Abstract:
River Nile is the main source of drinking water in Egypt. Unfortunately, it receives heavy load of
industrial, agricultural and domestic wastes from several sources. The aim of the present study is to examine
the water quality of about 120 km in River Nile at Rosetta branch and five main drains located on its sides,
through several physico-chemical and bacteriological analyses. Results obtained from two seasons trips
(summer 2010 and winter 2011) revealed that the water quality along studied area in Rosetta branch is obviously
influenced by drains discharge. High concentrations of NH3, total dissolved solids (TDS), electric conductivity
(EC), biological oxygen demand (BOD), total alkalinity, turbidity and recognizable depletion in dissolved oxygen
(DO) were recorded. Pollution from total and fecal coliforms as well as fecal streptococci exceeding permissible
limits pointed out that agricultural and sewage wastes are the key factors in this environmental problem,
particularly in winter season. The calculated water quality index (WQI) supported the analytical data and the
correlation coefficient matrix between water quality pairs recorded several positive and negative significant
relationships. The gradual improvement recognized at the end of the branch especially in summer season is
attributed most probably to self-purification and dilution concepts. The study recommended treating
wastewater prior to discharge or reuse as well as regular and constant monitoring for River Nile to mitigate
health problems outbreaks or any aquatic ecosystem disorders.
