy problems.

Single Stage Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy with Reconstruction of the Canal Wall: 5 Years' Experience in Fayoum Province, Egypt.

Removing the posterior canal wall or canal wall down mastoidectomy (CWDM) for the management of cholesteatoma remains controversial. We advocate partial removal of the posterior canal wall for complete eradication, followed by canal wall defect reconstruction to restore the normal anatomy and avoid the complications of CWDM. Sixty-four patients with cholesteatoma (71 ears) were included. This study was conducted between 2009 and 2012. Single-stage mastoidectomy was performed by drilling the upper third of the posterior canal wall together with the attic, leaving the remaining lower two-thirds intact. Conchal cartilage was used to reconstruct the upper third of the posterior canal wall. The mean±SD healing time was 7.5±2.3 (range, 4-14) weeks. The mean±SD preoperative and postoperative air bone gaps were 35.8±6.2 dB and 22.9±6.8 dB, respectively. Nearly 84.2% of the patients were followed up for at least 3 years and had dry healthy ears. Complications were noted and statistically examined. Single-stage CWDM with reconstruction of the posterior canal wall, ossicular chain, and tympanic membrane is a safe and reliable technique with the advantages of Canal wall up Mastoidectomy (CWUM). Its recurrence rate is 4.2%. Longer follow-up durations are required.

Optimization of Cellulase Production by Halobacillus sp. QLS 31 Isolated from Lake Qarun, Egypt

A halophilic cellulase-producing bacterium was isolated from a sediment sample collected from Lake Qarun (Fayoum Province, Egypt). Molecular identification based on 16S rDNA amplification and sequencing revealed 99% homology with Halobacillus sp. and hence was designated as Halobacillus sp. QLS 31. Medium composition and culture conditions were optimized for enhancing the production of cellulase enzyme using the Plackett-Burman statistical design. Ten variables were evaluated for their influence on cellulase production. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), and inoculum size were found to exert a significant effect on cellulase productivity by Halobacillus sp. QLS 31. The maximum specific activity of cellulase enzyme was 48.08U/mg. Following the predicted conditions, a 7.5-fold increase in cellulase specific activity (175.47U/mg) was achieved compared to the basal medium (23.19U/mg) under the following optimized conditions: temperature (30°C), fermentation time (2days ), pH value (9), CMC concentration (1%), inoculum size (1%), yeast extract concentration (0.1%), ammonium sulfate ((NH3)2SO4) concentration (0.1%), sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration (20%), and metal inducers: ZnSO4 (0.1%) and Ca/Mg ratio (0.01%). Thus, the results of this study provide an important basis for more efficient, cheap industrial cellulase production from halophilic Halobacillus sp. QLS 31.

Accumulation and Distribution of Copper and Zinc in Both Water and Some Vital Tissues of Two Fish Species (Tilapia zillii and Mugil cephalus) of Lake Qarun, Fayoum Province, Egypt

This study was carried out on Lake Qarun, Fayoum Province, Egypt throughout four seasons, spring 2004 to winter 2005. The concentration of Zn in water as well as in fish organs was always higher than Cu. Correlations between concentration of heavy metals in water and fish organs were elucidated. The concentrations of heavy metals in fish samples indicated that Tilapia zillii were higher than those of Mugil cephalus, which is attributed to their feeding behavior. It was found that these metals have been accumulated in fish organs in different concentrations, which were much higher, several times in some cases, than those found in the surrounding water. The analysis of variance (ANOVA, 1-way analysis) for heavy metals in water and fish organs indicated significant difference. Bioaccumulation factor values showed that the trend of accumulation of metals in fish organs was apparent in liver, gills and muscle, respectively. Lesions deformations were detected and analyzed to clarify the possible role of water pollution on the efficiency of fish and hence the declining fish production of Lake Qarun. The results suggest that the Lake Qarun system is contaminated with heavy metals and the consumption of fishes of the Lake could pose health damage to the local population whose diet consists mainly of fish. A recommendation is given to rescue Lake Qarun from these serious ecological problems.

INFLUENCE OF HOUSING CONDITIONS FOR SHEEP PERFORMANCE DURING HOT SUMMER UNDER NORTH OF UPPER EGYPT.

