Studies on Nile river pollution and water quality indicators in Egypt

Abstract

The Nile River is an important natural and exclusive source of fresh water in Egypt. Water samples were taken monthly from twelve sites from 2015 to 2020 in El Beheira Governorate and eighteen physicochemical parameters were measured. The results show that the Rahawy drain recorded the highest values for most of the physicochemical parameters. The HPI and MI indicators in Rahawy drain were higher (70 % & 100 %) than in other sites, especially in the summer and winter seasons. The Rahawy WQI values were classified as poor quality. The IWQI results indicate that the water quality for the Rahawy was within the "severe restriction" class, with many restrictions to be used in agriculture. The water quality of the Nile River in the south of Egypt is better than that of the north and the water quality recovery takes more time and distance.