INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL of ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE and ENGINEERING (IJESE) Vol

Home , Benha, Rosetta

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (IJESE) Vol. 4: 29-45 (2013) http://www.pvamu.edu/texged Prairie View A&M University, Texas, USA

Sewage pollution and zooplankton assemblages along the Rosetta Nile branch at El Rahawy area, Egypt.

Abdel-Halim A. Saad1; Waheed M. Emam1; Gamal M. El-Shabrawy2 , and Fawzia M. Gowedar3 1- National Institute of Oceanography & Fisheries, Fish Research Station, El-Kanater El-Khyria, Cairo, Egypt. 2- Zoology Dept., Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Egypt. 3- Zoology Dept., Faculty of Science, Zawia University, Libya

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Article History: The abundance and diversity of zooplankton has been studied in relation Received: Dec.15, 2012 to sewage pollution in Rosetta Nile branch. Twenty physical and chemical Accepted: Jan18, 2013 parameters and six heavy metals were investigated for water quality Available online: July 2013 assessment during the period from winter to autumn 2010. The results ______revealed the negative impact of sewage wastewater effluent of El-Rahawy Keywords: Zooplankton drain on abiotic variables of Rosetta Nile branch. There was an increase in River Nile electric conductivity, total dissolved solids, ammonia, H2S, NO2, PO4, Rosetta Branch BOD and great depletion of dissolved oxygen at the discharged point of Sewage pollution the drain effluent ( station 2) , with an improvement away from the drain El Rahawy Drain. outlet. Seventy seven species and taxa of zooplankton had been identified during the present survey (48 Rotifera, 8 Copepoda, 11 Cladocera, 7 Protozoa and 3 Meroplankton). Rotifera dominated the other zooplanktonic groups, forming 72.4% of total zooplankton crop. Cladocera came next, with 11.9 %, while Copepoda, Protozoa and meroplankton were only represented by 7.2, 4.9 and 3.7 % respectively. The total zooplankton density has been decreased with increasing the sewage waste water concentration of El Rahawy effluent. The lowest species number and diversity index (18 species and 2.55) have been recorded at the discharged point of the drain effluent (Station 2) and it was gradually increased with decreasing the effluent concentration. Rotifers were the most tolerant species; copepods followed rotifers, while cladocerans only contributed significantly to the community at the surveyed area. Cladocerans showed very low tolerance to the toxic action of the sewage pollution. The results of this study showed that zooplankton responds as a good descriptor of water quality, constituting an efficient tool to assess the sewage pollution, eutrophication and heavy metal contamination

1. INTRODUCTION The River Nile is the primary source of water in Egypt; used for drinking, fishing, industrial use, livestock and irrigation. The Nile water in Egypt is intricately managed through an extensive system of dams, barrages and canals. The water from the Nile is conveyed to the users through a vast network of canals. ______ISSN 2156-7530 2156-7530 © 2011 TEXGED Prairie View A&M University All rights reserved.

