SURFACE water quality and the seasonal dynamics of the Nile River in the Aswan district were analyzed using multivariate data analysis and overall pollution index (OPI) analysis. Water samples were collected from four sampling sites, including a reference site (site 1) and three sites receiving effluents from different pollution sources, e.g., domestic-like pollutants (site 2), industrial (site 3), and agricultural effluents (site 4). Different water quality parameters, such as physicochemical characteristics and nutrient minerals, were analyzed in the selected sites.
The average OPI values were calculated by classifying the surface water quality of each siteas follows:at site 1 (1.65: excellent), site 2 (2.70:acceptable), site 3 (11.75:polluted), and site 4 (5.08:slightly polluted). In each site, the OPI values varied seasonally within the range of water quality class, except, in autumn at site 4, the OPI value was 10.00, and hence the water quality class was changed to (polluted).
Generally, it was concluded that the industrial effluents had an adverse effect on the surface water quality of the Nile River, Aswan. Consequently, special concerns should be assumed to maintain environmental sustainability.