STUDY OF SOME HEAVY METALS AND MICROCONSTITUENTS IN FRESH AND SALINE WATERS

Abstract

The investigated area -Rashid estuary- at the northern end of the Nile Rosetta branch, extends from Edfina barrage to the mouth with an average width of 600 m and a depth ranging between 3 and 18 m. It derives its characteristic features from the outflow of fresh Nile water at restricted times every year through Edfina barrage (5171 x 106 and 7294 x 106 m3 during 1981

and 1982, respectively). It also receives agricultural drainage water from Zaghloul pumping station (157 x 106 and 142 x 106 m3 during 1981 and 1982, respectively) and from Brimbal canal which connects the estuary to lake Borullos. The investigated area is also subjected to the intrusion of sea water particularly when the barrage gates are closed. The aim of the present work is a) to investigate the distribution and dynamics of some micronutrients & metals and their dependence on the salinity variations b) to evaluate the influence of agricultural activities and drainage water on the occurrence of the parameters studied c) to estimate the input of micronutrients and metals from the Rosetta branch to the Mediterranean sea. Sampling was carried out at regular bimonthly intervals throughout the period from August, 1981 to August, 1982.