30 Abdel-Halim A. Saad et al.: Sewage pollution and zooplankton assemblages along the Rosetta Branch

Wastewater and agricultural drainage runoff. Chemical (El-Gohary, 1983, Abdel- water from these uses are collected by Hameid et al, 1992; Abdo 1998; Ghallab, drains and are often returned to the River 2000 ; Abdel-Aziz, 2005; El Bouraie et al., Nile as inflows. The Nile water is of high 2011) heavy metals in water (Masoud et al., quality as the river reaches Cairo. 1994; Soltan and Awadallah 1995; Issa et Deterioration in water quality occurs when al., 1997; Mahmoud, 2002; Al-Afify 2006; the Nile splits into the Damietta and El Bouraie et al., 2010; Ali et al., 2011), Rosetta branches in a northward direction zooplankton (Helal 1981; Aboul Ezz et al., due to disposal of municipal and industrial 1996; El-Bassat, 2002; El-Shabrawy & effluents and agricultural drainage with Ahmad, 2002; El-Shabrawy et al 2005; decreasing ﬂows (World Bank, 2005). Amer, 2007; Hegab, 2010; Ahmed, 2012). Increase in sewage volume is one of the The objective of this study is to negative consequences derived from urban determine some physico-chemical growth, constituting the main cause of variables of the sewage water of El eutrophication and associated pollution in Rahawy drain water as well as, its effect on aquatic ecosystem. Wastewaters contain Rosetta Nile branch. Clarify the regional large amounts of organic matter which are and temporal variation in heavy metal used by bacteria, thus reducing the concentrations in surface water of the drain dissolved oxygen levels in aquatic and Rosetta branch. Characterize and environments (Curds 1982). Also, these attribute differences in zooplankton, to are the major source of inorganic nutrients, conditions resulting from the discharges of particularly nitrogen and phosphate, which the raw sewage of El Rahawy drain into can produce eutrophication (Wolf 1990). Rosetta Nile branch, where comparable Furthermore, effluents transport large conditions and impacts would be expected. volumes of polluting chemical compounds such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS pesticides and other toxic organic 2.1. Area of study: El-Rahawy drain compounds (Fleeger et al. 2003; Caulleaud El-Rahawy drain is one of the main et al. 2009). Among aquatic indicator drains, which outlet into Rosetta branch of organisms a significant role is assigned to the River Nile, and receives considerable zooplankton assemblages due to their waste waters from Greater Cairo area (El significant capacity to accumulate heavy Bourie 2008). There are two main sources of metals, and their essential role in the pollutions, which potentially affect and enrichment of anthropogenic compounds deteriorate the water quality of El Rahawy in food chains (Stemberger & Chen, 1998). drain; agricultural and sewage wastes. The Also zooplankton communities respond to drain is located at about 963 Km from a wide variety of disturbances including Aswan High Dam and surrounded by high nutrient loading (Dodson 1992), density of population area and wide acidification (Armorek and Kormann agricultural lands (Fig. 1). 1993), contamination (Yan et al., 1996), El Rahawy drain receives about fish densities (Carpenter and Kitchell 400,000 m3/day primary treated wastewater 1993), and sediment inputs (Cuker 1997). from Abo Rawash, besides 600,000 m3/day Many studies had been carried out on the untreated wastewater as a bypass from this River Nile, and its branches. Most of these planet. It also receives 430,000 m3/day of studies concerned with the state of the River secondary treated wastewater from Zeinen Nile after the changes caused by many of (El Bourie 2008). industrial, domestic wastes and agriculture

Abdel-Halim A. Saad et al.: Sewage pollution and zooplankton assemblages along the Rosetta Branch31

Fig. 1: The surveyed area map showing the selected stations.

2.2. Sampling stations: Eight stations were selected to represent the different habitats at the surveyed area (Table 1)

Table 1: Location of the selected stations

Location Station Features of station

1 At left bank of Rosetta branch 2 Km 2 Km Drain El Rahawy Rahawy El upstream of upstream

2 Inside El Rahawy drain before input into Rosetta branch

Inside branch 3 At the discharge point of El Rahawy Drain into Rosetta branch. and the mixing mixing the and point to Rosetta El Rahawy Drain Drain Rahawy El

4 2Km. downstream the mixing point

(at left bank)

5 4Km. downstream the mixing point (at left bank) 6 6Km. downstream the mixing point (at left bank) 7 6Km. downstream the drain Downstream of Downstream

El Rahawy Drain Rahawy El (in main Channle) 8 6Km. downstream the drain (at right bank)

2.3. Sampling procedure Van Dorn Water Sampler bottle with Subsurface water samples were collected capacity of 2L. Water samples for heavy seasonally from sampling stations during the metals were taken and kept in cleaned plastic period from winter to autumn 2010, using a bottle of 1L capacity, and preserved with 5

