International Journal of Environment Volume : 07 | Issue : 01 | Jan.-Mar. | 2018 ISSN 2077-4505 Page:1-15

Impact of industrial pollutants on some water quality parameters of Edku, Mariout and the River

1Alnagaawy A. M., M. H. Sherif2, Mohammed G. Assy2 and A. S. Shehata1

1Limnology Department, Central Laboratory for Aquaculture Research, Abassa, Abu Hammad, Sharkia, . 2Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, University, Zagazig, Egypt Received: 20 August 2017 / Accepted: 25 Sept. 2017 / Publication date: 20 Jan. 2018

ABSTRACT

The growing increase in population, as well as urbanization expansion; lead to a corresponding increase in industrial, agriculture, urban effluents that discharged into the aquatic environment. This study was conducted to evaluate the alteration occurred in some water quality characteristics of different water bodies subjected to different types of pollutants, especially the industrial one. During the period from January to December/ 2015 water samples were collected seasonally from two northern deltaic lakes (Edku and Mariout) as well as from three different regions of the Nile River. Physico-chemical parameters (water temperatures, hydrogen ion concentration (pH), dissolved oxygen(DO), water transparency (Secchi disc reading), water electric conductivity(EC), total + dissolved solids (TDS), total alkalinity(TA),total hardness (TH), total ammonia (NH4 +NH3), nitrite - - (NO2 ), nitrate(NO3 ), total nitrogen (TN), orthophosphate (OP), total phosphorous (TP),Chlorophyll "a", biological oxygen demand(BOD) and chemical oxygen demand(COD) were estimated. Obtained results revealed that Mariout considered the most polluted region among the investigated regions. If the pollution rate still going increase, it will create large areas of oxygen-depleted (hypoxic) dead zones, which affect fish and other organisms in the Lake.

Key words: Pollution, water quality, aquatic environment, urbanization, industrial, agriculture, Mariout lake, Edku lake and the Nile River

Introduction

Water is one of the most important natural resource available to mankind. The need for conservation of water bodies especially the fresh water bodies is being realized everywhere in the world (Gupta et al., 2011).Industrial and agricultural wastewater causes pollution of surface water (rivers and lakes) with chemicals and excess nutrients (USEPA, 2000).Water requirements in Egypt are continuously increasing due to population increase and improving standards of living as well as the governmental policy to encourage industrialization. By the year 2020, water requirements will most likely increase by 20%. Water quantity and quality are inseparable. Water quality is a description of physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water (El Gohary, 2015). Since all water uses require that water quality falls within a range suitable for that use. Thus the present rate of deterioration of quality will certainly increase the severity of the water scarcity problem (Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, Egypt, 2014). Egypt is an arid country that faces challenges due to its limited water resources and disorders of water balance (Nasr and Zahran, 2015). AbouEl-Gheit et al. (2012) revealed that factors that affect directly on the aquatic environment and cause Poor water quality are trace metals and high load of nutrients. Unfortunately large amounts of untreated urban municipal, industrial wastewater, effluents, drainage water and domestic wastewater being discharged into the Nile River and lakes in Egypt with and without treatment. When wastewater is dumped into natural water bodies without an appropriate treatment, an increase of organic matter and oxygen depletion will resulted in (Gupta et al., 2014). Lake Edku which is considered as important fishing area in Egypt receives its water from two sources. The main source is the drainage water of Kom Belag and Barseek drains where it is annually supplied

Corresponding Author: A. S. Shehata, Limnology Department, Central Laboratory for Aquaculture Research, Abassa, Abu Hammad, Sharkia, Egypt. E-mail: [email protected] 1 Int. J. Environ., 7 (1): 1-15, 2018 ISSN: 2077-4508 with 1836.55 million cubic meter of water. The sea water of Bay enters the lake sometimes through the lake sea connection as subsurface water current under the action of wind especially in winter. El-Bousely, Edku and Damanhour sub-drains, transporting domestic, agricultural and industrial wastes as well as the drainage water of more than 300 fish farms. Barseek Drain transports mainly agricultural drainage water to the lake (Okbah and El-Gohary, 2002). Lake Mariout is now considered a major source of pollution to the through El Mex Bay. It is one of the major sources of conveyance of land based pollution to the El-Mex Bay. The Lake has no direct connection to the sea and its surface is maintained at 2.8 m below mean sea level by pumping water from the lake to the Mediterranean Sea at El-Mex Bay. The Lake receives polluted water which brought by the industries include high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and heavy metals (AICZMP, 2009). According to the National Water Research Center (NWRC, 2002), the Nile River from to Delta, receives wastewater discharges from 67 agricultural drains of which 43 are considered major drains. According to EEAA (2002), all factories along the reach between Aswan and the Delta have already either constructed pre-treatment plants which discharge into the sewerage system or complete treatment plants which discharge into the Nile River system. This study aims to evaluate the characteristics of water in Edku and Mariout Lakes as well as in the Nile River to appraise to what extent water quality variables had been affected with different pollutant discharges in these regions.

