Modeling of pollutant transport in the Nile Delta, Egypt

摘要

Poor water quality is one of the biggest problems faced by most countries and especially by developing countries such as Egypt. The mismanagement of potable water resources constitutes one of the main reasons for the depletion of water. This research was carried out in the Nile River delta, a region in which toxic dumping and water quality degradation exist. The Nile delta receives pollution loads from industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities located along its path leading to the spread of water-related diseases such as hepatitis, typhoid, cholera, and kidney failure [Safe Drinking Water Foundation, 2009].;The main objective of this research project consisted of developing a river pollutant model for use in simulating pollutant transport in the Nile River delta and in managing water quality in affected areas. This model will provide support during the process of developing restrictions to be imposed on domestic, industrial and agricultural activities in order to protect public health and prevent the spread of water-related diseases.;Sample collection began in December 2012 and concluded in October 2013. Every 15 days, water samples were collected from 81 sites along the Nile delta and from point sources discharging into the Nile delta. The water sample included determination of levels of pH, chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, total organic carbon, chlorides, fecal coliform, nitrates, total phosphate, turbidity, and temperature.;The Water Quality Index, calculated seasonally, showed that fecal coliform bacteria the main cause of poor water quality along the Nile River delta. Analytical procedures leading to this finding involved performing a correlation matrix to obtain the nature of correlations among the different parameters and using two-way Analysis of Variance to identify the significant sources of water pollution and to isolate the impact of each parameter on a mass loading. Results revealed significant differences among the impacts of each pollution source on the water quality. The main sources of pollution were studied to determine the most appropriate ways of reducing pollution and improving water quality in the Nile delta. New technologies were also identified for application to specific industrial sectors.