WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF RIVER NILE FROM IDFO TO CAIRO

WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF RIVER NILE FROM IDFO
TO CAIRO
AMAAL M. ABDEL-SATAR
National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries
Keywords: water quality, major cation, nutrient salts, trace metals, River Nile
ABSTRACT
Water quality of the River Nile from Idfo to Cairo and trace elements of the
Nile water were seasonally investigated from autumn 2000 to summer 2001.
Eleven sites were selected along the main channel of the River Nile. In addition,
six stations in front of some shore-line activities were also sampled to study the
man’s impact on the water quality of the Nile. The distribution of major cations
and anions possessed the highest values in cold seasons and the lowest during the
hot high-flow period. In addition, EC, TS, TDS, COD, NH4
+
, orthophosphate,
total phosphorus, Fe, Mn and Cu showed a steady increase from south to north.
Point and non-point sources of pollution exerted negative local effects on the
water quality of the receiving waters. The multiple correlation analysis showed a
pattern of interrelationships between physical and chemical parameters.