Materials and methods

Study regions:

Lake Edku:

Situated at 30 km NE of . It is one of four coastal deltaic lakes that are connected to the Mediterranean Sea. It has an area of 126 km2 and water depth ranging from 50-150 cm. The Lake receives huge amounts of drainage water from two main drains; El-Khairy and Barseek drains. The water sources of El-Khairy Drain are from three drains denominated: El-Bousely, Edku and Damanhour sub-drains, transporting domestic, agricultural and industrial wastes as well as the drainage water of more than 300 fish farms. Barseek Drain transports mainly agricultural drainage water to the lake (Okbah and El-Gohary, 2002; Badr and Hussein 2010).

Lake Mariout:

Located SW of Alexandria, and considered one of the most heavily populated urban areas in Egypt and in the world (Mateo, 2009). At least 17 factories discharge directly to the lake through pipelines and 22 factories discharge into nearby drains and then to the lake (Abdel Wahaab and Badawy 2004). The lake now divided artificially into five basins and its area about 27.3 km2 and its depth ranges from 90 to 150 cm.

Nile River:

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. River Nile is regarding as the life artery of Egypt through the known Egyptian history. The River Nile constitutes over 98 % of the freshwater resources available to Egypt which represent 55.5 million cubic meters per year coming from the south according to the international agreement for the distribution of water resources of the River Nile between countries of Nile basin (El-Dib, 2004).

Helwan region:

Is one of the biggest industrial areas in Egypt and is located in the extreme south of government at 50º 29º North and at 20º 30º East of Nile River. Helwan industrial area is restricted to 4

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Int. J. Environ., 7 (1): 1-15, 2018 ISSN: 2077-4508 kilometer southern Cairo where industries concentrate in southern Helwan more than in the north. Helwan region produces about 300 tons wastes/day. The most important industry in Helwan/El Tibeen area is iron steel which discharge partial treated effluent containing zinc, other trace metals and food - processing industry in the area discharges effluent with high concentration of organic biodegradable materials including plant oil (El Danaf, 2000). Helwan/El Tibeen area receives heavy polluted industrial drainage water, containing waste of the iron and steel industry and the cement industry. These types of industry tend to pollute the receiving water with suspended matter, heavy metals and all kinds of organic micro-pollutants (El Gohary, 2015). Abu-Zaabal region in Ismailia canal: Industrial and agricultural activities in this region produce large amounts of untreated urban, municipal, industrial wastewater as well as rural domestic wastes which discharge into the Nile River. The Abu Zaabal industrial zones include some activities as petroleum, petro gas, iron and steel, Abu Zaabal Fertilizers Company, Alum (Aluminum Sulfate) Company, detergent industries and electric power station (Goher et al., 2014). Sampling sites: Twenty three sampling sites were chosen to represent the three investigated regions as shown in Table 1 and figures 1 - 3.

Table 1: Different sampling sites which representing the investigated regions. Region Sampling sites description longitudes Latitudes Train station no 5 30º30º-30º23ºE 31º10º-31º18ºN Knayes 30º30º-30º23ºE 31º10º-31º18ºN Khairy drain 30º30º-30º23ºE 31º10º-31º18ºN Nakhnokh 30º30º-30º23ºE 31º10º-31º18ºN

Edku Lake Edku pump 30º30º-30º23ºE 31º10º-31º18ºN

Barsiq drain 30º30º-30º23ºE 31º10º-31º18ºN 6000 Basin A (Main basin (MB) 31º07º N 29º 52º E 6000 Basin B 31º07º N 29º 52º E 6000 Basin C 31º07º N 29º 52º E 5000 Basin A (South East basin(SE) 31º07º N 29º 52º E 5000 Basin B 31º07º N 29º 52º E 5000 Basin C 31º07º N 29º 52º E 3000 Basin A (North West basin(NW) 31º07º N 29º 52º E

Mariout Lake 3000 Basin B 31º07º N 29º 52º E 2000 Basin A (South West basin(SW) 31º07º N 29º 52º E 2000 Basin B 31º07º N 29º 52º E 1000 Basin (East fisheries basin(E) 31º07º N 29º 52º E

Masria for Cement (El Marazeek bridge) 50º 29º N 20º 30º E Masria for Carbonate 50º 29º N 20º 30º E North of Helwan 50º 29º N 20º 30º E 1km Before Abo Zaabal Company 31º36º–31º38ºN 30º26º–30º28ºE Abo Zaabal Company 31º36º–31º38ºN 30º26º–30º28ºE The Nile River Aluminum Sulfate Company 31º36º–31º38ºN 30º26º–30º28ºE

Sampling

Water samples were collected seasonally from the mentioned sites along the study period (January to December,2015).Samples were collected by using a vertical water sampler and kept in clean 1L polyethylene plastic bottles and stored in an ice-box at 4ºC until transported to the laboratory for further analysis.