32 Abdel-Halim A. Saad et al.: Sewage pollution and zooplankton assemblages along the Rosetta Branch

ml concentrated nitric acid on the spots and calculated for zooplankton assemblages, stored in refrigerator. Zooplankton samples using Primer program. for quantitative analysis were collected from the surveyed stations. 50 liters of subsurface 3. RESULTS water were filtered through plankton net 55 3.1. Physical and chemical parameters: μm mesh size. Samples were preserved The results of physical, chemical and immediately after collection in 4 % neutral Heavy metals parameters of water samples formalin. from the surveyed area are present in Table 2.4. Methods of Analysis (2). Air temperature reached its maximum of The methods discussed in the 34.4 °C in station 7 during summer and American Public Health Association (APHA, decreased abruptly to 18.2°C at stations 1 & 1992) were used for the determination of the 2 during winter, with overall mean value of chemical parameters. pH were measured 26.3°C. Water temperature followed more or using Hydrolab (model WTW Multiset less the corresponding value of air 430i), dissolved oxygen was carried out temperature. Its values fluctuated between using modified Winkler method, Biological 29.5°C in station 8 (downstream El Rahawy Oxygen Demand (BOD) was determined drain) during summer and 16.1°C in station 2 using 5 days incubation method. Chemical (inside the drain) during winter, with an Oxygen Demand (COD) was carried out overall average value of 23.2°C. Due to the using potassium permanganate method. shallowness of water in the studied area, Water alkalinity was determined there is no thermal stratification. Results of immediately after sampling collection using Secchi-disc measurements showed low phenol-phthalein and methyl orange transparency values particularly at El- indicators. Sulphate was determined using Rahawy drain and mixing stations. turbidimetric method. Calcium and Transparency (Secchi-depth) was ranging magnesium were detected using between 10 cm at Station 2 and 110 cm at complexemetry method by direct titration Stations 1 and 8 (Table 2). The conductivity using EDTA solution. Ammonia was readings in the studied localities ranged determined by phenate method. Nitrite was between 1143μS/cm in station 2 (El-Rahawy determined using colorimetric method. drain) during autumn and 359μS/cm in Nitrate was measured by cadmium reduction station 1 in spring. The level of TDS reached method. Orthophosphate was estimated by its highest value of 692 mg L-1 at Station 2 using ascorbic acid molybdate method. in autumn, while it decreased at the upstream Reactive silicate was heavy metals of El Rahawy drain in Rosetta branch (St. 1) determined using molybdate methods as with a lowest content of 237 mg L-1 in described in (APHA, 1992). spring. As shown in Table (2), the pH values Six heavy metals included Fe, Mn, Cu, of the selected localities were always on the Zn, Pb and Cd were measured in water alkaline side. It ranged between 8.27 in samples after digestion by adding 10 ml station 1 during winter and 7.2 in station 2 in nitric acid to 500 ml of mixed sample in a autumn, with an average value of 7.75. The beaker (APHA, 1995). amount of dissolved oxygen was undetected In the laboratory, samples were made in El Rahawy drain (St. 2), which was up to a standard volume (100 ml). 1-3 ml greatly affected by pollution load of the was used for counting by using a binocular untreated wastewater. The water of the microscope. Zooplankton species were upstream station (St. 1) and the down most identified according to Shiel and Koste stream (station 8) were characterized by a (1992), Einsle (1996) and Smirnov (1996). well oxygenated water with an average of Shannon-Winner diversity, species 7.5 mg L-1. The highest BOD values were richness, evenness and similarity index were found at station 2 (El Rahawy drain) with a pinnacle of 37.4 mg L-1 in summer. There

Abdel-Halim A. Saad et al.: Sewage pollution and zooplankton assemblages along the Rosetta Branch33

was a gradual decrease in BOD values from of El Rahawy drain to Rosetta Nile branch) the input point of El Rahawy drain until with a mean value of 14.7 µg. L-1. reached minimum average value of 5.9 mg Contrarily, the minimum concentrations of L-1 at station 8 (Table 2). The values of COD nitrite were recorded as approximately 4.1 showed great fluctuations between different µg L-1 at the upstream station1 (Table 2). localities. Station 2 (El Rahawy drain) The present results show a narrow variation maintained the highest average value of 39 in nitrate distribution patterns at the surveyed mg L-1 (range 34.8: 42.6 mg L-1), while the area Winter maintained the highest nitrate lowest average concentration values of 7.8 level at all station with a peak of 72.5 µg L- and 8.8 mg L-1 were recorded at the upstream 1at station 2 (El Rahawy drain). The (Station 1) and the most downstream stations concentration of ammonia was much higher of Rosetta Nile branch (Station 8). (average 10.1 mg L-1) at station 2 (El 3.2. Major Anions Rahawy drain), while Station 1 had the There was no sign of carbonate at the lowest average level of 0.16 mg L-1. The polluted stations from station 2 to station 7, orthophosphorus content of the surface water however the unpolluted stations 1 and 8 had was lower at upsteam station 1 (average 23.3 a low concentration value of 3.2 mg L-1. The µg L-1) than the rest of stations. On the values of bicarbonate in the water of El contrary, the maximum values were recorded Rahawy drain (Station 2) were obviously at station 2 (El Rahawy drain) with an higher than the corresponding values of average value of 1304 µg L-1. The Rosetta Nile branch, with a mean value of concentration of silicate has been found 255.2 mg L-1. It was varied from 185.4 to much higher (13.1 mg L-1) at station 2 (El 302 mg L-1 during summer and winter, Rahawy drain) than the other stations. respectively. Bicarbonate values showed a Stations 1 and 8 sustained the lowest silicate gradual decrease from the discharging point mean value of 2.9 mg L-1. of the drain in Rosetta Nile branch, station 3 3.5. Heavy Metals (204 mg L-1) till reached its lowest The recorded concentration values of concentration at the down most station 8 some heavy metals in water from the studied (128 mg L-1). The chlorosity level was area are presented in Table (2). Overall always high at El Rahawy drain (Station 2) results of water samples showed variations in with a maximum value of 170.2 mg L-1 in the distributions of Fe, along the surveyed autumn (Table 2). Sulphate concentrations localities. Obviously high concentrations, up were following the same basic trends as to 1.2 mg L-1 has been found at station 2 with chlorosity. a maximum value of 1.84 mg L-1 in summer. 3.3. Major Cations On the other hand, the lowest concentration Calcium content in the water of was recorded at stations 1 and 8 with mean studied area was obviously high (average values of 0.28 and 0.3 mg L-1, respectively. 47.9 mg L-1) at station 2 (El Rahawy drain), The maximum manganese concentrations while the lowest average concentration of were always recorded at station 2 with an 26.9 mg L-1 was recorded at station 8 (down average of 141 µg L-1, while its minimum most station). As in case of Calcium, concentrations were detected at station 1 Magnesium content were always much (Upstream station). The obtained results of higher (36.5 mg L-1) in station 2 (El Rahawy zinc values showed a maximum average drain) than the corresponding values at the concentration of 70.7 µg L-1 at station 2, with rest of stations. A severe drop in magnesium a major peak of 94.6 µg L-1 in autumn (Table level was observed at the upstream station 1 2). The obtained results of Copper showed with an average of 12 mg L-1. an obvious increase to an average value of 3.4. Basic nutrient salts 39.7 µg L-1 at station 2, while the minimum The maximum nitrite concentrations mean value of 13 µg L-1 was measured at were recorded at station 3 (Discharging point station 1.

