Physico-chemical Study of Surface Seawater in The Northwestern Gulf of Suez

Suez Canal is a narrow artificial water way in Egypt that joins the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea. The Suez Canal passes through an area with a considerable agricultual and industrial activities, so that the chemical and petrochemical pollution from oil transporting process can be effective. Eight surface seawater samples were collected from different sites extended from Suez Harbor up to Fertilizer factory, and both of Al-Osra and Al-Melaha beaches along Suez Gulf. The objective of this study is the monitoring and assessing the contamination of water by chemical and petrochemical pollutions. This study includes physical and chemical parameters of water such as PH values, conductivity, salinity, T.D.S, T.S.S, T.S, D.O., BOD, COD, Cl-, SO4-, NO-3and total alkalinity. Seasonal qualitative and quantitative studies have been carried out on the studied area. The concentration is relatively higher than recommended in the regulations of the Egyptian low environment No.4/1994. Results obtained from the present study should be considered when implementing a strategy for the protection and management of the Suez Gulf. Because the Suez Gulf is used in many areas as a recipient of waste water from different sources this study recommended that pollution control for wastewater disposing into it should be improved. More detailed studies are required to assess the impact of hydro- development projects and evaluate their effect on the studied area and monitoring should be conducted at least twice per year