Analytical techniques

Temperature (ºC) and dissolved oxygen (DO) were measured at the sampling sites using an oxygen-meter (AQUALYTIC, OX 24).pH was measured by using a glass electrode pH-meter (Thermo Orion, model 420A). Water transparency was measured in the field, using a Secchi-disc (25cm diameter). Electrical conductivity (EC) and total dissolved solids (TDS) were measured by

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Int. J. Environ., 7 (1): 1-15, 2018 ISSN: 2077-4508 using a salinity-conductivity meter (model YSI Environmental, EC 300); Total alkalinity and total hardness were measured by titration according to APHA (2000). Nitrite-nitrogen and Nitrate-nitrogen were measured by phenol di-sulphonic acid method according to Boyd (1984).Total Nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and ortho-phosphate and Chlorophyll ″a″. BOD was measured by 5 days incubation method, while COD was performed by potassium permanganate oxidation method. (APHA, 2000).

Fig. 1: Map of Lake Edku representing different sampling sites.

Fig. 2: Map of Lake Mariout representing different sampling sites.

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Fig. 3: Maps (A & B) of the Nile River representing different sites in Helwan and Abo Zaabal regions, respectively.

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis was performed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Duncan's Multiple Range test was used to determine differences among water resources treatments mean at significance level of 0.05. Standard errors were also estimated. All statistics were run on the computer using the SAS program (SAS, 2000).

Results and Discussion

Physico-chemical Parameters

Water quality refers to the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water in relation to the existence of life and especially human activity. The quality of water is predetermined by the intended uses and each of these uses affects, more or less, its quality (El-Halag et al., 2013).

Water temperature

Water temperature affects the speed of chemical reactions, the metabolic rate of organisms, as well as how pollutants, parasites and other pathogens interact with aquatic residents (Ezzat et al., 2012). The annual average values of water temperature in Lake Edku during the present study were between 21.9 and 22.8 with an average value of 22.3 ºC (Table 2). Minimum, maximum and average annual values of water temperature in Lake Mariout were 21.6, 22.5 and 22.0 ºC, respectively (Table 3), while these values in the different investigated sites of the Nile River were 22.23, 22.95 and 22.52 ºC, respectively as shown in table 4.The differences in water temperature among different sites could be attributed to the difference in sampling time (Mahmoud, 2002). Khalifa and Sabae (2012) stated that the decrease or increase in water temperature depends mainly on the climatic conditions, sampling times, sun shine hours and specific characteristics of the water environment such turbidity, wind force, plant cover and humidity.

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Table 2: The annual average of some water quality parameters at the investigated sites of Lake Edku. Temp. DO Sec. disc EC TDS pH ºC (mg/l) (cm) mhoS/Cm (g/l) Train station5 22.2 8.6 4.3 19 3.7 2.4 Knayes 22 8.7 4.4 20 3.7 2.5 El- Khairy 21.9 8.6 4.1 15.5 3.2 2.1 Nakhnokh 22.1 8.4 3.8 17.5 3.5 2.3 Edku Pump 22.6 8.2 3.7 13.3 3.6 2.4 Barseek 22.8 8.3 4.2 14.3 3.5 2.3 Min 21.9 8.2 3.7 13.3 3.2 2.1 Max 22.8 8.7 4.4 20 3.7 2.5 Avg. 22.3 8.4 4.1 16.6 3.5 2.3

Table 2: Cont. T Alk. TH Total NO - NO - TN (mg/l (mg/l ammonia 2 3 N(mg/l) N(mg/l) (mg/l) as CaCO3) as CaCO3) (mg/l) Train station5 338 907 4.5 0.102 0.15 4.5 Knayes 351 914 4.3 0.064 0.154 4.1 El- Khairy 315 832 4.6 0.089 0.195 5.7 Nakhnokh 315 786 4.5 0.08 0.115 3.9 Edku Pump 326 803 5.4 0.102 0.195 6.3 Barseek 299 918 3.9 0.092 0.151 5.6 Min 299 786 3.9 0.064 0.115 3.9 Max 351 918 5.4 0.102 0.195 6.3 Avg. 324 860 4.5 0.088 0.16 5

Table 2: Cont. Chlo. "a" TP OP BOD COD

(µg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) Train station5 78.58 0.5 0.235 11.4 60.9 Knayes 75.75 0.4 0.227 9.2 39 El- Khairy 48.75 0.6 0.284 15.7 59.8 Nakhnokh 70.75 0.6 0.275 7.8 16.3 Edku Pump 78.75 1.1 0.361 16.6 55.5 Barseek 69.34 0.8 0.328 15 56.4 Min. 48.75 0.4 0.227 7.8 16.3 Max. 78.75 1.1 0.361 16.6 60.9 Avg. 70.32 0.7 0.285 12.6 48