Abdel-Halim A. Saad et al.: Sewage pollution and zooplankton assemblages along the Rosetta Branch

Table 2: Some physical and chemical properties and heavy metals contents of the water of the surveyed areas.

Abdel-Halim A. Saad et al.: Sewage pollution and zooplankton assemblages along the Rosetta Branch

There was a gradual decrease in winter. On the other hand, station 2 (El Copper concentration from the drain input Rahawy drain) sustained the lowest crop, point (Station 3) downward. The with an average of 11750 Ind. m-3 (Fig 2). As concentration of lead at the investigated area shown in Table (3) Seventy seven species reached its maximum of an average of 63.5 and taxa of zooplankton had been identified µg L-1 at station 2 with a peak of 77.8 µg L-1 during the present survey (48 Rotifera, 8 in winter. The lead content showed a gradual Copepoda, 11 Cladocera, 7 Protozoa and 3 decrease from 48.8 µg L-1 at station 3 (Drain meroplankton). Rotifera dominated the other input point) to 32.1 µg L-1at station 8 (Down zooplanktonic groups, forming 72.4% (range most station). The mean Cd concentrations in 36.2-79.3%) of total zooplankton standing this study varied from 9.4 µg L-1 at station 2 crop at stations 2 and 1, respectively. in autumn to 1.5 µg L-1at station 1 in summer Cladocera came next, contributed 11.9 % 3.6. Zooplankton (range 9.9-23.4%), while Copepoda, Generally, the population density of Protozoa and meroplankton were only zooplankton was obviously higher at station represented by 7.2, 4.9 and 3.7 % 1, with a major peak of 292,500 Ind. m-3 in respectively (Fig. 2).

Table 3: A list of zooplankton species recorded at the surveyed area. Species Rotifera Syncheata pectenata Anuraeopsis fissa Syncheata oblonga Asplanchna girodi Testudinella patina Ascomorpha ecaudis Trichotria tetructis Brachionus angularis Trichocerca porcellus Brachionus caudatus Trichocerca elongata Brachionus budapestinensis Trichocenca cylindrica Brachionus calyciflorus Trichocerca pusilla Brachionus quadridentatus Copepoda Brachionus rubens Nauplius larva Brachionus urceolaris Cyclopoid copepodid Brachionus falcutus Paracyclops chiltoni Brachionus plicatilis Acanthocyclops trajani Cephalodella gibba Thermocyclops neglectus Collotheca pelagica Thermodiaptomus galebi Colurella obtusa Mesocyclops ougunnus Colurella adriatica Schizopra nilotica Epiphanes brachionus Cladocera Epiphanes senta Daphnia longispina Euchlanis dilatata Coronatella rectangula Euchlanis triquetra Bosmina longirostris Filinia longiseta Ceriodaphnia quadrangula Keratella cochlearis Ceriodaphria reticulata Keratella tropica Chydorus sphaericus Lecane bulla Ilyocryptus agilis Lecane closterocerca Leydgia acanthocercoides Lecane hamata Macrothrix laticornis Lecane grandis Moina micrura Lecane leontina Simocephalus vetulus Lecane luna Protozoa Lepadella patella Arcella discoides Lepadella ovalis Centropayx acoelata Monommata aequalis Dileptus anser Philodina roseala Euplotes affinis Pompholyx complanata Paramecium caudatum Polyarthra ramata Textularia sp. Polyarthra vulgaris Tokophrya sp. Proales decipiens Meroplankton Proalides sp. Free living nematoda Rotatoria sp. Chironomus larvae Squatinella mutica Mollusc larvae

