Poisoning elements and radioactivity levels in the river Nile water (Damietta Branch)‎, north eastern of Egypt

Abstract EN

Natural radioactivity in forty two water samples from the River Nile (Damietta branch) at the biggest three cities located close to its banks has been investigated using gamma spectroscopy technique utilizing a high resolution HpGe detector.

The study was extended to include the toxic heavy elements using the atomic absorption technique.

The obtained results reveal that there is a remarkable increase in the value of the annual effective dose as compared with the world recommended level at several nominated places.

Furthermore, Pb, Cd, Hg and As toxic elements have been found to have values much higher than the world average values.

These results indicate that health hazards, due to the consumption of this water are certainly expected.

As a consequence, strict solutions and rules should be considered by both the people and the government