Hydrogen ion concentration (pH)

Table 2 revealed that the annual pH values in Lake Edku were between 8.2 and 8.7, alongside the study period; with an average value of 8.4.Obtained data, as shown in table 3 showed that pH values in Lake Mariout were between 8.2 and 8.6 with an average value of 8.4, while these values in the different investigated sites of Nile River were 7.15, 8.03 and 7.63, respectively (Table 4). It could be observed that the annual average pH value in the Nile River region was less than those recorded in the other two investigated regions; this result could be explained in view of the increased of the nutrients and chlorophyll "a" values in the lakes regions than in the Nile River region. Kemdirim (2001) reported that pH ranged between 7.9 and 8.2 resulted in maximum carbon uptake, which indicates optimum growth of phytoplankton. Low pH value probably related to the decrease of

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Int. J. Environ., 7 (1): 1-15, 2018 ISSN: 2077-4508 phytoplankton density and due to the decomposition of organic matter which leads to decrease pH (Toufeek and Korium, 2015).

Table 3: The annual average of water quality parameters at the investigated sites of Lake Mariout. Temp. EC TDS pH DO (mg/l) Sec. disc (cm) ºC mhoS/Cm (g/l) 6000 A 21.6 8.4 3.6 22.3 4.1 6.4 6000 B 22.5 8.5 3.4 16.8 3.9 6.2 6000 C 22.2 8.4 3.6 14.3 3.3 5.5 5000 A 22.3 8.6 3.7 15.5 4.5 6.9 5000 B 22.3 8.6 2.7 19.3 4.8 7 5000 C 21.6 8.2 3.6 17.6 4.3 6.9 3000 A 21.8 8.4 3.5 21.5 4.4 6.2 3000 B 22.3 8.4 3.5 17.3 4.7 7.3 2000 A 22 8.2 3.6 17.5 4.5 7.1 2000 B 21.9 8.3 3.4 17.1 4.8 7.3 1000 21.6 8.4 3.3 33.5 4.5 6.5 Min. 21.6 8.2 2.7 14.3 3.3 5.5 Max. 22.5 8.6 3.7 33.5 4.8 7.3 Avg. 22 8.4 3.4 19.3 4.3 6.6

Table 3: Cont. T Alk. TH Total NO - NO - (mg/l as (mg/l as 2 3 TN (mg/l) ammonia(mg/l) N(mg/l) N(mg/l) CaCO3) CaCO3) 6000 A 367.5 1644 6.08 0.293 0.440 10.20

6000 B 373.8 1455 5.77 0.301 0.418 10.70

6000 C 396.3 1150 5.78 0.308 0.414 9.34

5000 A 328.8 1588 5.6 0.302 0.396 6.73 5000 B 382.5 1678 4.98 0.272 0.413 7.07

5000 C 450.0 1585 4.83 0.275 0.432 7.59 3000 A 351.3 1556 5.33 0.159 0.409 10.80

3000 B 333.8 1815 4.98 0.166 0.309 9.00 2000 A 346.3 1685 4.23 0.223 0.302 8.06 2000 B 365.0 1645 3.96 0.202 0.318 7.47 1000 321.3 1812 3.91 0.147 0.140 7.86 Min. 321.3 1150 3.91 0.147 0.140 6.73 Max. 450.0 1815 6.08 0.308 0.440 10.80 Avg. 365.15 1601.19 5.041 0.241 0.3628 8.62

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Table 3: Continued Chlo. "a" TP OP BOD (mg/l) COD (mg/l) (µg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) 6000 A 66.45 0.963 0.491 30.19 30.2 6000 B 82.54 0.95 0.459 32.45 32.4 6000 C 82.10 0.99 0.469 34.97 35.0 5000 A 69.42 0.9 0.43 27.20 27.2 5000 B 93.61 1.252 0.441 23.75 23.7 5000 C 81.92 1.02 0.408 23.06 23.1 3000 A 76.05 1.16 0.384 20.26 20.3 3000 B 62.93 0.972 0.386 17.53 17.5 2000 A 78.60 1.05 0.395 17.22 17.2 2000 B 74.88 0.93 0.366 13.93 17.2 1000 136.86 0.832 0.447 23.54 23.5 Min. 62.93 0.832 0.366 13.93 13.9 Max. 136.86 1.252 0.491 34.97 35.0 Avg. 82.31 1.02 0.425 24.01 24.0

Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

Table 2 indicated that the minimum, maximum and annual average concentrations of DO obtained at the investigated sites of Lake Edku were 3.7, 4.4 and 4.1 mg/l, respectively, while these values in Lake Mariout as shown in table 3;were 2.7, 3.7 and 3.4 mg/l, respectively. DO values in the River Nile region were 5.15, 5.45 and 5.29 mg/l, respectively (Table 4). It is observed that the highest annual average of DO concentration was in the Nile River region, while the lowest was in Lake Mariout region. Lower DO concentration indicates an excess amount of organic pollutants and bacterial activities due to discharge of untreated and/or partially treated sewage(Nasr and Zahran 2015).The decrease of DO values in Mariout Lake could be attributed to the increase in oxidation of organic matter (Abdel-Satar, 2005;Khalifa&Bendary, 2016). However, all recorded values obtained alongside the study period were within the limits (3-5.9 mg/l) detected by Davies et al. (2006) as desirable levels for phytoplankton growth and fish production.

Water transparency

Water transparency, represented in Secchi disc readings (SD) at the investigated sites in Lake Edku had an annual average of 16.6 cm. and were between 13.3 and 20 cm (Table 2). Table 3 revealed that minimum, maximum and average values of SD readings in the sites of Lake Mariout were 14.3, 33.5 and 19.3 cm, respectively; while these values in the Nile River region, as shown in table 4; were 80.5, 106.0 and 89.68 cm, respectively. Turbidity is caused by particles suspended or dissolved in water that scatter light making the water appear cloudy or murky. Particulate matter can include sediment - especially clay and silt, fine organic and inorganic matter, soluble colored organic compounds, algae, and other microscopic organisms (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 2008). Based on this definition the increase in water visibility of the Nile River region; could be attributed to the decreased values of TDS and nutrients comparing with their values in the other investigated regions.

Electrical conductivity (EC)

The annual average values of water electrical conductivity (EC) which were recorded in Lake Edku region were between 3.2 and 3.7 mmhos/cm with an average of 3.5 mmhos/cm (Table 2). Minimum, maximum and average annual values of EC that recorded in Lake Mariout, as shown in table 3, were 3.3, 4.8 and 4.3 mmhos/cm; respectively, while these values that recorded at the

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Int. J. Environ., 7 (1): 1-15, 2018 ISSN: 2077-4508 different investigated sites in the Nile River region were 1.4, 2.08 and 1.63 mmhos/cm, respectively (Table 4). The highest EC reading was recorded in Lake Mariout; white the lowest one was recorded in the Nile River region, which could be attributed to the increased TDS in the lakes regions than in the Nile River region, as previously mentioned by Thompson et al. (2012) who revealed that electric conductivity reflects the quantities of dissolved salts and salinity.

Total dissolved solids (TDS)

Table 2 indicated that the minimum, maximum and annual average concentrations of TDS obtained in the investigated sites of Lake Edku were 2.1, 2.5 and 2.3 g/l, respectively, while those values in Lake Mariout as shown in table 3; were 5.5, 7.3 and 6.6 g/l, respectively. Those values in the Nile River region were 1.28, 1.59 and 1.43 g/l, respectively (Table 4).The highest TDS values were recorded in Mariout Lake; and then in Edku Lake regions in comparison to the Nile River region are correlated with the results of water transparency and water electric conductivity.

Total alkalinity (TA) and Total hardness (TH)

Water (TA) values which obtained at the investigated sites in Lake Edku had an annual average of 324 (mg/l as CaCO3) and ranged between 299 and 351 (mg/l as CaCO3) as revealed in table 2. Table 3 revealed that minimum, maximum and average values of TA in the studied sites of Lake Mariout were 321.3, 450 and 365.15 (mg/l as CaCO3), respectively; while these values in the Nile River region, as shown in table 4; were 153.75, 310 and 236.25(mg/l as CaCO3), respectively. The highest value of total alkalinity in Mariout Lake may be attributed to the higher CO2 content produced as a result of increase bicarbonate which comes with drainage water (Saeed, 2013). The highest value of total alkalinity in Mariout Lake also might be attributed to the presence of high amount of organic matter accessible to bacterial decomposition by increasing sewage, domestic, agricultural and industrial effluents discharged into the lake, where bicarbonate is the final product of the decomposition (Abdo and El-Nasharty, 2010).A desirable range of alkalinity is 50 to 300 mg/l, but fish survive in waters up to 400 mg/l (Barker et al., 2009).Table 2 indicated that the minimum, maximum and annual average concentrations of TH obtained in the investigated sites of Lake Edku were 786, 918 and 860 (mg/l as CaCO3), respectively, while those values in Lake Mariout as shown in table 3; were 1150, 1815 and 1601.19(mg/l as CaCO3), respectively. These values in the River Nile region were 787.5, 2139.5 and 1220.6(mg/l as CaCO3), respectively (Table 4).