36 Abdel-Halim A. Saad et al.: Sewage pollution and zooplankton assemblages along the Rosetta Branch

Total Zooplankton

300000

250000

3 200000 - m . 150000 Ind 100000 50000 0 Station 1 Station 2 Station 3 Station 4 Autumn Station 5 Summer Station 6 Station 7 Spring Station 8 Winter

Rotifera Copepoda Cladocera Protozoa Meroplankton 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20%

10%

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Station Station Station Station Station Station Station Station

Fig. 2: Regional distribution and community composition of total zooplankton and its main groups at the surveyed area

3.7. Rotifera autumn (Fig. 3). The highest population The distribution of rotifers followed the density of K. tropica (9,000 Ind. m-3,) was same general trends observed for total recorded at station 8 with a pinnacle of zooplankton. Rotifers community consisted 14000 Ind. m-3 in spring, while the lowest of 48 species. The dominant rotifers genera average standing crop of 250 Ind. m-3, was in the surveyed area were Keratella, appeared at station 2. Brachionus Brachionus, Trichocerca, Polyarthra, calyciflorus was one of the dominant rotifers Lecane and Proalides. They formed about species, contributing about 9.7% among total 90 % of the total rotifers. The other genera of rotifera species and 56.8% of the genus rotifers were rarely appeared in this section counts, with an average of 6,800 Ind. m-3. of the River Nile. K. cochlearis was the most The species highest density of 29,000 dominant rotifer species in El Rahawy area Ind. m-3 was recorded at station 1 during of Rosetta Nile branch, contributed about spring, while the lowest crop of 1000 Ind. m- 88.9 and 43.2 % of the total genus and rotifer 3 was recorded at station 2 in summer and counts. The highest population density of station 3 in autumn. Brachionus calyciflorus 140,000 Ind. m-3) was recorded at station 1 disappeared completely from zooplankton in winter, while the lowest ones were hauls at station 2 in winter, summer & recorded at station 2 during winter and autumn (Fig. 3). Brachionus angularis was spring and disappeared completely from one of the perennial plankters in the studied zooplankton hauls at station 2 in summer and area.

Abdel-Halim A. Saad et al.: Sewage pollution and zooplankton assemblages along the Rosetta37 Branch

Keratella cochlearis Keratella tropica

140000 14000 120000 12000 100000 10000 3 3 - - m m 80000 8000 . . . . 60000 6000 Ind Ind 40000 4000 20000 2000 0 0 Station 1 Station 1 Station 2 Station 2 Station 3 Station 3 Station 4 Station 4 Autumn Autumn Station 5 Station 5 Summer Summer Station 6 Station 6 Spring Station 7 Spring Station 7 Station 8 Winter Station 8 Winter Brachionus calyciflorus Brachionus angularis

30000 16000 14000 25000 12000 3 3 - 20000 - 10000 m m . . 15000 . 8000 Ind 10000 Ind 6000 4000 5000 2000 0 0 1 1 2 2 Station 3 Station 3 Autumn Autumn Station 4 Station 4 Station 5 Summer Station 5 Summer Station 6 Spring Station 6 Spring Station 7 Winter Station 7 Winter Station 8 Station 8 Station Station Station Station

Lecane leontina Polyarthra vulgaris

25000 25000

20000 20000 3 3 - -

m 15000 m 15000 . . . 10000 10000 Ind Ind

5000 5000

0 0 1 1 2 2 3 Station Station 3 Autumn Autumn Station 4 Station 4 5 Summer Station Station 5 Summer Station 6 Spring Station 6 Spring Station 7 Station 7 Winter Winter Station 8 Station 8 Station Station Station Station Trichocerca pusilla Proalides sp

25000 14000 12000 20000 10000 3 3 - - 15000 m m 8000 . . 6000 10000 Ind Ind 4000 5000 2000 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 Station 3 Station 4 Autumn Station 4 Autumn Station Station 5 Summer Station 5 Summer Station 6 Spring Station 6 Spring Station Station 7 7 Winter Winter Station Station 8 8 Station Station Station Station

Fig. 3: Regional distribution of the dominant rotifer species in the studied area.

