Study of some Physicochemical Parameters in the Water of El-Bagouria Canal at El-Menoufia Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Environmental pollution is one of the most serious problems facing humanity in the 20th century and still require great efforts at all levels. This is especially rivers are the main sources for drinking and irrigation. Objective: The present study was aimed to investigate some physicochemical parameters in the water at different sites of El-Bagouria Canal, El-Menoufia Governorate during the period of study. Materials and methods: Water samples were collected seasonally from the four stations during the year and stored for the final examination. Environmental factors and heavy metals concentrations were determined by using specific methods. Results: Spring showed the highest value of pH and turbidity, while autumn and winter showed the highest levels of electric conductivity, total dissolved solids, and chloride. However, alkalinity and total hardness were peaked during autumn. Statistically, there is strong positive correlation between pH, alkalinity with water temperatures, turbidity, (TDS) and total hardness with pH. The results indicated that the maximum levels of the concentrations of studied heavy metals in water were recorded during the hot season compared to the cold seasons. Correlation coefficient indicated that, a positive correlation between cadmium concentration in the water with lead, plus positive correlation between lead, copper with iron were present. Conclusion: It could be concluded that increased levels of physicochemical factors and heavy metal concentrations may pose a high risk to aquatic organisms and human health. So, the present study shows that precautionary measures must be taken to reduce pollution at the freshwater canals in the future.