+ Total ammonia (NH4 + NH3)

Ammonia is biologically active compound present in most water as normal degradation product of nitrogenous organic matter. It reaches ground surface water through discharge of sewage and industrial waters containing ammonia as a byproduct or wastes from different sources of human activities (Emam et al., 2013). The annual values of water total ammonia which had been recorded in Lake Edku region were between 3.9 and 5.4 with an average of 4.5 mg/l (Table 2). Minimum, maximum and annual average values of total ammonia that recorded in Lake Mariout, were 3.91, 6.08 and 5.041mg/l, respectively (Table 3), while those values that recorded for the different investigated sites in the Nile River region were 1.82, 2.38 and 2.15mg/l, respectively (Table 4). The increased total ammonia values in Mariout and Edku Lakes may be due to the breakdown of nitrogenous organic and inorganic matter in water, and reduction of the nitrogen compounds by micro-organisms, as well as the metabolic activity of fish and the other aquatic organisms; and also due to municipal waste water which enter the water (Chapman, 1992). Elghobashy et al. (2001) mentioned that the increase in ammonia level in water samples is considered an indicator of the presence of pollutants of high activity via: sewage discharge, industrial effluents and agriculture-runoff and could be due to the increase in the oxygen consumption of the decomposed organic matter and oxidation of chemical constituents.

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Nitrites (NO2-N) and nitrates (NO3-N)

Nitrate content of water is considered to be an index of the productive capacity of water. In spite of the seriousness of nitrogenous compounds (nitrite and nitrate) but they are one of the specific compounds to the water where fertility is considered of the most important sources of ammonia nitrogen for algae and aquatic plants and the three photos of nitrogenous compounds turn to each other and redox reactions (El-Halag et al., 2013). Nutrient salts (in organic nitrogen compounds) play an important role in the balance between organisms of the food chain in the aquatic environment as well as expressed directly to the quality of water. Water nitrite values which obtained in the investigated sites of Lake Edku had an annual average of 0.088 mg/l and ranged between 0.064 and 0.102 mg/l as revealed in table 2. Table 3 showed that minimum, maximum and average values of water nitrite at the sites of Lake Mariout were 0.147, 0.308 and 0.241 mg/l, respectively; while those values in the Nile River region, were 0.02, 0.04 and 0.03 mg/l, respectively (Table 4). However, obtained water NO2 values recorded at most sites (except only one site in Mariout Lake) were lower than the maximum acceptable limit (0.3 mg/) previously mentioned by Boyd (1998). The annual values of water nitrates (NO3-N) which were recorded in Lake Edku region were between 0.115 and 0.195 with an average value of 0.16mg/l (Table 2). Minimum, maximum and annual average values of water NO3-N that were recorded in Lake Mariout, as shown in table 3, were 0.14, 0.44 and 0.363 mg/l; respectively, while these values that recorded for the different investigated sites in the Nile River region were 0.11, 0.14 and 0.12mg/l, respectively (Table 4).The increased values of water NO2-N and NO3-N in Mariout Lake may be due to sewage effluents (Tayel et al., 2007). It could be observed that the nitrates concentrations were found to be higher than nitrites at all sites, due to the fact that NO3- is the final stable form of nitrogen NO2- and NO3- are dependent on each other when nitrite decrease leading to nitrate increase due to the oxidation of NO2- into NO3- (Abdo, 2013).

Water total nitrogen (TN)

Water total nitrogen values which recorded at different investigated sites of Lake Edku had an annual average of 5.0 mg/l and were between 3.9 and 6.3 mg/l as revealed in table 2. Table 3 revealed that minimum, maximum and average values of water TN in the sites of Lake Mariout were 6.73, 10.8 and 8.62 mg/l, respectively; while those values in the Nile River region, were 2.53, 4.70 and 3.78 mg/l, respectively (Table 4).

Ortho and total phosphates (OP& TP)

Orthophosphate is generally considered to be the primary nutrient limiting algal and plant growth in fresh waters. Natural sources of total phosphorus are mainly the weathering of phosphorus- bearing rocks and the decomposition of organic matter. Domestic waste-waters (containing detergents), industrial effluents, and fertilizer run-off contribute to elevated levels in surface waters (Fawzy et al., 2012).Phosphorus enters the aquatic system through anthropogenic sources, such as fertilizer-runoff, potentially could be incorporated into either inorganic or organic fractions (Edwards and Withers, 2008).Phosphorous is an important indicator of fertilizer pollution in the water bodies, and since it is consumed by bacteria, it is also an important indicator of biological pollution. Phosphorus can be present in organic and inorganic compounds. Phosphate ions as inorganic compounds are the main ions to be released by the phosphate fertilizer industry and agricultural releases (Manssour and Al-Mufti, 2010).The phosphorus that has the greatest effect on rivers and lakes is contained in wastewater from sewage treatment plants, runoff from fertilized lawns and cropland, animal manure storage areas, drained wetlands and soil disturbed by construction (USEPA, 2014).

