Effect of Pollution on Macrobenthic Invertebrates in Some Stations on the River Nile in Greater Cairo

Abstract

Abstract Water pollution is one of the environmental and public health problems in Egypt. The impact of pollution on macrobenthic invertebrates in five stations on the River Nile at Greater Cairo (from Helwan to El-Qanater El-Khiria) was studied during the period from May, 2013 to February, 2014. Physico-chemical water characteristics and some heavy metals in water and sediments were analyzed. The highest average number (6915 org./m2) of macrobenthic invertebrates was recorded during spring, while the lowest (1925 org./m2) was recorded during summer. Annelida, Mollusca and Arthropoda were the most dominant groups representing about 62 %, 34 % and 4 % respectively. Twenty two species and taxa were recorded; Mollusca (13 species), Annelida (7 species) and Arthropoda (2 species).