IMPACTS OF INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER ON THE WATER QUALITY OF THE NILE RIVER IN EGYPT: REVIEW.

Industrial growth has a direct impact on the water quality of the Nile River in Egypt. About 360 industries are discharging their wastewater into the Nile River. The main objective of this study is to review and evaluate the effects of these wastewater effluents on the quality of drinking water supply from the Nile through the available previous studies. Many case studies were reviewed and mapped along the Nile journey in Egypt. Review results showed that the quality of water in the drains deteriorates as it moves downstream to the Delta region. 125 major industrial plants are in the Nile valley, which represents about 18% of the existing industries and discharging 15% of the heavy metal loads. 250 industrial plants are in Greater Cairo, which represents 35% and contributing about 40% of the total metal discharges. More practical treatment methods should be selected to treat industrial effluents before discharging into natural streams such as in site filtration. In addition, a more restricted regulations need to be applied on wastewater discharging into the Nile River. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]