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Int. J. Environ., 7 (1): 1-15, 2018 ISSN: 2077-4508

Table 4: The annual average of water quality parameters in the investigated sites of the Nile River. Temp. DO Sec. disc EC TDS pH ºC (mg/l) (cm) mhoS/Cm (g/l) Masria Cement 22.425 8.03 5.15 80.5 1.59 1.41 Masria carbonate 22.5 7.93 5.28 84.5 1.45 1.34 North Helwan 22.225 7.73 5.45 83.8 1.66 1.53 B Abo Zaabal 22.225 7.60 5.38 106 2.08 1.59 Abo Zaabal 22.8 7.38 5.2 98.5 1.63 1.43 Alum Sulfate 22.95 7.15 5.28 84.8 1.40 1.28 Min. 22.225 7.15 5.15 80.5 1.40 1.28 Max. 22.95 8.03 5.45 106 2.08 1.59 Avg. 22.52 7.63 5.29 89.68 1.63 1.43

Table 4: Cont. T Alk. TH Total NO - NO - (mg/l as (mg/l as ammonia 2 3 TN (mg/l) N(mg/l) N(mg/l) CaCO3) CaCO3) (mg/l) Masria Cement 262.5 1518 2.32 0.04 0.11 4.60 Masria Carbonate 310.0 2139.5 2.22 0.03 0.11 4.51 South Helwan 232.50 1120 1.82 0.02 0.12 4.70 B Abo Zaabal 153.75 959 2.3 0.02 0.14 3.52 Abo Zaabal 207.50 799.75 2.38 0.04 0.14 2.82 Alum. Sulfate 251.25 787.5 1.85 0.03 0.11 2.53 Min. 153.75 787.5 1.82 0.02 0.11 2.53 Max. 310.00 2139.5 2.38 0.04 0.14 4.70 Avg. 236.25 1220.6 2.15 0.03 0.12 3.78

Table 4: Cont. Chlo. "a" OP TP(mg/l) BOD (mg/l) COD (mg/l) (µg/l) (mg/l)

Masria Cement 38.01 0.17 0.068 3.61 5.44 Masria Carbonate 36.72 0.16 0.106 3.84 5.08 South Helwan 39.93 0.20 0.145 5.76 7.16 B Abo Zaabal 36.73 0.78 0.091 3.21 4.14 Abo Zaabal 46.10 1.17 0.103 2.83 3.95 Alum. Sulfate 45.33 1.08 0.116 3.07 4.30 Min. 36.72 0.16 0.068 2.83 3.95 Max. 46.10 1.17 0.116 5.76 7.16 Avg. 40.47 0.59 0.105 3.72 5.01

The annual average orthophosphates values which obtained at the three investigated regions; Lake Edku, Lake Mariout and the Nile River were 0.285, 0.425 and 0.105 mg/l, respectively. Minimum annual values which were recorded in the mentioned regions were 0.227, 0.366 and 0.068 mg/l, respectively, while the maximum annual values were 0.361, 0.491 and 0.116 mg/l, respectively. The annual average of total phosphorous values which obtained at the different investigated regions; Lake Edku, Lake Mariout and the Nile River were 0.7, 1.02 and 0.59 mg/l, respectively. Minimum annual values which were recorded at the mentioned regions were 0.4, 0.832 and 0.16 mg/l, respectively, while the maximum annual values were 1.1, 1.25 and 1.17 mg/l, respectively. The 3- increased value of PO4 in some investigated sites reflects the effect of drainage waters, either sewage

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Int. J. Environ., 7 (1): 1-15, 2018 ISSN: 2077-4508 or agriculture which considered a major contributor of phosphorus to receiving waters (Dougherty et al., 2004). OP and TP were positive correlated which indicated that the OP and TP were also dependent on each other (Abdo, 2013).Phosphate values especially in both lakes regions are much higher than the acceptable limit (0.1-0.5 mg/l)as mentioned by Boyd (1998). TP values in different investigated sites in the Nile River were within the mentioned acceptable limit except in Abo Zaabal area due to the clear effect of industrial effluents (fertilizer) from Abo Zaabal Company for fertilizers.

Chlorophyll "a"

Concentrations of Chlorophyll "a", the primary pigment used by algae for the capture of light energy for photosynthesis, are often used to estimate algal biomass in water (APHA, 1985).The annual average Chlorophyll "a"values which obtained at the end of the present work of the three investigated regions; Lake Edku, Lake Mariout and the Nile River were 70.32, 82.31 and 40.47µg/l; respectively. Minimum annual values which had recorded in the mentioned regions were 48.75, 62.93 and 36.72 µg/l, respectively, while the maximum annual values were 78.75, 136.86 and 46.1 µg/l, respectively. The increased Chlorophyll "a" values in Mariout Lake could be attributed to the increased nutrients in this region. The same result was observed by Alnagaawy and Ammar (2010).