Abdel-Halim A. Saad et al.: Sewage pollution and zooplankton assemblages along the Rosetta Branch

Two density peaks of this species 3.9. Cladocera (3900 and 3500 Ind. m-3) were recorded in The highest averages densities of spring and summer respectively, while the Cladocera (21,000 and 19,750 Ind. m-3) were lowest density (750 Ind.m-3) was occurred in observed at station 1 and 8, respectively, autumn. Polyarthra vulgaris appeared with a while the lowest standing crop of 2,750 Ind. standing crop fluctuated between 23,000 Ind. m-3 was noticed at stations 2. On a seasonal m-3 at station 8 in spring and 1,000 Ind. m-3 basis, winter had the highest mean standing at station 4 in winter and summer. The crop of 19,500 Ind.m-3, while it was poorly highest density of Trichocerca pusilla of represented in summer and autumn (average 13000 Ind. m-3 was recorded at stations 1 and 6,200 Ind. m-3). Numerically Cladocera 8 during spring, while the lowest crop of occupied the second predominant position 1000 Ind. m-3 was recorded at station 8 in comprising about 11.9% of the total winter. T. pusilla disappeared completely zooplankton crop at the surveyed area. from zooplankton hauls at station 2, missed Eleven species, dominated mainly by at stations 3. 4 in winter, spring and summer Bosmina longirostris, Chydorus sphaericus (Fig. 3). Lecane leontina was widely and Coronatella rectangula were represented distributed at the majority of stations in the community of Cladocera in the area autumn, while it was very sporadic and under study. B. longirostris was widely recoded at only two stations during each of distributed with a highest density of 25,000 the reset of seasons. Proalides sp. showed a Ind. m-3 at station 1. Winter proved to be the highest mean density of 6500 and 5250 Ind. most productive season for this species m-3 at stations 8 and 1 respectively, while the (mean 12500 Ind. m-3), while it was faintly least mean of 500 Ind. m-3 was recorded at represented or even absent in summer (Fig. station 3 and completely missed from 4). The regional distribution of Chydorus zooplankton hauls at the heavy polluted sphaericus showed a highest mean density of -3 station 2 (El Rahawy drain). 5000 Ind. m at station 6, while the lowest yield -3 of 250 Ind. m was recorded at station 4. Bosmina longirostris Chydorus sphaericus

25000 14000

12000 20000 10000

3 3 - - 15000 m m 8000 . . 10000 6000 Ind Ind 4000 5000 2000 0 0 1 1 2 2

Station 3 Station 3 Autumn Station 4 Autumn Station 4 Station 5 Summer Station 5 Summer Station 6 Spring Station 6 Spring Station Station 7 7 Winter Winter Station Station 8 8 Station Station Station Station

Coronatella rectangula 5000

4000 3 - 3000 m . 2000 Ind

1000 0 1 2

Station 3 Station 4 Autumn Station 5 Summer Station 6 Spring Station 7 Winter Station 8 Station Station Fig. 4: Regional distribution of the dominant caladoceran species

Abdel-Halim A. Saad et al.: Sewage pollution and zooplankton assemblages along the Rosetta Branch

Regarding seasonal variation, spring Schizopra nilotica, Thermocyclops neglectus maintained the maximum average density and Mesocyclops ougunnus were recorded value of 3500 Ind. m-3, while it was poorly during the present study. The highest density represented in autumn with an average of peak of Schizopra nilotica (14.000 Ind. m-3) 875 org.m-3. The permanent occurrence of had been recorded at station 5 in autumn, Coronatella rectangular was highly confined while it was appeared as scattered to stations 1 and 8 with an average values of individuals in other sites, except for stations 3000 and 1500 Ind. m3respectively, while it 2 and 3, where it was totally missed. was sporadically occurred along the rest of The permanent occurrence of the stations. Thermocyclops neglectus was highly 3.10. Copepoda restricted to station 1 with a highest mean of Copepoda was abundant at stations 1 1750 Ind. m-3, while the lowest average of and 8 reaching a mean density of 12500 and 250 Ind. m-3 was noticed at station 7. T. 14750 Ind. m-3, respectively. The standing neglectus has been missed at station 2 (Fig. crop of Copepoda had been reduced a lot at 5). M. ougunnus was widely distributed at station 2 (500 Ind. m-3). Autumn maintained the surveyed area in spring and it was the highest density of these organisms, with infrequently occurred during the rest of the an average standing crop of 9250 Ind. m-3, seasons. There was no sign for the while winter was the poorest season. Eight occurrence of this species at the polluted copepod taxa, dominated mainly by sites (stations 2, 3 and 4).