This study was carried to evaluate the impact of housing conditions onlamb performance in newly reclimated land under hot summer climate innorth Upper Egypt (Fayoum province area). In this respect, the smallruminant breeders keep their animals in two different housing conditions,free in yard under shade (YS) or in yard without shade (YN). For this reason,a total number of 10 growing Ossimi lambs and 10 growing Saidi lambswere used in this study during summer months (June to September). Animalsof each breed were divided into two separate housing conditions.Physiological responses in terms of rectal temperature (RTºC), respirationrate (RR) and water consumption (L/h/day) and blood samples in addition tothe ambient temperature (AT ºC) were determined simultaneously at the lastday of each 3 week interval through the experiment months at three times,7:00 a.m; 1:00 p.m and 6:00 p.m. Blood samples were collected to obtainblood serum. The serum was used to assess blood proteins. In –vivochemical body composition was assessed in final experiment.The rectal temperature (RT, ºC) of Ossimi lambs (39.2 ºC) was higher(P≤0.05) than Saidi lambs (38.8 ºC). Moreover, the RT under YN system(39.1ºC) was significantly high (P≤0.05) compared with YS system(38.9ºC).Significant difference (P≤0.01) in respiration rate (RR) was observedbetween the two breeds. The environmental conditions of YN housingsignificantly increased (P≤0.01) RR in both breeds. The averages were 60.6and 63.5 RR in YN and YS conditions, respectively.There was significant (P≤0.05) differences between the two breeds inwater consumption. Saidi sheep consumed more water (1.85 L/h/day) in midday than that of Ossimi sheep (1.66 L) under the two systems. Serum ofOssimi lambs contained more total protein in the 1

Ordered framboids in dwarfed biotic molds

Abundant framboids of an ordered nature are encountered in some dwarfed biotic molds which were collected from an integral part of the Eocene sedimentary succession exposed at Garret Gehannan area, Fayoum Province, Egypt. These framboids are either clustered in polyframboids or occur as discrete individuals. Pyrite and/or limonite microaggregates constitute the internal makeup of both types. Morphology and other characteristics of the framboids and a genetic appraisal is further discussed. The invoked mechanism strongly suggests the necessity of a precursor in developing the framboid texture.

Strategies for agricultural development in the Fayoum area, Egypt

With the present regime of irrigation supplies to the Fayoum province of Egypt, there is no real problem regarding the increase in water levels of Lake Qaroun which is the major recipient of drainage water. Future developments should therefore concentrate on solving the problem of peak supplies for agricultural use. It has been proposed to remedy the shortage caused by further agricultural developments by increasing the system capacity by 20%. There is, however, an alternative approach which requires no engineering work; this is to change the cropping pattern by introducing rotations which reduce peak water requirements. A simplified water balance based on available data is prepared in order to acquire a better understanding of the whole situation and to set up a strategy for future agricultural development. The developed strategy takes into account the limitations imposed by the closed system of the Fayoum basin such as the irrigation efficiency, the Lake Qaroun optimum water level, land reclamation possibilities, Wadi Rayan drainage surplus, and salt concentrations in Lake Qaroun.

Control of pink boll worm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidop-tera: Gelechiidae), in Egypt by mating disruption using an aerially applied microencapsulated pheromone formulation

AbstractA large–scale mating disruption trial for the control of Pectinophora gossypiella (Saund.) was carried out in the Fayoum Province of Egypt during the 1981 cotton season. Two areas, each of 50 ha, were sprayed with a microencapsulated formulation of the sex pheromone (a 1:1 mixture of (Z, Z)- and (Z, E)-1, 11-hexadecadienyl acetate) as the sole means of controlling this pest. Five applications of 10 g a.i./ha were made during the season using fixed-wing aircraft. The pheromone treatments were compared with conventional insecticide spray treatments in two other 50-ha areas of cotton. From comparisons of treatments in terms of various plant damage criteria including the percentage of rosetted flowers, percentage boll infestation, gross yield of seed cotton and lint quality, it was concluded that the pheromone treatment was equal in effect to the insecticide sprays.

Ground water resources in fayoum area, Egypt

The Fayoum area is located to the west of the Nile Valley, southwest of Cairo. It is a depression of an area of about 2000 km 2 oriented in NW/SE direction. The Fayoum Province is connected to the Nile Valley by an old channel. To the northwest of the Fayoum area lies Quaroon lake with a salinity of about 4%, which is close to that of seawater. As a result of the geological structure of this area, about 7 springs are found and scattered in the area. The studied area gets its main fresh water supplies from Bahr Yousel Canal. However, a considerable quantity of water is supplied from ground-water recharged from the cracked and cavernous limestone. A combination between the chemical and isotopic analyses is given from evaluation of the water resources. It is found that groundwater is recharged from the Nile and not from Bahr Yousef. However, local groundwater is regarded as a source for some water inflow to Bahr Yousef. The recharge pattern of the groundwater is given and the contribution of the salty water of Quaroom lake is discussed.

Studies on the eradication of Anopheles pharoensis by the sterile-male technique using cobalt-60. VII. Population dynamics of mosquitoes in Fayoum area, UAR.

The population dynamics of mosquitoes present in a semiisolated area of Fayoum Province, UAR, were studied for the years 1965-67 inclusive. Of 7 species captured, Anopheles pharoensis Theobald; Culex pipiens L., and Aedes caspius Pallas were the most abundant. Highest densities of these 3 species coincided with summer hot months. It is recommended that initiation of a sterile-release program for eradication of A. pharoensis take place during late April and early May when the population is lowest and at its threshold of development.