Table 5: Means ± SE of the annual average of some water quality parameters in the three investigated regions alongside the study period. Lake Edku Lake Mariout The Nile River Temp (ºC) 22.267±0.145ab 22.001±0.1b 22.521±0.122a pH 8.467±0.08a 8.4±0.041a 7.637±0.136b DO (mg/l) 4.083±0.114b 3.446±0.082c 5.29±0.045a SD (cm) 16.6±1.0884b 19.336±1.584b 89.683±4.138a EC (mhoS/Cm) 3.533±0.076b 4.346±0.134a 1.635±0.098c TDS (g/l) 2.333±0.056b 6.664±0.168a 1.43±0.047c Talk.(mg/l as CaCO3) 324±7.56a 365.146±11.006a 236.25±21.602b TH (mg/l as CaCO3) 860±24.494c 1601.182±55.124a 1220.625±214.17b Total ammonia (mg/l) 4.533±0.201a 5.041±0.228a 2.148±0.101b NO2-N (mg/l) 0.0882±0.006b 0.241±0.019a 0.03±0.004c NO3-N (mg/l) 0.16±0.013b 0.363±0.027a 0.122±0.006b TN (mg/l) 5.017±0.4b 8.62±0.442a 3.78±0.392b Chlo. "a" (µg/l) 70.32±4.601a 82.306±6.034a 40.47±1.729b TP (mg/l) 0.667±0.102b 1.002±0.036a 0.593±0.194b OP (mg/l) 0.285±0.021b 0.425±0.012 0.105±0.011 BOD (mg/l) 12.617±1.499 24.009±2.011a 3.72±0.435c COD (mg/l) 47.98±7.114a 24.3±1.88b 5.012±0.49c Small Letters show horizontal differences among different regions. Data shown with different letters are statistically Different at P < 0.05 level. SE = standard error.

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

BOD is used to determine the level of organic pollution of water (APRP, 2002). BOD measures the dissolved oxygen consumed by microorganisms to stabilize any biodegradable organic matter as well as the quantity of oxygen used in its respiration (APHA, 1995; Elewa et al., 2007). Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is an indication of water contamination by organic materials and bacteria, especially from sewage water (Manssour and Al-Mufti, 2010). (As shown in tables 2, 3 and 4) Minimum annual BOD values which recorded in Edku, Mariout lakes and in the River Nile regions were 7.8, 13.93 and 2.83 mg/l, respectively; while the maximum annual values were 16.6, 34.97 and 5.76 mg/l, respectively. The annual average values were 12.6, 24.01 and 3.72 mg/l, respectively. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) is the total amount of O2 required to oxidize all organic matter and oxidizable compounds present in the water sample into CO2 and H2O (APHA, 1995). (COD) gives an indication of organic pollution caused by industrial activities (Manssour and Al-Mufti 2010).Minimum annual COD values that recorded in Edku, Mariout lakes and in the River Nile

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Int. J. Environ., 7 (1): 1-15, 2018 ISSN: 2077-4508 regions were 16.3, 13.90 and 3.95 mg/l, respectively; while the maximum annual values were 60.90, 35.0 and 7.16 mg/l, respectively. The annual average values were 48.0, 24.0 and 5.01 mg/l, respectively. Obtained data at the end of the study period revealed that COD values were higher than those of BOD. This observation is in agreement with that obtained by Vaishali and Punita (2013).The increased BOD and COD values in the studied sites in the two investigated lakes than those of the Nile River could be attributed to the increased effluents of different types of pollutants which discharged into the two investigated lakes (APRP, 2002; Manssour and Al-Mufti, 2010). Obtained results at the end of the study period revealed that among the three investigated regions, Mariout Lake had the significantly (p < 0.5) lowest annual dissolved oxygen values and the significantly (p < 0.5) highest annual TDS, T Alk, TH, total ammonia, NO2-N, NO3-N, TN, OP, TP, Chlorophyll "a" and BOD values (Table 5), reflecting the retarded environmental situation of the lake which resulted from the increased amounts of sewage, domestic, agricultural and industrial wastes that the lake received continuously (Abdo,2013).This may create large areas of oxygen-depleted (hypoxic) dead zones (USEPA, 2013).

Conclusion

It is could be concluded that among the different investigated regions, Mariout Lake suffering from relatively retarded environmental situation due to the huge amounts of different types of waste waters, which may create large areas of oxygen-depleted (hypoxic) dead zones. Many steps should be taken to improve the environmental situation of the lake, such as decreasing the used amounts of fertilizers, controlling its runoff, monitoring septic systems, limiting discharge of nutrients and chemicals from industry and treating different types of drainage waters before being poured into the lake water.

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