Schizopra nilotica Mescyclops ougunnus

14000 2000 12000 1500 10000 3 3 -

- m m 8000 . . 1000 6000 Ind Ind 4000 500 2000 0 0 1 1 2 2

Station 3 Station 3 Autumn Station 4 Autumn Station 4 Station 5 Summer Station 5 Summer Station 6 Spring Station 6 Spring Station Station 7 7 Winter Winter Station Station 8 8 Station Station

Station Station

Thermocyclops neglectus

3000

2500

- 2000 m

. 1500

Ind 1000 500 0

1 2 Station 3 Autumn Station 4 Station 5 Summer Station 6 Spring Station 7 Winter Station 8 Station

Station

Fig. 5: Regional distribution of the dominant copepod species in the studied area.

40 Abdel-Halim A. Saad et al.: Sewage pollution and zooplankton assemblages along the Rosetta Branch

4. DISCUSSION coincides with Verbiskij et al. (1991), who Rivers, lakes and other water bodies found that the presence of heavy metals are frequently located in urbanized areas. resulted in the decrease of the total Such waters are not only used with zooplankton density by 4-times during 7-10 recreational purposes, but usually act as days of exposure. Also, Konar and Mullick collectors of diverse types of effluents. (1993) found that heavy metals such as zinc, However, it is a well-known fact that iron, and lead, when discharged in mixtures urbanization originates great changes in the into water, produce an entirely different hydrology, geomorphology and water quality lethal impact on aquatic life than when they (Baer and Pringle, 2000), which can be were discharged separately. There was an stronger than the impacts caused by other inverse relationship between stress situations uses of the land such as agriculture and and zooplankton body size. The results of forestation (Paul and Meyer, 2001). The this study showed that zooplankton responds natural aquatic systems may extensively be as a good descriptor of water quality, contaminated with heavy metals released constituting an efficient tool to assess form domestic, industrial and other man- eutrophication and heavy metal made activities (Velez and Montoro, 1998). contamination. The field study showed the Heavy metal contamination may have inhibitory effects of sewage and industrial devastating effects on the ecological balance effluent on zooplankton diversity; the lowest of the recipient environment and a diversity species number and richness have been of aquatic organisms (Farombi et al., 2007). recorded at the discharged point of plants or Zooplankton represent the link drain effluent. The same phenomenon was between primary producers and secondary recorded by Ahmed (2000) and Mostafa consumer, so it significantly influencing the (2002). food web structure (Marazzo and Valentin Rotifers have widely served as 2001). Zooplankton occurrence, distribution biological indicators and the relationship and abundance are of extreme importance in between toxins and rotifer predator-prey aquatic systems since they are sensitive to interactions and composition has been disturbances including eutrophication due to explored (Lagadic and Caquet, 1998; anthropogenic impacts such as heavy Wallace and Snell, 2010). Such toxicity tests urbanization, domestic, and industrial included exposing the rotifers to insecticides, pollutants and sewage disposal which can crude oil, heavy metals, and petrochemicals alter ecosystem components (Vidjak et al. (Radix et al. 2000). Previous studies have 2006). In the present study, zooplankton found rotifers to be good indicators of water communities tend to show a noticeable quality. Rotifers were the most tolerant decrease in their abundance and diversity at species; copepods followed rotifers, while the sewage waste discharge. Among the cladocerans only contributed significantly to toxicological factors, metals in water (Fe, Cr, the community at the surveyed area. Pb, Mn, Zn) as well as, the composite indices Cladocerans showed very low tolerance to of metal and organic contamination were the the toxic action of heavy metals. The most important in explaining variance in clustering of the studied localities according zooplankton abundance and composition. to zooplankton density showed three groups The total zooplankton density have been of environments (Fig. 6); the first one was decreased with increasing the wastewater Elrahawy drain (Station 2), with a heavy concentration of El Rahawy effluent, contamination by heavy metals and lower zooplankton and its main groups and species density, and the diversity S, which separated showed a negative correlation with heavy clearly from the other two groups. The metal concentration. The reduction may be second group was the mixed point of the referred to the direct toxic effects of the drain with Rosetta Nile branch (Station 3) heavy metals in sewage water. This result and its closed localities (Stations 4 & 5). The

Abdel-Halim A. Saad et al.: Sewage pollution and zooplankton assemblages along the Rosetta Branch41

third group represented by the upstream density, and S. Species diversity values (H) station 1 and the farmost stations to the drain allowed differentiating between pollution (stations 6, 7 and 8) with a lower levels. contamination by heavy metals and higher

Similarity 80

100

Station_2 Station_6 Station_7 Station_1 Station_8 Station_5 Station_3 Station_4

Species number Diversity Index 80 3.5

70 3 60 2.5

50 2 40 1.5 30 Diversity index Species number 1 20

10 0.5

0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ______

Station Station Station Station Station Station Station Station

Fig. 6: The clustering analysis of the studied localities according to zooplankton density (Upper) and zooplankton density and diversity (Lower)

