Water quality evaluation for supplementary irrigation of crops grown in Sharkia Governorate, Egypt

Abstract EN

Water scarcity may become a real challenge in Egypt in the near future.

Samples of irrigation and drainage water were taken monthly from Belbais, El-Qalubia main drains, and ElIsmailia canal to assess water quality and suitability for irrigation purposes.

Salinity of water ranged between 0.33 and 2.45 dsm-1 and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) ranged between 3.6 to 15.94.

Ranges of heavy metals in mgl-1 were 1.02-6.9 for Fe, 0.05-0.49 for Mn, 0.15-1.1 for Zn, 0.005-0.2 for Cu, 0.004-0.8 for Co, 0.03-0.24 for Ni, 0.001-0.7 for Cd, 0.14-0.84 for B, 0.41-5.7 for Pb, and 0.83-9.2 for NO3, with cases of possible high contents of heavy metals in El-Manzala lake.

According to USDA (1954), water class of Belbais and El-Qalubia main drains, and El-Ismailia canal is C3S1 (high salinity, low sodicity).

According to Gupta (1984) water class is C3S3 (high salinity, high sodicity).

For trace elements and heavy metals based on the recommended maxima of the US committee on water quality, there is no hazard for Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, or Ni, but Cd content exceeded the permissible limits of 0.01 to 0.05 mgl-1.

Manganese exceeded the limit for continuous use in water of Belbais and El-Qalubia main drains; cobalt exceeded the limit in continuous use, but may be used for only 20 years in heavy soils.

Other assessments including SAR/ SCAR were also carried out.