As a result of the shortage in fresh water supplies for irrigation in North Delta region, drainage water are used for irrigation . Drains in North Delta region are used for receiving sewage water, agricultural drainage water and industrial drainage water, therefore, it becomes a dangerous source of pollution as it contains different pollutants. This study aims to evaluate the suitability of drainage water for irrigation purpose in Kafr EL-Shiekh Governorate at North Delta and it's impact of cultivated crops (Wheat and Berseem).Drainage samples were seasonally collected from three main drains (El Gharbia main drain, drain No.11 and drain No.10) from fixed sites along the distance of each drain during year of 2010. Drainage samples were chemically analyzed to determine salinity& sodicity hazard, Boron, heavy metals (i.e. Cu2+,Mn2+,Pb2+ and Cd2+) and nitrate concentrations. On the other hand, plant samples were collected from the same sites and subjected to the chemical analysis to evaluate the effect of drainage water for irrigation on their chemical analysis.
The main obtained results could be summarized as follows:
Electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium absorption ratio (SAR) values increased slightly at northward direction and the quality of these drainage water resources was acceptable as the degree of restriction in use which ranged from " none" to" Slight to moderate" according to (FAO,1985). There for, it could be used for irrigation most crops.
pH values were in the normal range (6.5-8.4) in the examined drainage water resources.
Boron (B) values recorded low concentration in most drains ( <1. 3 mg/L), which less than the critical limit.
Heavy metal ions concentration (Mn2+, Cu2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+ ) were less than the permissible levels given by National Academy (1972).
Nitrate –N concentrations increased in EL-Gharbia main drain over than permissible limit in some locations during September and December; however, it was less than the permissible limit in the other drains.
Heavy metals concentration (Mn, Cu, Pb and Cd) and B in wheat ( straw and grains) were under the permissible limits in most locations. However, Cu concentration exceeds the critical levels in all locations. Regarding clover plants, the corresponding values of heavy metal were less than the permissible limits in all locations except Pb concentration in some locations