ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY AT THE INTAKE OF EL- TABIA INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX

Abstract

El-Tabia industrial complex compnses General company for paper production Rakta, the National paper company, Abu Qir fertilizers and chemical industries company and Abu Qir thermal power station. The complex takes its raw water from Rakta water canal.

Rakta canal is a branch ofEl-Mahmoudia canal which originates from the Rosseta branch of the River-Nile. Along its course, Rakta canal receives pollution from point and non-point sources. This pollution leads to significant deterioration of the quality of the water in the Rakta canal.

Generally quality requirements for water used in the production processes, are highly dependent on the particular industry involved. Because of the sensitivity of the industrial processes in the El-Tabia industrial complex, the water intake must be protected from sources of pollution.

Consequently, this work aimed to assess the suitability of water quality of Rakta canal as a water intake for El- Tabia industrial complex. The study comprised, identifYing sources of pollution, assessmg their impact on water quality, and evaluating in-plant water treatment efficiency. Finally, outlining recommendations for an enviromnental protection plan for the Rakta canal, and proposing a monitoring scheme to provide an early waming in case of accidental pollution.