During the present study, Cladocera waste concentration in the surveyed area. was highly sensitive to the sewage wastes. This was contrarily to the finding of Ahmed There was a severe drop in its density as (2000) in the River Nile At Helwan area. concentration of effluent increased. Walia According to sensitivity of organisms and Mehra (1998) found that Moina and to water pollution, zooplankton has been Ceriodaphria were the only two cladoceran classified into two categories namely; forms in the polluted site on River Yamuna sensitive and tolerant species. Brachionus (India). Leydgia acanthocercoides, Bosmina angularis, B. calyciflorus, Keratella longirostris, Coronatella rectangula and cochlearis, Lecane bulla, Philodina roseala, Chydorus sphaericus were common among Rotatoria sp, Syncheata oblonga (Rotifera), cladocera at the studied site. Bosmina nauplius larvae (Copepoda), Bosmina longirostris, Moina micrura and Chydorus longirotris, Miona micrura Chydorus sphaericus were more tolerant to sewage sphearicus (Cladocera), Chironomus larvae

42 Abdel-Halim A. Saad et al.: Sewage pollution and zooplankton assemblages along the Rosetta Branch

(Arthropoda), free living nematods and Miona micrura Chydorus sphearicus Protozoa are pollution tolerant species and (Cladocera), free living nematods and groups of zooplankton., While Brachionus protozoans are pollution tolerant groups budapestinensis, Euchlanis triquetra, Filinia of zooplankton., While Brachionus longiseta, Lecane hamata, Monommata budapestinensis, Euchlanis triquetra, aequalis, Polyarthra ramata, Syncheata Filinia longiseta, Lecane hamata, pectenata, (Rotifera), Thermodiaptomus Monommata aequalis, Polyarthra galebi (Copepoda), Daphnia longispina ramata, Syncheata pectenata, (Rotifera), (Cladocera), were the most sensitive Thermodiaptomus galebi (Copepoda), zooplankton species. Daphnia longispina (Cladocera), were When contamination by heavy metals the most sensitive zooplankton species. is added to an eutrophication process it can • The present study recommended using turn out to be a very complex situation. As these invertebrate animals as a Clements and Newman (2002) pointed out, bioindicators for water quality to provide the studies of community-level impacts are a early warning mechanisms of possible very useful tool for understanding pollution environmental damage and the impacts of effects on the ecosystems. In this sense, effluents can also be tested and predicted responses of zooplanktonic species before their discharge. assemblage are a possible and reliable • Environmental degradation can be approach. This community, as it is assessed by studying the communities of constituted by organisms of different sizes invertebrate organisms present in the and trophic habitats and complex life cycles water body, thus giving an indication of (parthenogenesis, sexual reproduction with effects on the aquatic ecosystem. larval and juvenile stages), is a valuable tool • Drainage wastewater should be treated to characterize the environment biologically using more advanced methods prior to in areas with different degrees of discharge into River Nile and its anthropogenic impact. branches. • Enforcement of all articles of laws 5. RECOMMENDATIONS 48/1982 and 4/1994 regarding protection • El-Rahawy drain is mainly sewage in of River Nile and the environment. nature and mixed with agricultural • The simplicity and low-cost of many wastes. The results of the present work methods enables monitoring to be carried indicated that El-Rahawy drain is out in many situations where the financial suffering from extreme pollution resources cannot support the sophisticated concerning its physico-chemical equipment required for chemical analysis properties due to inadequate treatment. of water quality. Using invertebrates as Also, the discharge of this untreated bioindicator for water pollution is wastewater to Rosetta Nile branch could strongly is strongly recommended in have an adverse impact on its water conjunction with chemical and hydro- quality as well as on the communities of logical monitoring and assessment zooplankton. programmes. • According to sensitivity of organisms to water sewage pollution, zooplankton have 6. CONCLUSION been classified into two categories Increase in sewage volume is one of namely; sensitive and tolerant species. the negative consequences derived from Brachionus angularis, B. calyciflorus, urban growth, constituting the main cause of Keratella cochlearis, Lecane bulla, eutrophication and associated pollution in Philodina roseala, Rotatoria sp, rivers. Wastewaters contain large amounts of Syncheata oblonga (Rotifera), nauplius organic matter which are used by bacteria, larvae (Copepoda), Bosmina longirotris, thus reducing the dissolved oxygen levels in

Abdel-Halim A. Saad et al.: Sewage pollution and zooplankton assemblages along the Rosetta Branch43

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